►   Graduate School Rules  apply to this program

Office: Lawrence Street Center, 701
Telephone: 303-315-6300
Fax: 303-315-6311
E-mail: education@ucdenver.edu
Website: www.ucdenver.edu/education/doctorate

Program Overview

The goal of the doctor of education (EdD) leadership for educational equity program is to prepare future leaders for social justice and equity in P-20 and community-based education contexts who can effectively translate research into practice, influence policy, use data effectively in decision making and organize individuals and groups to address challenges collaboratively and successfully.  

The EdD is a practice-based, doctoral level program for professional leadership in P-20 or community-based educational contexts. The EdD will prepare leaders within the profession to address complex educational challenges by combining decision-focused analytic and research skills with a broad-based understanding of systems anchored in principles of social justice and equity and access to public education.

This program reflects a cohort model.  Courses will generally be offered in weekend, hybrid (part face-to-face, part online), online and/or summer intensive formats. Students follow their cohort in taking the prescribed course work and experiences for three consecutive years.

Course Work – 69 Semester Hours

Equity and Diversity Core (9 hours)

Leadership Core (12 hours)

Research Methods Core (12 hours)

Concentration Area Core (9 hours)

Culminating Experiences:

Concentration Area Internship (one, 6 credit experience)

Dissertation Courses and Independent Hours (21 credits)

Concentration Areas

Executive Leadership: designed to deepen individuals’ skills in policy analysis, development and research; personnel management; finance; accountability systems and evaluation; and community relations. Support individuals who hold or seek to move into senior management positions inside school districts, community colleges, higher education policy or community-based education organizations. Roles may include that of a director, deputy, superintendent or president.

Instructional Leadership: designed for individuals who want to hone their skills through inquiry in the areas of adult learning, professional development, teaching, assessment and accountability, technology and policy analysis and application. This concentration area targets professionals who hold or seek to move into positions such as teacher leaders, coaches/mentors, program coordinators, curriculum directors or instructors at teaching colleges or community colleges.