Special Education, Ph.D.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Special Education prepares leaders to drive systemic change in education and the community. The program emphasizes equity for diverse students, post-school outcomes for individuals with disabilities, and teacher efficacy. Students complete 54 post-master's degree credits and engage in research focused on areas such as research methods, diversity, and special education teacher education.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The Ph.D. prepares leaders in special education who bring systemic change in education and the community.
• The program focuses on:
>* Increasing equity for diverse student groups >* Enhancing post-school outcomes for individuals with disabilities >* Improving teacher efficacy in special education
• Faculty research focuses on:
> * Research methods in special education >* Diversity, equity, and cultural competence in the field >* Reading instruction >* Special education teacher education >* Supporting students with disabilities such as intellectual disability, autism >* Special education in transitional and vocational education
• Students will complete 54 post-master’s degree credits with a minimum 3.00 GPA.
• Students can expect to take courses such as:
> * Foundations of Special Education >* Seminar on Special Education Research >* Multicultural Issues >* Educating students in alternative settings >* Equity and full participation

Teaching:

• Students are assigned a faculty advisor upon admission to the program.
• Faculty in the program research interests include:
>* Research methods in special education >* Diversity, equity, and cultural competence in the field >* Reading instruction >* Special education teacher education