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Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree:
The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Departmental mission is to be a force for positive change in the
lives of individuals, organizations, and communities by unleashing the power of learning. Our faculty members and
students engage in leadership, policy, and research framed around questions of equity, ethics, and social justice to
impact complex issues and problems of practice and lead change and improvement.
The PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is designed to build on a solid grounding in educational
leadership with intensive advanced research training and is focused on preparing future educational researchers
and higher education faculty for educational leadership areas. For more information about this program, please
visit our website at www.morgridge.du.edu.
Application Deadlines for Summer or Fall 2022
Priority 1 Deadline: December 1, 2021
Priority 2 Deadline: February 5, 2022
Priority 3 Deadline: April 15, 2022
*Applications will continue to be accepted on a space availability basis*
PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS
❑ You must have graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree from an accredited university prior to
beginning the program.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
All items listed below must be completed and included as part of your application.
The Admissions Committee will not review incomplete applications.
❑ Online Application for Graduate Admission
❑ Statement of Professional Goals
❑ Statement of Equity, Ethics, and Social Justice
❑ Current Vita/Resume
❑ One (1) transcript from each college/university where at least 1 credit has been earned, sent directly to
the Office of Graduate Admissions. This can be an unofficial copy; however, if admitted you must submit
an official copy from each college/university by the first day of classes.
o This may include transcripts from community colleges, study abroad experiences, transfer
institutions, non-degree coursework, and military transcripts.
❑ 2 Letters of Recommendation (uploaded by recommenders)
❑ $65 Application Fee
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
ONLINE APPLICATION
The University of Denver (DU) Application is submitted electronically.
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• The online application is available at: gradadmissions.du.edu/apply
APPLICATION MANAGEMENT
• Create an account to start a new application.
o Please make note of your login information, as you will use this to track your application status.
• Click “Start New Application”
• Select an application type: “All Available Start Terms,” then “Degrees and Certificates”
• Click “Create Application”
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
• Please complete all required areas.
IMMIGRATION AND VISA INFORMATION
• Please complete all required areas, if applicable.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
• College or School: Morgridge College of Education
• Area of Study: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
• Program: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, PhD
• Start Date: Summer or Fall Quarter 2022
• Please answer the required questions within this section.
MORGRIDGE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
You will be prompted to upload your written statements and resume.
STATEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL GOALS
In a maximum of two pages, typed, and double-spaced statement, please discuss the following:
• Leadership preparation and/or professional experience as a leader
• Professional goals and plans to achieve them
• Expectations for how the PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Denver
specifically will support your goals
Note: if there is a specific faculty member with whom you would like to work, based upon your research
interests, please mention and discuss in this statement
Upload this document under “Personal Statement.”
STATEMENT OF EQUITY, ETHICS, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
In a maximum of two pages, typed, and double-spaced statement, please discuss the following:
• Your thoughts on the roles and responsibilities for equity, ethics, and social justice in ECE-12 education
and policy
• Any personal, academic, and/or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding and
commitment to equity, ethics, and social justice in education and policy
• What do you perceive to be your strengths and areas for growth in leading for social justice?
Upload this document under “Diversity Statement.”
CURRENT RESUME/CV
• Please detail educational, professional and volunteer experiences within your resume/CV.
FINANCIAL AID
• We encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the February 15
th
priority deadline.
AFFILIATIONS
• Please complete all required areas, if applicable.
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ACADEMIC RECORD
Please provide complete details for all academic certificates and degrees received.
TRANSCRIPTS
• You will be required to submit one (1) copy of unofficial or official transcripts from all
colleges/universities attended.
• Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to your application as a scanned copy or a downloaded version of
your transcripts in PDF format from every college or university where you have attempted or received
college credit. Transcripts must include:
• Student name
• Institution name
• Dates of attendance
• Course names, numbers, credits, and grades received
• Degree title and conferral date, if applicable
• Upon admission to the program, each applicant must provide one (1) copy of official transcripts (signed
and sealed) from all colleges/universities attended to the following address:
University of Denver
Office of Graduate Admissions
Mary Reed Building, Room 5
2199 S. University Blvd
Denver, CO 80208-4802
If transcripts are sent electronically via Parchment or Ellucian, please have them sent them to [email protected].
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
• Please complete all required areas, if applicable.
TEST SCORES
• The GRE General Test is NOT required.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Each applicant will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of two (2) recommenders on their
online application. One academic and one professional reference is preferred, but not required.
• An email requesting a letter of recommendation will be sent to your references upon entering their contact
information. Your references will be required to submit their recommendations online.
REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
• Please answer the required questions in this section.
SIGNATURE AND REVIEW
• Please electronically sign your name, and review the information included within your application. Click
Submit.
APPLICATION PAYMENT
• Pay your $65 application fee.
• McNair Scholars may request an application fee waiver by submitting proof to gradinfo@du.edu.
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NEXT STEPS IN THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
To view outstanding documents (i.e. letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.) and admission decisions, please
check your Application Status Page by logging in with your email address and password.
After reviewing your application and all supplemental documents, the Morgridge College of Education will invite
qualified applicants to participate in an academic interview. If selected, you will be notified via email. *
*Please ensure that the email address you provided within your application is one that you check frequently.
REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
International applicants, or applicants who do not hold a degree from an institution where English was the primary
language of instruction, you may be required to provide additional application requirements, which are outlined
below:
❑ Proof of English Proficiency by submitting passing TOEFL, IELTS, or CAE scores
▪ Minimum TOEFL Score: 80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-based)
▪ Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
▪ Minimum CAE Score: 169
▪ For information about exceptions, please view the Admission Requirements for International
Applicants webpage
www.du.edu/admission-aid/graduate/international/admission-requirements
It is strongly encouraged that you submit all application materials at least 14 business days in advance of a priority
deadline to allow enough time for your application to be evaluated by the Office of International Admission.
If admitted, you will be required to submit additional documents to complete the internationalization process to
receive your visa. Please refer to International Student & Scholar Services for information and questions about this
process at www.du.edu/isss.
