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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
Prepares candidates to become exceptionally data savvy and directly apply their learnings starting with the first course. Graduates become educational researchers who understand problems firsthand and have the tools to tackle them.
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Email:
education@ucdenver.eduPhone:
303-315-6300The field of education needs experts in data use and research approaches to address critical problems in education. The Ph.D. in Education and Human Development concentration in research and evaluation methods prepares you to become exceptionally data savvy while collaborating with top faculty in the field.
The goal of this concentration is to prepare you to:
- Design and carry out meaningful, engaged research in education and human development.
- Become collaborative, applied researchers who work with the community, university, and school partners through problem-based pedagogy and hands-on learning.
- Learn advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research techniques.
- Work as data literate faculty members, school district and organizational researchers, data analysts, and assessment coordinators in educational, non-profit, and community organizations.
Why Research and Evaluation Methods at CU Denver?
Teaching and Research Experiences
You can participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout the program.
Build Your Dossier
Leverage opportunities to present, write and publish with your faculty to build your dossier.
Conduct a Dissertation Study
As part of the course requirements, you will learn how to design and conduct a dissertation study.
Program Description
The field of education needs experts in data use and research approaches to address critical problems in education. The Ph.D. in Education and Human Development concentration in research and evaluation methods prepares you to become exceptionally data savvy while collaborating with top faculty in the field.
The goal of this concentration is to prepare you to:
- Design and carry out meaningful, engaged research in education and human development.
- Become collaborative, applied researchers who work with the community, university, and school partners through problem-based pedagogy and hands-on learning.
- Learn advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research techniques.
- Work as data literate faculty members, school district and organizational researchers, data analysts, and assessment coordinators in educational, non-profit, and community organizations.
Why Research and Evaluation Methods at CU Denver?
Teaching and Research Experiences
You can participate in teaching and research experiences early and throughout the program.
Build Your Dossier
Leverage opportunities to present, write and publish with your faculty to build your dossier.
Conduct a Dissertation Study
As part of the course requirements, you will learn how to design and conduct a dissertation study.
Program Features
75
credit hours
4 to 8 years
time to complete
Fall
starting semester
January 1
application deadline to start in Fall
Online & On-campus
classes available
Funding Available
Funding to support students in this program is available through multiple avenues.
Useful Links
How to Apply
Learn about the application deadlines, requirements, and application process.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial aid is awarded on a first-come first-served basis, we recommend that you submit your application early.
Tuition & Fees
Graduate student tuition rates are calculated per credit hour, and are assessed by course based on the graduate student tuition rates determined by each school and college.
Course Catalog
PhD coursework is intensive and substantive, requiring significant writing, analysis, and critique of theory and professional literature.
Student Testimonials
The faculty in the School of Education & Human Development have been supportive throughout my PhD journey. They provide a space that welcomes and nourishes student diversity, perspectives, and autonomy. My own learning and scholarly work have been enriched through their guidance and rich knowledge.
Phan Bich-Ngoc
PhD in Education & Human Development, Research and Evaluation Methods (June 2023)Alumni Success Stories
I have many interests and thus wear a lot of “hats.” I am a Senior Instructor, Director of the COMM BA and MA Online Degree Program, and Director of Assessment for the Communication Department at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). I also mentor instructors for our campus Teaching Online Certification Program, am the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies for the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences (CLAS), and served as the inaugural Faculty Program Chair for the statewide 2022 Colorado Learning and Teaching with Technology (COLTT) conference. I enjoy the variety of “hats” I wear because they provide many opportunities to meet and work with an incredibly diverse group. I’m always learning something new!
I’m a curious person, and the courses I took at CU Denver as part of my Ph.D. helped focus that curiosity on improving student learning. Good teachers always try to improve their craft – revising content, updating an exam or assignment, trying a new activity, and more. I was doing most of those things, but I wonder whether they made any difference. I hoped they did, but I wanted ‘evidence” that my efforts were impactful. To do that, I needed more knowledge and guidance regarding how to evaluate and measure those changes. My time at CU Denver provided that guidance and oh so much more. I also found a supportive and encouraging community of faculty and peers. I am a “first-generation” individual and remember the anxiety and unease that can accompany a new environment. Even as a Ph.D. student, I sometimes felt I didn’t belong, but all my instructors were committed to my success. Almost two years later, I still collaborate with several SEHD faculty central to my Ph.D. work.
My time at CU Denver was critical to all my responsibilities at UCCS and a pivotal step in meeting my personal and professional goals.
I’m a curious person, and the courses I took at CU Denver as part of my Ph.D. helped focus that curiosity on improving student learning. Good teachers always try to improve their craft – revising content, updating an exam or assignment, trying a new activity, and more. I was doing most of those things, but I wonder whether they made any difference. I hoped they did, but I wanted ‘evidence” that my efforts were impactful. To do that, I needed more knowledge and guidance regarding how to evaluate and measure those changes. My time at CU Denver provided that guidance and oh so much more. I also found a supportive and encouraging community of faculty and peers. I am a “first-generation” individual and remember the anxiety and unease that can accompany a new environment. Even as a Ph.D. student, I sometimes felt I didn’t belong, but all my instructors were committed to my success. Almost two years later, I still collaborate with several SEHD faculty central to my Ph.D. work.
My time at CU Denver was critical to all my responsibilities at UCCS and a pivotal step in meeting my personal and professional goals.
Dr. Janice Thorpe
PhD in Education and Human Development, Research and Evaluation Methods
(December 2020)
Senior Instructor/Director, COMM Online/Internships - UCCS
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.