Are you interested in pursuing a career as a researcher or faculty member in a university or other research-based organization? Our PhD program will help you obtain the skills you need to succeed in these fields.
As a student in the program, you will combine core courses in urban education and learning theory with extensive training in research methods and a chosen area of concentration.
You will also participate in research with faculty and other students to gain experience conducting and presenting scholarly work that will directly inform your dissertation.
Our outstanding faculty will be dedicated to your academic and professional growth as you address challenging research questions. Classes are offered at a variety of times, including evenings and weekends.
This program requires at least one year of full-time study, preferably during a student's first and second year in the program, which allows for induction to the university research and teaching culture. This preparation model requires students to be available for about 20 hours per week to engage in research and teaching activities and to enroll in 2-3 courses per semester. Related, students can expect a minimum of 15 hours per week in addition to class meeting times, to engage in class preparation, reading, writing, and collaborative work activities.
Funding to support students to participate in this full-time program is available through multiple avenues, generally in association with individual concentration areas. Typically, students are admitted to this program through funds associated with scholarships, internships, funded grant projects, teaching assistant opportunities and/or a mix thereof. Support typically includes tuition and fees for up to 18 credit hours per year as well as a stipend for the requisite 20 hours per week of research involvement for about 32 weeks. This varies related to funding streams. Students can elect to self-pay and thus, self-support.
A great strength of the program is the diversity of our students and their dedication to school reform and educational equity. Currently, 27% of our PhD seekers are students of color.
The University is recognized as a top-tier research institution, and the School of Education & Human Development's reputation is rising steadily as new resources are devoted to research and development. This is a perfect time at CU Denver to build the skills you need to pursue a scholarly career.
To complete the doctoral program, you will need regular access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection, either at home or a convenient work location. Faculty, staff and students are required to use e-mail as one form of communication, and web-based applications are used to complete work in many courses.
For more information, select from the above tabs and/or contact the Student Services Center at education@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-6300 with questions.