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Morgridge College of Education
Bachelor's + Curriculum and Instruction
About this Program
Are you determined to become a K-12 teacher and anxious to begin working in this high-demand field? You might be a great candidate for our dual undergraduate/graduate Teacher Education Program, which gives you the opportunity to achieve your bachelor's, master's and teaching licensure in five years.
You'll begin by pursuing an undergraduate degree of your choice, with graduate coursework beginning your senior year. Licensure coursework begins the summer after your senior year, and a graduate advisor in the Teacher Education Program will help you determine your ideal courses.
You'll choose to specialize in one of six concentration areas:
- Elementary Education (K-6)
Morgridge College of Education
Counseling Psychology
About this Program
The Morgridge College of Education's MA in counseling psychology is an ideal degree for anyone who wants to learn to assist children and/or families dealing with change or trauma, aid individuals struggling with addictions or work as a researcher or leader to affect change at a societal level. In addition to developing the technical skills associated with counseling, you'll have the chance to deepen your understanding of the functioning of relationships and how factors like race, class and gender affect the counseling process.
Rigorous coursework is complemented by the opportunity to put your new skills into practice by working directly with patients through our onsite clinic or a variety of community partnerships. The MA program offers two areas of concentration: research and clinical mental health counseling. Coursework and practicum options make child counseling a viable path as well.
The clinical mental health counseling track offers five additional specialty areas:
- Addictions counseling
- Adolescent counseling
- Couple and family counseling
- Diversity population counseling
- A blended option
Morgridge College of Education
Counseling Psychology
About this Program
Our PhD in counseling psychology provides students the opportunity to develop skills as culturally oriented psychologists. The program integrates science and practice with social justice and diversity. It prepares students to practice in the field, perform socially and globally relevant research, and teach in diverse settings.
Our training model encourages critical thinking, theoretical development, multicultural orientation and ethical awareness. Research labs cover multicultural competencies, HIV/AIDS, race/ethnicity, social class, health and vocational issues, health disparities, group dynamics, psychotherapy and romantic relationships. They also offer an opportunity to contribute to the field and make a difference locally, nationally and internationally.
The PhD in counseling psychology is accredited by the APA and is intended for those who wish to become licensed as a psychologist, work in healthcare settings (e.g., VA, community mental health, private practice) or work in academia.
- Over the past five years, all students have received graduate assistantships in their first two years.
- Students engage in more than 30 different practicum settings throughout the Denver metro area.
- 100 percent pre-doctoral internship match rate over the past three years.
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 & Instruction
About this Program
Become a better leader, develop superior research skills and learn how to challenge and inspire your students through the Morgridge College of Education's PhD program in curriculum and instruction. You'll have the opportunity to learn to reach all types of learners in formal and informal settings ranging in level from kindergarten to higher education. The innovative curriculum offers a balance of theory and hands-on practice, with 100 percent of our students working with faculty on research projects. You'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a variety of areas, including curriculum, instruction, diversity, policy and research.
Our flexible degree program encourages you to work closely with our expert faculty to develop a customized, diverse coursework plan. We encourage students to take classes across the Morgridge College of Education and the University as a whole in order to meet their specific interests. Whether you're a college professor, a K-12 teacher, an educational consultant or a student services administrator, you'll be able to develop and structure an inspired curricula that will advance your interests and improve your skills. This degree can prepare you for positions in academia, research institutes or think tanks.
Morgridge College of Education
Curriculum & Instruction
About this Program
The Morgridge College of Education's EdD program is perfect for anyone interested in problems of practice in educational settings. Our program gives you the opportunity to approach these issues by collaborating with community partners in a variety of settings. You'll explore issues around development, implementation, and assessment in curriculum and instruction. Working closely with our renowned faculty, you'll have the opportunity to develop the expertise and applied research skills needed to be a leader in education. EdD areas of specialization include curriculum studies, mathematics education and gifted education.
Our EdD program follows a cohort model and is affiliated with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). This means we follow the best practices of the CPED and provide coursework and opportunities to help you dive into the issues, theory and matters of practice surrounding equity and social responsibility in education. You'll take most of your classes with the same group of people over the course of three years, allowing you to function as a community as you explore problems of practice and develop solutions while also supporting your individual interests and perspectives.
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).
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.
Morgridge College of Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
About this Program
Lead for tomorrow. The University of Denver Morgridge College of Education's Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) program gives you the resources to excel at all levels within an educational system, whether you're an aspiring policy maker, district leader or principal. Build necessary skills through comprehensive field-based experiences and academic courses in a project-based educational setting. Our method stimulates growth and integrates leadership, systems and design thinking, policy and research. Learn how to think like an entrepreneur through our curriculum, faculty and clinical experiences, and lead for continuous improvement and demonstrable results.
As an impassioned leader, you'll learn to identify the specific needs of struggling schools, create solutions and achieve lasting, positive change. All cohort models offer a curriculum that is individualized to your needs and that includes a school-based internship integrated into your coursework. To help aspiring leaders drive change, turnaround leadership education is infused into the program. The cohorts develop strong learning communities and professional networks and are supported by a field mentor. As an ELPS student, you'll learn how to unleash and leverage self, communities and resources to change the status quo.
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
The University of Denver's PhD program in higher education allows students to engage in learning experiences that will teach them to support their own students, expand access to education and bring about innovative change. Learn how policy effects higher education as you take the next step in your professional career. At DU's Morgridge College of Education, you'll be involved in research from the outset. On day one you'll begin working directly with a faculty member and continue throughout the entirety of your education. This includes engaging in faculty members' research programs, publishing with faculty members and presenting at national conferences.
In addition to building a lasting relationship with our faculty, you will learn from your peers. Our program hosts students with diverse professional, educational, social and cultural backgrounds and experience. You will be part of an energetic community that shares knowledge and experiences through our quarterly Lunch and Learn series, community events and professional development programming. Through knowledge sharing and experience, you'll build applied research skills and strategies to address concerns of equity, social justice and public good within the context of higher education. You will leave our program with deep expertise and a wide network of higher education professionals.
Morgridge College of Education
Higher Education
About this Program
Learn to support students, improve accessibility, and innovate and implement change through the Morgridge College of Education's MA in higher education. By joining the program, you can gain valuable insight into the manner in which policy is developed and how it impacts higher education, as well as skills that can allow you personally to affect and improve those policies. With a strong focus on social justice and the public good, the higher education MA allows committed individuals to develop the abilities necessary to advance their careers and improve educational outcomes through administration, policy and research.
You'll have the opportunity to learn from a renowned teaching staff with a wide range of research interests, and you'll also be a part of a collaborative and diverse community of students with whom you'll share knowledge and experiences while expanding your professional network. The MA offers three optional emphasis areas: public policy; organizational change and college student affairs; diversity and higher learning. In addition to your coursework, you'll complete multiple real-life projects and have the opportunity to pursue a variety of service-learning partnerships with local educational institutions and organizations.
Morgridge College of Education
Library and Information Science
About this Program
If you are looking for a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program based in both theory and practice, this program is for you. The Morgridge College of Education's MLIS program focuses on 21st century informational science and data management, as well as on developing the skills needed to evaluate, manage and adapt to technological change. The program was the first in the country to offer a concentration in early childhood librarianship and is accredited by the American Library Association. Students learn in a close-knit environment characterized by small class sizes and stressing experiential learning.
You will work with a faculty advisor to design a coursework plan. The curriculum includes 30 credits of electives, giving you opportunity to focus on a specialization area, such as archives, digitization, academic librarianship or information technology. You'll also have access to hands-on learning opportunities. In the past, students have worked on oral history digitization projects at the Jefferson County Public Library and creation of a digital library on sensory learning and archiving at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The MLIS program will give you the tools you need to use information to better our world.
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. You can specialize in one of two areas: Applied Statistics, for professionals pursing career goals in academic or applied research; or Institutional Research, for those who aspire to conduct institutional research in applied settings. 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
School Psychology
About this Program
The Morgridge College of Education's MA in school psychology allows you to build the skills and understanding needed to help students of all backgrounds and developmental abilities flourish. The primary goal of the program is to provide knowledge on the various environmental, neurobiological and cultural factors that impact child development. This hands-on program allows you to pursue internships and research opportunities through such DU institutions as the Counseling and Educational Services Clinic, the Ricks Center for Gifted Education and the Fisher Early Learning Center, as well as various community partners.
As a full-time student, you can complete the MA program in one year (four quarters). Many students who achieve the MA use it as a springboard into our PhD program. You'll be able to leave DU prepared to help solve problems and collaborate with diverse students, families, schools and communities. School psychology is a rapidly expanding field, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts this profession will grow 20 percent between 2014 and 2024.
Morgridge College of Education
School Psychology Rural Hybrid
About this Program
The School Psychology Rural Hybrid 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 within rural communities. The program is designed for those living in rural Colorado communities to pursue a graduate degree in school psychology while living and working within their communities. This program offers a hybrid modality with virtual coursework during the school year and in-person coursework offered for three weeks during each summer. Practical experience and rigorous coursework will help prepare you to solve problems and make decisions to support diverse students, families, and schools within your community.
After you complete your program and pass the Praxis II/National Association of School Psychologists licensing exam, you are eligible for Colorado Department of Education school psychologist license as well as 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
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 Program Dual Degree
About this Program
If you are a current DU undergraduate student, you can get your undergraduate degree, master’s degree, and teaching licensure in five years. Our Dual Undergraduate-Graduate Degree in Teacher Education Program (TEP Dual) prepares you to work in K–12 schools.
You begin the program pursuing an undergraduate degree in an area of your choosing. Your senior year, you will take nine hours of graduate coursework (toward a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction). Dual-degree students in the TEP program will select a cognate consisting of 9 credits of graduate course work to be completed in their undergraduate senior year. Please see the complete dual-degree guidelines and policy posted here.
You will work with an academic advisor in the TEP program who will help guide you toward appropriate graduate courses in the Morgridge College of Education (MCE). In terms of scheduling your courses:
- The nine hours of MCE coursework can be spread across the fall, winter, or spring quarter.
- Licensure coursework begins the summer (early August) after completing your undergraduate degree. It continues through the fall, winter, and spring quarters of your fifth year. Licensure areas include:
- Elementary Education (K–6)
- Secondary Science (6–12)
- Secondary Math (6–12)
- Secondary Social Studies (6–12)
- Secondary English (6–12)
Both your undergraduate and master’s degree must be earned within five years.
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)
- Art (K-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.