Education and Human Development

The Master of Education in Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for a variety of roles within educational settings and human services. This program emphasizes the development of advanced knowledge, research skills, and practical expertise necessary to foster positive change in educational systems, community organizations, and human development initiatives. Through a rigorous curriculum, students explore core areas such as curriculum design, instructional methods, assessment strategies, and program evaluation, ensuring they are equipped to address diverse learner needs and systemic challenges. The program also offers specializations that allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests, including early childhood education, K-12 education, higher education, adult learning, and community-based human development. Students participate in coursework that incorporates the latest theories, research evidence, and best practices, all aimed at promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice in educational contexts. Practical experience and internships are integral components, providing students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, collaborate with professionals, and develop leadership skills. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers as educators, administrators, policy analysts, program evaluators, researchers, and community development specialists. The program's flexible format includes online and on-campus classes, allowing students to balance their education with personal and professional commitments. Dedicated faculty with extensive experience in education, research, and community engagement mentor students throughout their journey, fostering a collaborative and innovative learning environment. Whether seeking advancement in their current careers or transitioning into new roles within the education sector, students benefit from the program's focus on practical application, research literacy, and leadership development. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions to educational policy, practice, and human development initiatives at local, national, and global levels, reinforcing the university's commitment to advancing educational equity and social impact worldwide.

Concentration Areas of Study

Four major areas of concentration are available: Learning, Human Development and Family Relations, Research and Evaluation and Assessment. 

Learning:

Students will engage in constructing adaptive learning and development opportunities for participants in diverse educational and community contexts. They will examine learning environments in various formal and informal contexts (including classrooms, schools and community centers) and from multiple perspectives (psychological, socio-cultural, design-based or neuroscience). 

You will discuss how to motivate and engage students through developmentally and culturally appropriate practices, and how to facilitate growth and development of students from diverse backgrounds. Students will have various opportunities to understand the latest research in the field of learning and learning sciences while engaging in dynamic interactions with faculty. 

The Learning program offers courses such as: Human Learning; Human Development Over the Life Span; Designing Environments for Learning and Development; Cognition and Instruction; Motivation in Contexts; Mind, Brain and Education; Advanced Child Growth and Development; and Social Contexts of Adolescence. 

Your application will include:

• Current resume or curriculum vita (please include all teaching and/or other educational certificates held and the state that issued them)
• Written Statement. 
• Three letters of recommendation. Letters should be from present or former employers, coworkers, etc. Recommendations should not be more than two years old. The recommenders are sent an email with a link to the recommendation form. When a recommender submits the form, we receive an email notifying us that a recommendation has been submitted on your behalf. The recommendation includes a space for your recommender to cut and paste their recommendation.
• One official transcript from every previous college/university attended 
  
  Please submit transcripts from (a) institutions granting previous degrees and (b) institutions from which courses have been taken that you wish to transfer into the program. Transcripts should be issued to you, collected by you, and subsequently sent to the School of Education & Human Development in the original, unopened envelopes. Instructions on where to mail transcripts are provided in the application.

All international students must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirement.

TEST SCORES: TOEFL, IELTS, OR PTE

​SCORE REQUIREMENTS:

TOEFL

Minimum TOEFL Score Accepted: 75 IBT / 537 PBT

IELTS

Minimum IELTS Score Accepted: 6.5

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived if an applicant has graduated from the ESL Academy. Information regarding other considerations for exemption, including country of citizenship/origin, and special circumstances can be found here. Please note that some graduate level programs will require a higher score on the TOEFL/IELTS and applicants should consult the department for additional details

PTE ACADEMIC

Minimum PTE Academic Score Accepted: 51

TThe Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is currently in a pilot review at the University of Colorado Denver. We will accept a 51 PTE Academic score with the following subscores:

EPSY/REM Scholarship

Awards vary year to year

Scholarship criteria: This scholarship is for education students who are admitted to the Education and Human Development master's program. Awards will be made by the SEHD scholarship committee based on the balanced criteria of need and scholarly performance. 

William Goodwin Scholarship, in memory of William L. Goodwin

Up to $500 awarded each semester. 

This fund was created in memory of William L. Goodwin, a former SEHD professor.

Scholarship criteria: You must be enrolled in either the Early Childhood Education program or Education and Human Development​. Applicants must have successfully completed at least six credit hours of coursework in the program, with a GPA of at least 3.0. Please submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in your program with your application.​​

The Master of Arts in Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver is designed to prepare educators, human service professionals, and policymakers to address the complex challenges facing educational systems and community organizations today. This comprehensive program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling graduates to become effective leaders, researchers, and innovators in various educational and human development settings. The curriculum includes courses in educational theory, research methods, leadership, diversity and equity, curriculum development, and policy analysis, among others. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as early childhood education, K-12 education, higher education, or community and human services. The program encourages experiential learning through internships, practicum experiences, and collaborative projects with local organizations, providing students with real-world applications of their knowledge. Faculty members are experts in their fields, often involved in community research and initiatives that influence education policy and practice. The program fosters an inclusive and collaborative learning environment, supporting students from diverse professional backgrounds and with various career goals. Graduates of the program are prepared for roles such as school administrators, education consultants, program coordinators, research analysts, and policymakers. They are equipped to work effectively in multicultural settings and to develop innovative solutions to educational challenges. The University of Colorado Denver's location in Denver offers students access to a vibrant urban educational landscape, including numerous K-12 schools, higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, which enrich the learning experience and provide ample networking opportunities. The program also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, ethical practice, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Overall, the Master of Arts in Education and Human Development at CU Denver is aimed at fostering leadership, promoting inclusivity, and advancing the field of education through research, collaboration, and community engagement.