Doctoral Programs & Certificates
At CU Denver, our doctoral programs lead in academic excellence, offering diverse opportunities for research, advanced education and professional growth. With programs across seven schools, students undergo transformative journeys led by top faculty and industry experts.
Our Programs' Strengths
Leading Graduate Programs
CU Denver's graduate programs rank among the top 100 in the U.S., ensuring excellence across disciplines like business, education, engineering, and public affairs. These programs offer a rigorous and innovative curriculum to prepare you for leadership roles.
Flexible Learning Options
Choose from flexible learning options – fully online, in-person, or hybrid. Study on-campus or from anywhere in the world, customizing your education to fit your schedule.
Accessible and Affordable
CU Denver offers competitive tuition and financial aid, making graduate education affordable. The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides in-state tuition rates to students from participating regions.
Where Our Graduates Work
CU Denver graduates make an impact across various industries, working for some of the top employers in the country. Our alumni have built careers at organizations like Amazon, Kaiser Permanente, Oracle, and UC Health. Graduates hold key positions such as Presidents, Project Managers, Software Engineers, and Executive Directors. Top occupations for our graduate alumni are:
Management
Education
Sciences
41.1% of doctoral alumni hold management positions, earning an average wage of $140,815.
25.5% work in education, earning around $71,972.
13% are in life, physical, and social sciences, with an average wage of $79,046.
Architecture & Planning - Doctorate
- Geography, Planning, and Design (PhD)
Business - Doctorate
- Executive Doctorate in Health Administration (PhD)
Education & Human Development - Doctorate
- Education and Human Development (PhD)
- Leadership for Educational Equity (EdD)
- School Psychology (PsyD)
Engineering, Design & Computing - Doctorate
- Bioengineering (PhD)
- Civil Engineering (PhD)
- Computer Science and Information Systems (PhD) (Engineering)
- Engineering and Applied Science (PhD)
Liberal Arts & Sciences - Doctorate
- Applied Mathematics (PhD)
- Clinical Health Psychology (PhD)
- Health and Behavioral Sciences (PhD)
- Health Economics (PhD)
- Integrative & Systems Biology (PhD)
Public Affairs - Doctorate
- Public Affairs (PhD)
Imagine leading the next wave of quantum research at CU Denver. With programs like the Quantum Information Technology (QIT) certificate, you'll get hands-on lab experience while contributing to regional quantum initiatives aiming to grow the workforce exponentially. As a doctoral student, you’ll be at the cutting edge of quantum education, poised to drive innovation and impact in Colorado's thriving quantum industry.
Be a pioneer in psychedelic research at CU Denver’s new Center for Psychedelic Research. Join a team exploring psychedelics for mental health, neurological disorders, and end-of-life care while influencing public policy under Colorado’s Magic Mushrooms Law. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to push boundaries in science, policy, and public health to improve quality of life.
"Flexibility was the number one reason I chose CU Denver while working full-time and being a mom.”
Nefer Bovea
EdD in Educational Leadership-Higher Education ‘25
"CU Denver offers many support options, from financial to academic and overall well-being."
Brianna Gray
Doctor of Physical Therapy ‘26
"I chose CU Denver for its strong academics and the flexibility of its online format, allowing me to balance my career and education."
Rusul Jalil
Doctor of Pharmacy ‘26
Ready to take the next step?
Start Your Journey
Fully Online Doctoral Degrees at CU Denver
CU Denver offers flexible, fully online doctoral programs that maintain the same rigorous standards as our on-campus offerings. Learn from experienced faculty and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds—all while pursuing your educational and career goals from anywhere.
CU Denver offers graduate programs in the following areas of study:
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10% work in tech and engineering fields, earning between $94,678 and $111,118.
Technology & Engineering
Notable Research at CU Denver
Quantum Workforce Development
Psychedelic Research
Take part in conducting hands-on research in the Alaska tundra to study climate change impacts. At CU Denver, you could join Professor Katharine Kelsey’s team, exploring how flooding and warming affect ecosystems, from plant communities to greenhouse gas emissions. The project integrates fieldwork with lab analysis, addressing critical environmental questions and contributing to meaningful research that connects local community insights to global climate solutions.
Climate Change in the Alaska Tundra
Why Study at CU Denver
Location Advantage
CU Denver’s downtown location enables many opportunities for you to enhance your life, career, and professional network. Our campus is minutes away from the city’s business, political, and arts corridors, providing career-enhancing opportunities and professional networking.
Our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through boundary-breaking innovation, impactful research, and engaging creative work.
