Morgridge College of Education

Graduate School of Education

Addressing Society’s Greatest Challenges Through Education

We believe in hands-on experiences in the classroom, and extending into internships, clinics, labs, and community-based organizations. You will find mentors who are passionate about creating a vibrant, collaborative, and culturally relevant environment. The constellation of these experiences and interactions within our community of learners will help you to accomplish your goals and provide you with a rich understanding of the real-world impact that you can have.

Social Justice

Our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond theory. It is woven into the fabric of the College, along with a commitment to underserved populations in tangible, real-world ways.

Combatting Discrimination

Morgridge leaders are dedicated to going beyond words and taking action against racism and other forms of discrimination by continuing existing efforts and initiating new efforts to effect change in their communities.

Improving Lives

Our goal is to improve the lives of those we serve. We break down barriers by partnering with communities to develop and scale effective solutions to inequities.

Explore our Academic Programs

The Morgridge College of Education, ranked as one of the best graduate schools in the nation, is committed to improving our communities and the world around us. We believe in positive social change, inclusive excellence and unleashing the power of learning. We prepare professionals for transformative careers as educators, innovators and leaders. Our diverse and flexible programs are designed to help students pursue their passions — online or in person.

students smile in a Morgridge classroom discussion

Counseling Psychology

professor at whiteboard during a lecture

Higher Education

Research Methods and Information Science

students working together in a group in a morgridge classroom

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Teaching and Learning Sciences

Leading Innovation in Education

The Morgridge College of Education is home to over 60 full-time faculty members and a dedicated leadership team committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. With small class sizes and opportunities to participate in faculty research projects, Morgridge students work closely with top education leaders.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jesse Owen

Addressing urgent challenges in mental health

Dr. Jesse Owen, recently named Associate Dean of Research at the Morgridge College of Education, is a nationally recognized counseling psychology scholar and director of the Relationships and Psychotherapy (RAP) Lab. His research addresses urgent challenges in mental health, from reducing therapist burnout to advancing multicultural training, including leading the largest study of its kind on improving therapy outcomes.

A dedicated mentor, Dr. Owen actively collaborates with students on publications and projects that bridge research and practice. With over 225 publications and several books, his work continues to shape the future of psychotherapy and mental health training.

Learn more about Dr. Owen’s work

Promoting Research in Education

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Morgridge faculty secured over $6 million in new external grant funding, reflecting our deep commitment to impactful scholarship. These awards support work that addresses pressing educational and social challenges, advancing both knowledge and practice for the public good.

MCE students and faculty observe a research interview

External Grants Awarded

18 Awards across 10 faculty
Active Grants

20 Faculty-led projects
Internal Grants

7 Morgridge and/or University-wide institutional awards

Building Learning Partnerships

Morgridge College of Education collaborates with local and rural communities across Colorado through programs like the Urban Teacher Fellowship and the Ritchie Program for School Leaders, strengthening educator development and student success. These partnerships address pressing issues in K-12 education, and higher education, allowing Morgridge students to gain experience that they will bring to their careers.

Differentiate from the Crowd

Students at Morgridge College of Education lead innovative research and community-based projects that make a meaningful difference in education and mental health. Here are stories of Morgridge students making an impact in their communities.

In the Community

Mobile Early Learning Program Drives Preschoolers in Right Direction
Kristopher Tetzlaff, a current PhD student in the Morgridge College of Education, is a co-founder of You be You Early Learning, Colorado’s first and only nonprofit mobile preschool.

2024-2025 Academic Accomplishments

96 Academic publications
230 Scholarly presentations
22 Faculty career champion nominees and 1 award winner

20 Nominees for the Provost's Award for Excellence in Academic Advising
43 Doctoral students hooded
140+ Masters and Education Specialist degrees conferred

Katherine Ruffatto building from DU Academic Commons

Give Today

Support Morgridge College of Education in groundbreaking research, fostering innovation, and preparing leaders in education, mental health, and information services and systems to address society’s greatest challenges.

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