The School of Educational Change and Development began formal programs in the fall quarter in 1970, as a form of higher education. During a period of national student unrest in the 1960's, Dr. Orvel Trainer, Chair of the Economics Department, wrote position papers on the need for higher education prorams at Colorado State College.

An advisory board was established with students, both undergraduates and graduates were invited to develop and make proposals and their own programs to the board for approval. Dr. Donald Decker, Provost of the University, served as the chair until he retired in 1974. He was succeeded by Dr. Orvel Trainer, who was the co-chair for the fall quarter, and then by Dr. Don Luketich of the School of Business who became the SECD Dean.

Numbers of students that received approval of their programs during the School's existence, which continued through 1980-1981. Students whose programs had been approved, continued to receive their degrees through 1987. Names of degree recipients, together with the subjects of their programs in the case of doctorates, can be found in the commencement programs for the period.

The University began a series of Program Priorities and Evaluation studies in 1980, known as PRET. In the reports of these teams, faculty members reviewed many degree programs. The PRET report for SECD contains considerable information on the history of the School, together with quantitative data and placement graduates. Its majority report, which as acceded to by the University administration, recommend that it cease to exist as a seperate school.