Education, PHD

Special Education

Option in Special Education

The PhD in Education, option in Special Education is designed to develop expertise in the field of special education through evidence-based practices, research and teacher preparation. We prepare professionals who value diversity, engage in lifelong learning and advocate for quality educational opportunities for all students. Our doctoral graduates go on to work with children with disabilities by helping to improve academic, communication, social, behavioral and adaptive skills, while training others to do the same as professors, consultants or teacher-leaders.

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Curriculum

This 69-hour program includes 15 hours of doctoral dissertation as well as the following special education core curriculum:

Legal Aspects in Special Education
School & Interagency Collaboration
Current Issues in Special Education
Research Topics in Special Education
Program Development in Special Education
Single Subject Design in Special Education
Internship in Special Education
Directed Reading
Culturally Responsive Teaching in Special Education
Instructional Assessment & Consultation

100%Job placement

in a variety of K-12 educational settings

Course information

Research and Faculty

Research within our program is collaborative and interdisciplinary. Such collaborations have resulted in international travel opportunities, national and international publication, grant funding and national conference presentations for our students and faculty. Our faculty represent a broad range of special education experience, including classroom teachers, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and special education administration. Our research focuses not only on students and children, but also stakeholders such as teachers, administrators, families, and therapists.

Teacher certification

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

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College research initiatives

Admissions

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each semester, with the following deadlines:

Fall - January 15
Spring - September 15

To apply for the PhD in Education, option in Special Education program, complete the following:

Student graduating

Graduate College application
Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (3.5 minimum graduate GPA required)
Current resume/vita
Three letters of recommendation
Professional goal statement (approximately two pages)
GRE or MAT scores (within the last five years)
Academic or scholarly writing sample
TOEFL or IELTS scores (if required to establish English proficiency)
In-person or virtual interview may be required as part of the admissions process

Graduate student resources

Cost & Assistance

Currently enrolled students are also eligible for scholarships offered through the College of Education and Human Sciences.

Cost

Scholarships

Assistantships

Financing graduate school