Announcement: CU Denver is Celebrating 50 Years
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Explore CU Denver Programs
Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.
Program Overview
This PhD program takes a multi-disciplinary approach to preparing students for college and university teaching and research, as well as the development and evaluation of programs that seek to expand equity in opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Our program helps to prepare scholars to define problems and conduct research that informs programs and policies aimed at promoting the health and well-being of individuals and families, with a focus on historically marginalized individuals and families. To do so, we ground our work in family diversity and take a systems approach to examining problems faced by children, youth, and families in contemporary society.
Students in this program will:
- Critically examine the theoretical literature that undergirds family science and human development.
- Study the complex interplay of biological, developmental, interpersonal, and contextual determinants that protect and/or undermine the health and well-being of children, youth, and families.
- Integrate a strength-based perspective on individual and family diversity—including race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, and language—into knowledge generation and program development.
- Conduct applied and translational research that makes connections among research, programs, and policies to help reduce inequities in opportunities and outcomes and to promote social justice.
Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development Program of Study
Students trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare them for excellence in their career as a faculty member or researcher. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.
Program of Study
Students complete a plan of study that includes 48 semester credits of coursework and 27 semester credits of dissertation. PhD coursework is intensive and substantive, requiring significant writing, analysis, and critique of theory and professional literature. All students in the Family Science and Human Development concentration take 12 credits in foundational courses, 3 credits in professional seminars, 18 credits in research methods courses, and 15 credits in concentration area courses (including one elective). Students also complete a research apprenticeship and higher education teaching practicum or equivalent experience.
The curriculum includes a combination of on-campus, hybrid, remote, and online courses each semester.
Every student must be available to attend on-campus courses each semester.
Program Description
Our program helps to prepare scholars to define problems and conduct research that informs programs and policies aimed at promoting the health and well-being of individuals and families, with a focus on historically marginalized individuals and families. To do so, we ground our work in family diversity and take a systems approach to examining problems faced by children, youth, and families in contemporary society.
Students in this program will:
- Critically examine the theoretical literature that undergirds family science and human development.
- Study the complex interplay of biological, developmental, interpersonal, and contextual determinants that protect and/or undermine the health and well-being of children, youth, and families.
- Integrate a strength-based perspective on individual and family diversity—including race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, and language—into knowledge generation and program development.
- Conduct applied and translational research that makes connections among research, programs, and policies to help reduce inequities in opportunities and outcomes and to promote social justice.
Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development Program of Study
Students trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare them for excellence in their career as a faculty member or researcher. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.
Program of Study
Students complete a plan of study that includes 48 semester credits of coursework and 27 semester credits of dissertation. PhD coursework is intensive and substantive, requiring significant writing, analysis, and critique of theory and professional literature. All students in the Family Science and Human Development concentration take 12 credits in foundational courses, 3 credits in professional seminars, 18 credits in research methods courses, and 15 credits in concentration area courses (including one elective). Students also complete a research apprenticeship and higher education teaching practicum or equivalent experience.
The curriculum includes a combination of on-campus, hybrid, remote, and online courses each semester.
Every student must be available to attend on-campus courses each semester.
Program Features
Apply by January 1 to start in August.
Application Deadline
Fall
Starting Semester
Multiple Funding Options
Funding
Useful Links
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Student Testimonials
As a working mom of two, CU Denver was the perfect choice for me to continue my graduate studies. The online courses are well-designed, easy to navigate, and meet my schedule needs. The downtown campus is easily accessible via light rail and other public transit options. My professors worked with my schedule to meet with me outside of classes. I believe that the faculty of this program stand out because they work to create a caring community beyond the classroom. Because the program is about families and communities, the instructors are genuinely interested in my life outside of school because they know that it impacts my performance in school. My instructors know my kids’ names! The faculty and instructors have been understanding of my commitments outside of school and have helped me with course concepts as well as planning and time management. As a graduate student, I’ve enjoyed several different learning opportunities from serving as a teaching assistant to presenting at an international conference. Through the faculty, I’ve connected with so many professionals in the field, resulting in additional opportunities for research and potential future employment opportunities. Serving as a teaching assistant helped me to learn additional material that supplemented my own graduate studies and prepared me for future work as a professor. Dr. Chavez and Dr. Anguiano worked with me to submit and present research at two International Sociological Association conferences, as well as numerous national conferences.
Jennifer Grieving
Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Family Science and Human Development (May 2024)
After retiring from the Air Force and transitioning to a more family-oriented life, I began to reflect on past experiences. Questions arose such as “Why do people make the decisions they do?” and “Why did two people react so differently to the same adversity?” I began a field of study in Human Development and Family Science to attempt to understand the social, biological and psychological influences of development and how these factors shape behavior and resilience later in life. The School of Education & Human Development at CU Denver allows me the flexibility to follow that avenue of research while also balancing a full-time job and family life.
Corbett Bufton
Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development, Family Science and Human Development (May 2025)CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.