PhD in Education with an emphasis in STEM Education

This program emphasis is designed to support educators who are interested in developing greater understanding and expertise in the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. We help teachers develop their own content knowledge in mathematics and science, as well as greater understanding of how curriculum and instructional strategies can be tailored to foster students’ understanding of mathematics and science.

This is an ideal program emphasis for those interested in the processes of instruction and learning within mathematics and science, and/or in the education and professional development of teachers. It will prepare you for careers in research and teaching in university settings, educational leadership and services to schools, or research and development in the private or non-profit sector.

Financial Support

All of our doctoral students are awarded generous funding packages. Stipends and grants cover tuition costs and provide experiential graduate assistantships that further prepare you for your future as a researcher, educator, and leader in the field. Fellowship and assistantship packages are awarded on a competitive basis and vary for each student, but all funding packages cover five years of full-time study. 

A typical package will include a total of a 50% appointment (~20hr/week) through a Graduate Research Assistantship and/or Teaching Assistantship, full tuition remission and a fellowship to assist with student fees, the majority of the CU Student Health Gold Insurance Plan, and a stipend of approximately $21,400 per academic year. Please note that these figures are subject to change and summer funding is not guaranteed.

Admissions Requirements

  • A Personal Statement
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts are required after admission)
  • Optional GRE test score
  • TOEFL scores for international students
  • Application Fee ($60 domestic application/$80 international) along with the application

Admission to all our graduate programs is competitive and based on multiple criteria, including undergraduate academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement, evidence of special accomplishments, and relevant past experience. In an effort to safeguard educational equity and access, the CU Boulder School of Education has adopted a test-optional policy for the GRE requirement for prospective doctoral applicants seeking Fall 2022 admission. Students may still submit GRE scores for consideration, which will be reviewed as a part of a holistic process. However, not submitting GRE scores will in no way make your application less competitive for admission to the School of Education. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Deadline

  • December 1, domestic
  • November 15, international 

  For more information about courses and program requirements, . 

We warmly invite you to apply for the Doctoral Mentorship Pathway Program for 2024-25

This program is designed to create a pathway for historically underrepresented and marginalized education scholars and practitioners who are considering doctoral studies in Fall 2025. We hope to use this program to make the sometimes mystifying process of applying to a PhD program more visible, to provide an opportunity for you to get to know our students and babyÖ±²¥app, and participate in sessions where we’ll talk about how to apply and what the realities are for students of color studying in a predominantly white research institution. 

  Applications due Aug. 5—apply today!

Meet Our Faculty

Erin Marie Furtak

Professor
STEM EducationCU Teach

Victoria Hand

Associate Professor
STEM EducationCU Teach

Valerie Otero

ProfessorFaculty Director of the Learning Assistant Program and PEER Physics
STEM EducationLearning Assistant Program

Edd V. Taylor

Associate Teaching Professor
STEM Education

David C. Webb

Associate Professor
STEM Education

Program Chair

Melissa Braaten

Associate Professor and Program ChairAssociate Dean for Undergraduate and Teacher Education
Teacher Learning, Research & PracticeSTEM Education

Interested in our graduate programs?

Graduate students

We offer babyÖ±²¥app’s top-ranked graduate education in multiple program areas and would love to to provide you with relevant information about our programs. We look forward to learning about your graduate studies journey!

Fall 2023 Information Sessions

   School of Education Graduate Studies Preview Day (in-person)

Please join the School of Education for our Graduate Studies Preview Day on Saturday, Nov. 9. This program will be hosted in person and is open for all prospective Master's and PhD students. The program will include an overview of the application process and education program areas, breakout sessions with babyÖ±²¥app by program area of interest, and a current graduate student panel for Q&A. Registration is required.