Academic Programs
Morgridge offers more than 23 degree and certificate options. Our nationally ranked education programs are designed to help you turn your passion into purpose - 100% online or in person. With flexible academic plans, expert faculty, and a commitment to inclusive excellence, we offer more than a degree. At MCE, you’ll get to make real-world impacts, develop and practice your skills, and be part of a diverse and dedicated community. Explore programs below or reach out to us today!
Browse By Program
- Counseling Psychology
- Curriculum & Instruction
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Early Childhood Special Education
- Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education Online Option Available
- Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education Online Option Available
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Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
- Graduate Certificate & Principal Licensure Online Option Available
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Online Option Available
- Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Higher Education
- Library & Information Science
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Research Methods & Statistics
- Master of Arts in Research Methods and Statistics Online Option Available
- Ph.D. in Research Methods and Statistics
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School Counseling
- Master of Arts in School Counseling Online Option Available
- School Psychology
- Teacher Education Program
- Master's
A master’s degree is the first level of graduate study, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study. To pursue a master’s, you’ll need an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. Many degrees are specialized to prepare you to enter the job market as a highly qualified applicant or work as an educator in your field.
- Doctoral
- A doctoral degree is the highest achievable graduate degree, preparing students to work in the upper echelons of their field as either practitioners or educators. Many doctoral candidates complete a dissertation, thesis or project based off original research, defending their work in front of a committee of experts. Others take rigorous coursework that prepares them for professional practice and licensure.
- Certificate
- A graduate certificate is approximately equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but with a more limited scope. Most can be achieved in a year or less, and many confer professional benefits such as licensure. Learn more about federal-aid designated certificates.
- MA
- Master of Arts
- MLIS
Master of Library and Information Science
- EdD
Doctorate of Education
- EdS
Educational Specialist
- PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
Morgridge College of Education
Counseling Psychology
About this Program
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? Whether you're aiming for a career in mental health or considering a path to a doctorate, an MA in Counseling Psychology is tailored for you.
At DU, we help students who are passionate about promoting access and equity in mental health care. Our program combines academic training with extensive hands-on experience to equip you for a successful career in counseling, therapy or related fields. Our focus is on holistic approaches to mental health and the seamless integration of cutting-edge research with clinical skills.
Experience firsthand the power of experiential learning through practicum placements in diverse community settings. Build a robust foundation in evidence-based practices while shaping your education to match your unique interests and career aspirations.
Morgridge College of Education
Counseling Psychology
About this Program
If you aim to become a leader in providing accessible and equitable mental health care, DU's Counseling Psychology PhD program is just for you. Here, you'll learn from renowned faculty, scholars and practitioners who direct groundbreaking research in the mental health field. Throughout your journey in our program, you'll gain training that equips you for various career paths, including research, teaching and clinical practice.
Our Counseling Psychology PhD program offers invaluable opportunities to collaborate closely with experienced mentors committed to nurturing your academic and professional development at every turn. Whether you need guidance on your dissertation research, assistance navigating the job market, or support in achieving your career aspirations, our faculty mentors will offer personalized attention and unwavering support.
Morgridge College of Education
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
About this Program
The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) Certificate program is for students with an undergraduate degree who want to develop research-based curricula and instructional practices focused on culturally responsive pedagogy and the cultural, language, cognitive, and academic needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners in communities and classroom practices. Upon completion of the certificate, you'll be eligible to apply for a CLDE endorsement from the Colorado Department of Education, but you must have an initial teaching license from the Colorado Department of Education. This certificate can be combined with the Curriculum and Instruction Master, EdD, and PhD programs or may be a stand-alone certificate.
Morgridge College of Education
Curriculum & Instruction
About this Program
Learn to challenge and inspire students by constructing and implementing innovative, inclusive and effective curricula through the Morgridge College of Education's MA in curriculum and instruction. Balance theory with hands-on practice to develop the skills needed to reach all sorts of learners in both formal and informal settings and at levels ranging from kindergarten to higher education. Flexible degree programs and faculty will help you customize your coursework to meet your goals, whether you're looking to create ESL classes for international students, design curriculum for NGOs or any of a huge range of other aims and intentions.
In addition to your coursework, you'll take part in independent projects and work with faculty on research. The ability to take courses across the Morgridge College of Education means you can find your own specific area of interest and construct classes around it. Areas of study include:
- Curriculum studies
- Mathematics education
- Gifted education
- Innovative teaching, curriculum and learning
- Foundations of education
- Social justice and equity
- Early childhood special education
Whether you're a professor, K-12 teacher, student services administrator or consultant, this degree can help you develop skills to engage students and improve outcomes.
Morgridge College of Education
Curriculum and Instruction
About this Program
Ignite your passion for becoming an educational leader through equity-focused, transformative curriculum and instruction. DU's Curriculum & Instruction EdD program serves the professional interests of every kind of educator including those working in K-12, higher education, private schools, non-profits and policy. The EdD will push you to master the practical art of creating innovative, inclusive and effective curricula through a mix of theory and hands-on practice. Reach every kind of learner, whether in a classroom or beyond.
This 65-credit Doctor of Education (EdD) program is perfect for those who want to deepen their understanding of teaching, learning, school systems and communities through academically grounded frameworks. You'll develop advanced skills in curriculum, pedagogy, student care and scholarship, helping to address the needs of today's educational landscape in both the public and private sectors. As a graduate with an EdD, you'll become a leader in your profession, specializing in improving the outcomes and inclusion of diverse learners.
Morgridge College of Education
Curriculum and Instruction
About this Program
Challenge and inspire your students and yourself using transformative curriculum and instruction. Our Curriculum and Instruction program will equip you with the skills to construct and implement innovative, inclusive and effective curricula. Through a balance of theory and hands-on practice, you will gain the skills necessary to reach all types of learners in formal and informal settings at all levels of learning institutions.
The 90-credit Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program is designed for students who want to further their knowledge of teaching, learning, schools and communities from academically grounded, research based and DEI-J frameworks. The Curriculum and Instruction PhD degree is well suited, although not exclusive to, students seeking higher education faculty positions upon completion of the program. The mission of the C&I graduate program is to be a force for educational transformation and social justice through innovative curriculum and scholarship, practice and policy and community engagement.
Morgridge College of Education
Early Childhood Special Education
About this Program
Are you an early childhood educator hoping to promote inclusiveness and improve your own abilities in the classroom? The Morgridge College of Education's early childhood special education certificate program is designed for individuals who already possess a master's in early childhood education or a related field. You'll learn to work within public schools, private programs and community agencies to help serve and assist families with children with developmental delays and disabilities. The skills you develop will help you improve the social-emotional, cognitive, physical, communication and academic outcomes for special needs children 8 and younger.
In addition to developing a holistic approach to evidence-based practices, you'll also learn to incorporate inclusiveness into your everyday work, develop a family-centered approach to intervention, and use data and the latest in research and technology to improve your performance. Upon completion of the program, you can apply for an Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Endorsement through the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
This program is not currently accepting applications.
Morgridge College of Education
Early Childhood Special Education
About this Program
Work to promote inclusiveness and help young children with developmental delays, disabilities and special needs, and their families, flourish through the Morgridge College of Education's MA in early childhood special education. Through this program, you can deepen your understanding of early childhood development, social-emotional early learning and family support. Rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences help prepare you to create and support learning environments and services that meet the diverse needs of families.
Put your learning into practice immediately by working with children and their families at DU's Fisher Early Learning Center, designed for infants and children up to five years of age. You also can work with a variety of community partners. Upon completion of the MA, you'll be eligible for an Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Initial Teaching License or Endorsement from the Colorado Department of Education. In addition to preparing you for preschool teaching, the program can train you for careers as an early interventionist or a Child Find evaluation specialist or coordinator.
This program is not currently accepting applications.
Morgridge College of Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
About this Program
Whether you're pursuing a career in executive leadership, higher education or with a research organization or policy center, the coursework and hands-on learning experiences in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies PhD will help you develop the skills to excel as a leader. Our approach integrates systems and design, leadership, policy and research while teaching participants to think like entrepreneurs. Identified as a top 20 program of its type by U.S. News and World Report in 2016, our program has a particular focus on turnaround leadership and encourages students to challenge the status quo.
In your first two years in the PhD program, you'll take one research methods course and one leadership content course per quarter, and you will begin customizing your coursework toward a specific focus in your third year. The program culminates with a dissertation. The completion of an optional administrator internship can grant you eligibility to apply for Initial Administrator (Superintendent) or Initial Administrator (Director of Special Education) licenses through the Colorado Department of Education.
Morgridge College of Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
About this Program
The MA in educational leadership and policy studies from Morgridge College of Education is designed to produce principals and academic leaders capable of changing the trajectory of schools and school districts facing serious problems. Upon entering the program, you'll develop skills and knowledge related to policy, cultural leadership, applied research, entrepreneurship and innovation. With a specific focus on turnaround leadership, you'll learn how to utilize the resources at your disposal to improve outcomes, challenge the status quo, and identify and reverse negative patterns. Students are eligible for Colorado Principal Licensure after the first year of the program.
You'll begin your journey through the program with our 30 credit hour principal licensure curriculum. After completion, you'll work through an additional 15 credit hours, as well as an action research capstone project.
DU's ELPS program is one of the most renowned in the country and was identified as a top 20 program of its type by U.S. News and World Report in 2016. Your course content can be customized to your needs, and your experience will include a school-based internship.
Morgridge College of Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
About this Program
Are you looking to become a school principal or district leader? The Morgridge College of Education's principal licensure certificate program combines leadership, systems and design thinking, policy and research in order to give you the strongest possible background as an educator and leader. You'll learn to think like an entrepreneur and utilize all the resources at your disposal to improve outcomes and challenge the status quo.
DU's ELPS program is one of the most renowned in the country and was identified as a top 20 program of its type by U.S. News and World Report in 2016. Your course content can be customized to your needs, and your experience will include a school-based internship. You'll learn to identify problems, develop solutions and maintain long-term change while expanding your professional network. The program lasts four quarters, typically beginning and ending in June. After finishing, you'll be licensed to act as a school principal in the state of Colorado.
Morgridge College of Education
Gifted Education Generalist
About this Program
The Gifted Education Generalist Certificate program is for students with an undergraduate degree who want to learn to develop research-based curricula and instructional practices. The program encourages reflection and creativity, challenging you to think about what, how and why subjects should be taught.
This certificate program fuses gifted education training with curriculum and instruction leadership in a hybrid, online and face-to-face model. The program will develop your research skills, particularly in identification, intervention, methodology and analysis. Upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible to apply for endorsement from the Colorado Department of Education.
Morgridge College of Education
Higher Education
About this Program
The Morgridge College of Education's EdD prepares students to become agents of change and innovation in higher education. Students can learn research skills and strategies that will help address issues of social justice in higher education settings. We're a hands-on program, with praxis projects integrated into coursework to promote practical knowledge and communication and assessment skills. Our program is affiliated with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), meaning we follow the CPED's best practices and provide coursework and learning opportunities to help you delve into the issues, theory and matters of practice surrounding equity and social responsibility.
One of our service-learning components in the doctoral core gives you the opportunity to serve as a consultant for Denver-area colleges and universities, where you will address a real-life issue or concern of executive leadership and create an actionable report for the "client." You will work alongside our prominent, award-winning faculty on groundbreaking research as you build your higher education expertise and network of connections with higher education professionals. In addition to our faculty, you will learn from your peers. Our program brings together students with diverse backgrounds to create an environment ripe for education.
Morgridge College of Education
Higher Education
About this Program
Are you ready to pursue a research-intensive doctoral program designed to examine critical issues concerning postsecondary education? As a PhD candidate in Higher Education (HED), you will complete coursework emphasizing research methods and theoretical frameworks, enabling you to conduct independent research that tests or applies conceptual models and generates new knowledge in the field.
DU’s HED PhD program is committed to equipping you to drive positive transformation toward more significant equity and justice in postsecondary institutions and related organizations. Our faculty are nationally and internationally renowned experts, and highly engaged in their fields, and they maintain strong professional networks that will benefit you throughout your career.
Join us to gain the competence and connections needed to make a significant impact in higher education and beyond.
Morgridge College of Education
Higher Education
About this Program
The Master of Arts in Higher Education equips you with a solid foundation for navigating and thriving in colleges, universities, policy organizations and related entities in the postsecondary realm. Our emphasis on higher education policy sets us apart from other master's level programs, showcasing our dedication to preparing well-rounded entry-level professionals.
Within our curriculum, you'll delve into three key areas: college student affairs, diversity and higher learning, public policy and organizational change. Moreover, our unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice permeates every aspect of our curriculum. You'll also gain practical field experiences, empowering you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Finally, the capstone e-portfolio allows you to reflect critically on your personal and professional growth throughout the program, both inside and outside the classroom.
Morgridge College of Education
Library and Information Science
About this Program
Build your career by joining the ALA-accredited Library and Information Science (LIS) program at the University of Denver, where we bridge traditional librarianship with cutting-edge information technology and data services. Our program offers a wealth of internship opportunities and flexible learning modalities. Students can choose from flexible online courses, or in-person courses that are distinguished by face-to-face instruction and small class sizes. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountain region, we focus on essential career pathways in public and academic libraries, archives and records management, data management, information technology, digital libraries and other information settings.
Social justice is a core value in our program—our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility is reflected in every aspect of our culture, from the curriculum and class discussions to faculty research and student projects. Our faculty are seasoned experts and active researchers dedicated to providing education that balances practical skills with deep theoretical insights. With several active student chapters of professional organizations that organize both social and professional development events, our program cultivates a network that values the transformative power of information and community service. Join us and become a part of this vibrant community.
Morgridge College of Education
MLIS@Denver
About this Program
Access to information is one of the most powerful means by which communities, organizations and individuals evolve. Through the online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Morgridge College of Education, you’ll develop the practical skills to understand, communicate and improve the connections between information, people and ideas. As part of the online program, we also offer an optional three-course focus in archiving - which allows you to deepen your understanding on how to manage records and archives, oversee digitization projects, and keep digital libraries.
Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), the online master’s program will prepare you for careers in a variety of settings, including public, academic and specialized libraries, as well as business and corporate settings where managing information is essential to the work.
Morgridge College of Education
Research Data Management
About this Program
The knowledge students gain in our library information science certificate program can prepare them to provide support in many areas in research data management. Research data expertise can be invaluable in scholarly communication, open access, copyright advice and research data management. Students take part in rigorous coursework in information science, research methods and statistics, collaborating with classmates as part of this comprehensive 28-credit program.
Our students can learn how to manage research data at a variety of settings, including academic libraries, research service centers, scientific and research organizations, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Graduates can enter into fields with significant needs for well-trained information professionals who can manage, preserve and share data generated throughout the research process.
Morgridge College of Education
Research Methods and Statistics
About this Program
Students from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds find their place in the Morgridge College of Education's Research Methods and Statistics PhD program. Interested in working as a professor or a researcher in an academic environment? Want to develop strategy and conduct and analyze research studies that can improve our world? If so, our PhD program is for you. We focus on both qualitative and quantitative research, and our hands-on approach to research means you're able to have close collaboration with our renowned faculty and community partners and start your research immediately.
We go beyond just educational research, delving into social, behavioral, and health areas as well, giving you the necessary background to develop analytical skills that can help you use data to promote social justice and the public good. Over the course of the program you'll be able to develop quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research skills, with application in education, nonprofits, athletics, government settings, and business.
Morgridge College of Education
Research Methods and Statistics
About this Program
Whether your professional background is in education, psychology, marketing or a variety of other disciplines, you'll find the opportunity to develop analytical skills through the Morgridge College of Education's MA in research methods and statistics. You'll explore a variety of statistical analysis methods and participate in and design your own research studies. Our program integrates educational, social, behavioral and health research using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. This approach gives you exposure to an array of methodologies and the opportunity to learn strategies to create both quantitative measures and qualitative protocols.
This degree has strong action-based elements, meaning you'll be able to work with faculty researchers and community partners on a variety of real-world projects. The goal of the program is to produce individuals capable of using a deep understanding of data analysis to promote social justice and the public good. Not only can this degree leave you well-equipped to work for a school district, but the skills you'll develop can also be of immense utility in corporate and nonprofit contexts, both educational and otherwise.
Morgridge College of Education
School Counseling @ Denver
About this Program
Morgridge College of Education offers an online Master of Arts in School Counseling program. The curriculum shapes social-justice-focused school counselors who can use their thorough understanding of educational systems and complex counseling concepts to directly serve and advocate for children and adolescents in P-12 schools. This online school counseling degree will help you develop a strong school counseling identity and teach you how to successfully address the academic, career and social/emotional needs of diverse students. You will also learn how to use data to identify schoolwide trends and develop appropriate programs to help the student population thrive as a whole.
Morgridge College of Education
School Psychology
About this Program
The Morgridge College of Education's EdS program gives you the opportunity to take part in the practical experience, research opportunities and coursework you'll need to work with children of all developmental abilities, as well as their families, in school or community settings. Practicum, internships and research opportunities are available at a wide variety of community placements, including our Counseling and Educational Services Clinic, the Ricks Center for Gifted Education and the Fisher Early Learning Center. Practical experience and rigorous coursework will help prepare you to solve problems and make decisions to support diverse students, families, schools and communities.
You have the option to take an additional 12 hours of integrated core and practical coursework, beyond that required for the EdS degree, to earn a concentration in early childhood school psychology. After you complete your program and pass the Praxis II/National Association of School Psychologists licensing exam, you are eligible for almost all state department of education school psychologist licenses, including those for Colorado and for the National Association of School Psychologists' national certification. Once completed, you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to help students of all backgrounds and developmental abilities grow and thrive.
Morgridge College of Education
School Psychology
About this Program
The Morgridge College of Education's school psychology PhD program offers students the ability to become licensed school psychologists. Students study assessment, clinical practice, supervision and research methods, developing the skill set necessary to excel. If you choose this program, you'll be able to gain the knowledge and skills required to understand and collaborate with a diverse array of families, students, educators and professionals. We strive to produce thoughtful practitioners, capable of supporting diverse populations through critical thinking and problem solving.
This school psychology program will help you build expertise in the various aspects of doctoral-level school psychology services and learn how to work for and with individuals, families, schools and communities. You'll integrate professional knowledge and research with real-world practice experience, supplementing your work with an array of advanced courses in child and family studies, family and systems service delivery, organizational management, research and program evaluation, and policy development. The flexibility of the degree and diversity of the classes offered ensure you can pursue a degree that will reflect your interests and prepare you for the next step in your career.
Morgridge College of Education
Special Education Generalist
About this Program
Our Special Education Generalist Certificate program is for students with an undergraduate degree who want to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to work successfully in inclusive special education programs.
The program trains you to work in public schools, private programs and community agencies that serve families with children with developmental delays and disabilities. You'll learn to solve problems and collaborate with others to make decisions that support positive social-emotional, cognitive, physical, communication and academic outcomes for individuals with special needs. Upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible to apply for endorsement from the Colorado Department of Education.
Morgridge College of Education
Teacher Education Programs
About this Program
Learn the skills necessary to become a successful and effective educator through the Morgridge College of Education's Teacher Education Program. Teachers, more than many professionals, can create significant and tangible change in their communities and the world. The intensive professional preparation you'll gain from this program can position you to become a teacher who affects and improves the lives of your students. With small classes, personalized support and closely supervised field experience, you'll be able to enter the field prepared to make a difference.
You'll choose to specialize in one of six concentration areas:
- Elementary education (K-6)
- Secondary English (6-12)
- Secondary math (6-12)
- Secondary science (6-12)
- Secondary social studies (6-12)
You'll also take part in a teaching apprenticeship at a diverse area school, with a gradual release of responsibility by the supervising teacher, leading to you teaching solo throughout your residency. Upon completion of the program, you'll be able to apply for a Colorado Initial Teacher License from the Colorado Department of Education.