Curriculum & Instruction
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.
Feed your intellectual curiosity, develop research skills and build your leadership potential in our Ph.D. program which will prepare you for university-level positions in academia, research institutes or think tanks.
Courses focus on a wide range of topics important to education professionals, including curriculum, instruction, diversity, policy and research. Our flexible degree program encourages you to work closely with our expert faculty to develop a customized coursework plan. You can take classes across the Morgridge College of Education, as well as the entire University, opening up your course selection to meet your particular interests.
Areas of Study
Curriculum Studies
Students learn about curriculum design, models of curriculum, instructional strategies, assessment and student engagement, exploring themes including (but not limited to) diversity, teacher education, aesthetics, urban education, family studies, social work, library and information science, zoo and museum education, and international education.
Mathematics Education
Students learn about ambitious and equitable instructional practices that support meaningful learning experiences for all students, particularly those in historically marginalized groups.They'll learn various research designs and methods to address problems of practice within mathematics education.
Gifted Education
Students learn about gifted education and leadership theory so that they can become leaders in gifted education.and develop research skills focused on problem identification and interventions.
Leads to eligibility to apply for Colorado Department of Education Endorsement in Gifted Education.
Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education
Students learn about culturally responsive pedagogy and the cultural, language, cognitive and academic needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. They'll be able to apply knowledge of language acquisition, culturally relevant literature, curriculum and assessment practice, and funds of knowledge to bridge communities, classrooms and schools.
Leads to eligibility to apply for Colorado Department of Education Endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.
Special Education
Students learn about social-emotional, cognitive, academic and behavioral outcomes for children with special needs. The program offers opportunities to collaborate with families, community partners and school personnel to enhance learning opportunities for children with special needs.
Leads to eligibility to apply for Colorado Department of Education Endorsement in Special Education.
Twice-Exceptionality
Students learn about social-emotional, cognitive, academic, and behavioral needs for children with both special needs and giftedness.
If your interests lie outside of these areas, you still have many options. Our experienced faculty will help you develop a coursework plan that supports your learning needs and professional goals.
Learning Outcomes
- Inclusive Excellence: Create systems of empowerment to improve educational outcomes for diverse students, families and communities, especially those who are or have been marginalized.
- Research: Critically analyze and conduct rigorous research to address educational inequities.
- Leadership & Advocacy: Act as an agent of change.
- Curriculum: Design, implement and evaluate curriculum that supports learning for all students.
- Instruction: Design, implement and evaluate effective and equitable instructional practices.
- Assessment: Design, implement and evaluate assessments to guide instruction and improve student learning.
Program Requirements
You’ll need to complete 90-quarter credit hours. Of these quarter credit hours, 18 must be cognate courses in a specialization area. You must also complete a:
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation project that challenges and contributes to scholarship in education, with a focus on curriculum and instruction