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
- Educational Leadership & 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
- PhD in Research Methods and Statistics
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School Counseling
- Master of Arts in School Counseling Online Option Available
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School Psychology
- PhD in School Psychology
- EdS in School Psychology
- EdS in School Psychology - Rural Hybrid (Not enrolling)
- 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
About this Program
Already have a qualifying master’s degree? The 18-credit Certificate in Counseling offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your expertise and expand your credentials. Designed for professionals seeking additional counseling credits, this program allows you to take coursework within our CACREP-accredited School Counseling MA program.
Depending on your state’s licensure requirements, your school district's salary schedule, or your career goals, these additional credits may help you qualify for an extra credential or salary increase. Beyond meeting professional benchmarks, this certificate reinforces your prior education with a culturally responsive, evidence-based curriculum—enhancing your competency in any counseling setting.
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 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
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 through DU’s Curriculum and Instruction (CI) MA program. Gain the skills needed to construct and implement innovative, inclusive and effective curricula. With a balance of theory and hands-on practice, you will be equipped to reach all types of learners in both formal and informal settings at all levels of learning institutions.
The CI MA program is designed for a variety of educators including classroom teachers, private school educators, educators in nonprofit settings, and any professional who considers themselves an educator conveying essential information to students or clients. This degree will enhance your curriculum development and pedagogy, making your educational space an effective learning setting for all.
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
A PhD from DU's Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) prepares you to conduct innovative research that advances theory, informs policy, disrupts inequitable practices and accelerates improvement in education. The ELPS PhD is grounded in issues related to equity and social justice in education.
Here, you'll take coursework in research and leadership, designed to connect practice, research and theory. Our cohort format ensures you'll have a supportive network of fellow educational leaders. After two years of required coursework, PhD students continue with a year of specialized research in their area of interest.
ELPS prepares you to be a future-focused, critical thinking change agent. Join us to transform research, policy and practice to expand your career opportunities in school systems, school districts, universities, nonprofits or policy agencies.
Morgridge College of Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
About this Program
An EdD from DU's Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) is tailored to prepare experienced professionals like you to generate innovative and proactive solutions to complex problems within your organizations. You'll lead improvements in your school or educational organization and advance your career opportunities. Through the program's coursework, doctoral-level research, and field-based experiences, you will learn to apply research, theory, and frameworks that tackle important equity-based issues of practice.
Based on the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) approach, our program invites you to take a deeper look at the leadership, societal and education challenges affecting our schools and educational organizations. You’ll undertake coursework in research and leadership designed to bridge research, theory and practice. The cohort format ensures you’ll have a supportive network of fellow educational leaders learning collaboration and communication skills to work with diverse communities and build partnerships. Students graduate with the disposition and skills to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, and organizations.
Morgridge College of Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
About this Program
Are you ready to make a difference as an educational leader? You can qualify for Colorado K-12 principal licensure at the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education in 12 months through the Ritchie Executive Leadership for Successful Schools (ELSS) program, or continue for an additional three quarters to earn a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. This personalized, accessible and affordable graduate program is designed for those working in K-12 schools/districts.
The ELSS graduate program offers you a top-ranked, transformative educational experience. With an equity-driven curriculum and project-based learning, you'll think differently about the challenges facing education today. You'll learn what it takes to effectively lead in education, from understanding systems and roles to developing solutions. You'll be equipped to make a positive impact on schools, districts and communities.
Morgridge College of Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
About this Program
Are you ready to make a difference as an educational leader? Through the Ritchie Executive Leadership for Successful Schools (ELSS) program, you can qualify for Colorado K-12 principal licensure at the University of Denver's Morgridge College of Education in 12 months. You can then continue for three more quarters to earn a master's degree in educational leadership and policy studies. This personalized and accessible graduate program is designed for those working in K-12 to advance into leadership at their schools or districts.
The Ritchie ELSS graduate program offers a top-ranked, transformative educational journey. Immerse yourself in an equity-driven curriculum featuring project-based learning, designed to equip you with a fresh perspective on current academic challenges.
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
As a student pursuing a Doctor of Education in DU’s Higher Education program, you will benefit from our affiliation with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) that guides our program's outcomes. You will engage in exceptional coursework and learning opportunities that allow you to dive deeply into issues, theory and practical matters involving higher education.
This EdD program is designed for working professionals like you who aim to advance in administrative positions in student or academic affairs. You are an ideal candidate if you are ready to apply theory to professional practice, driving institutions and organizations towards transformation in equity and greater success. What sets DU’s program apart is our unwavering commitment to equipping you with the skills and knowledge to effect positive change toward greater equity and justice in postsecondary institutions and related organizations.
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
The social sciences and business fields have a growing need for professionals with strong skills in research design, statistics, qualitative and mixed methods, and program evaluation. The Research Methods and Statistics (RMS) PhD program provides the courses and experiences necessary to conduct and supervise effective social science research. The program is individually planned around students' backgrounds and career goals. Small seminars, independent projects and research practicum offer opportunities for an individualized and well-rounded program.
As a PhD student, you will gain cutting-edge research skills, a creative educational vision, social responsibility and sufficient experience in the application of your skills and knowledge to achieve mastery. Upon completion of your PhD, you will be prepared for positions that require consulting, research, developing measurement instruments, data-driven policy-making and teaching. Graduates with RMS degrees hold professional positions in testing and program evaluation companies, nonprofit organizations, universities, school districts, and state and service agencies, among others.
Morgridge College of Education
Research Methods and Statistics
About this Program
The Research Methods and Statistics (RMS) Master of Arts enhances student knowledge of research methods in education, social and health sciences, with a focus on quantitative methods and program evaluation.
Our Master of Arts (MA) program helps you develop cutting-edge research skills—and turn them into tools for social change. Whether you want to advance your career as part of a school system, nonprofit or corporation, you will learn how to use data to become a leader and trusted decision-maker for your organization. Our faculty are experts in the field who will show you how to conduct and apply high-quality research to help build a more sustainable, democratic and just world.
Join the RMS MA program to develop a well-rounded toolkit for conducting research that makes a difference in the real world.
Morgridge College of Education
School Counseling
About this Program
Already have a master’s degree and looking to take the next step toward school counseling licensure? Our School Counseling Certificate is designed for professionals like you who want to meet the additional requirements for certification while gaining specialized expertise in supporting P-12 students.
Offered through DU’s CACREP-accredited School Counseling MA program, this certificate provides access to an evidence-based curriculum focused on empowering young learners. You’ll develop culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate techniques that you can apply immediately in a school setting.
Earning this certificate not only strengthens your ability to support diverse student populations but also opens new career pathways, equipping you to make a lasting impact in educational communities.
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
Whether you see yourself supporting children’s mental health, providing school-based interventions, training future school psychologists or creating policies, DU’s APA/NASP accredited School Psychology PhD program sets you up for success. With a 100% employment rate, our graduates work in private practice, medical clinics, university settings, departments of education and public schools.
Our coursework prioritizes addressing systemic factors alongside individual needs, striving for equity in schools, communities and systems. With a scientist-practitioner model, an ecological and justice lens, and a hands-on, graduated approach to field experiences, our program is dedicated to bettering the lives of children and families.
Morgridge College of Education
School Psychology
About this Program
Whether you see yourself supporting children’s mental health, providing crisis response, implementing interventions, or creating policies, DU’s NASP-accredited School Psychology Education Specialist (EdS) program sets you up for success. Additionally, all of our graduates become NASP PREPaRE Certified, which means you're trained in a comprehensive school crisis curriculum, which is an in-demand training credential to already have at the start of your school psychology career.
With a 100% employment rate, our graduates work in various settings, all dedicated to bettering the lives of children and families. You can prioritize addressing systemic factors alongside individual needs, striving for equity in schools and communities. With strong ties to local districts, you'll gain real-world experience and make a meaningful impact.
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
About this Program
The Teacher Education Program (TEP) at DU equips you with the essential knowledge and strategies needed for a successful career in education. You will gain an MA in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Teacher Education and a Colorado teaching license in elementary or secondary education. Specialize in areas like culturally and linguistically diverse education, gifted education or STEM.
TEP focuses on four pillars: love, critical thinking, radical justice and community-oriented practice. During your coursework, you'll spend an academic year in a classroom placement with a mentor teacher, gaining hands-on experience. Whether you're a recent graduate or changing careers, DU’s TEP offers rigorous and comprehensive preparation for teaching in diverse communities.