Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity, Executive Leadership

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: EdD License

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

Offers a unique opportunity for current and aspiring leaders in districts, schools, and other educational organizations to study with nationally and internationally known scholars and practitioners. Coursework focuses on knowledge and skills to inspire and lead.

Application​ deadlines


December 1


Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling

Campus: CU Denver

What you'll learn

Are you a leader in a school, district, nonprofit, or a community organization? The Doctor of Education (EdD) concentration in executive leadership will prepare those interested in innovation to develop the fundamental skills to inspire and lead.

Students in this concentration will:

  • Learn to lead personnel, in strategic planning and budgeting processes
  • Understand evaluation and accountability systems and oversee professional development
  • Develop and implement policy
  • Build community relations within and outside organizations
  • Engage with faculty and research partner sites to address problems of practice and policy
  • Become data savvy for strategic planning and decision-making
  • Culminate the program with a doctoral research project dissertation.

There is a licensure option within the executive leadership concentration area. The Leadership for Educational Organizations for administrative licensure or the principal licensure from the Colorado Department of Education. Students do not need to pursue licensure within this EdD concentration; it is an optional feature.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development

This program provides an environment that prepares students for a career as an executive leader of educational organizations. The School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) is recognized for  preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and  social justice. Additionally, SEHD is counted among U.S. News &  World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top  education schools in the country.

Courses

The 54-credit program begins each summer.

The curriculum includes a combination of on-campus, hybrid, remote, and online courses.

Every student must be available to attend on-campus courses each semester, each year of the program.

The curriculum includes the following elements:

  • 12 hours in EdD core courses within equity, leadership, and learning core areas (four 3-credit courses)
  • Nine hours in the research core (three 3-credit courses)
  • 12 hours in the concentration areas (four 3-credit courses)
  • Six hours of elective courses (two 3-credit courses)
  • 15 hours in seminars and the completion of a doctoral research project

All courses and experiences strive to expose students to context-specific best practices, interdisciplinary connections, and applied research in an environment that stresses the application of theory to practice. The EdD program has been designed to enable students to complete program requirements in three or five years.

Sample Courses

  • EDFN 7410 - Power and Privilege: The Social Construction of Difference 3 credits
  • EDUC 7100 - Leadership in Education 3 credits
  • EDUC 7230 - Organizational Performance In Educational Contexts 3 credits
Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:3 or 5 Years

Required Credits for Completion:54

Admission Requirements


The EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity, executive leadership concentration, is a three or five-year program, designed for working professionals, with the following application requirements:

  • Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Written Statement of Purpose that includes the following information:
    • A brief summary of your educational and leadership experiences, including your values related to leadership and equity.
    • A brief summary of your current professional role and responsibilities and how you use research and data to inform planning and decision making.
    • Your purpose in pursuing the EdD, intentions for applying the skills and knowledge gained from the EdD degree, and future career goals.
  • Resume/CV
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can best speak to your leadership, professional accomplishments, academic skills, and career goals.
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • After the initial review of application materials, at their discretion, faculty may contact applicants to schedule individual interviews.

Register for an application support session

For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303.315.6300.