Doctor of Philosophy - Special Education
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Special Education program emphasizes scientific inquiry and leadership skills. Graduates develop expertise in research, program evaluation, and scholarly writing, preparing them for careers in academia, research centers, and leadership roles in special education and early childhood education. The program requires 72 credits, including coursework in research, statistics, leadership, and exceptionality, culminating in a dissertation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
About
The Ph.D. in Special Education in the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education is designed with an emphasis in the development of skills in scientific inquiry and leadership. Students enrolled in this study program gain an understanding of philosophy and theory as they relate to the conduct of research and program evaluation. Graduates pursue careers in schools, institutions of higher education, research centers, and agencies that require the competencies developed through a Ph.D. course of study.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Design and implement educational research that forms the basis for evidence-based practices within the fields of special education and/or early childhood education.
- Complete scholarly writing endeavors (e.g., publications, grants, conference proposals) with the potential to effect the quality of practice within the fields of special education and/or early childhood education.
- Design and implement scholarly presentations designed to effect change within the fields of special education and/or early childhood education.
- Provide high quality instruction in special education and/or early childhood education to post-secondary students.
- Engage in scholarly dialogue related to current issues and trends within the fields of special education and/or early childhood education.
Outline:
Requirements
Total Credits Required: 72
Course Requirements
- Required Courses – Credits: 21
- Research Courses – Credits: 6
- Statistics Course – Credits: 3
- Additional Research Courses – Credits: 6
- Internship Course – Credits: 6
- Leadership & Exceptionality Courses – Credits: 15
- Prospectus Course – Credits: 3
- Dissertation – Credits: 12
Assessment:
- Doctoral students must earn a grade of B or higher in all core curriculum courses.
- Doctoral Students must earn a grade of B or higher in EPY 721 and EPY 722/KIN 751.
- After taking ESP 763O, ESP 782, ESP 783R, and ESP 785 (typically within the first year of the program), students will complete a first year qualifying experience.
Careers:
- University or college professor
- Government official
- School district leadership
- Educational consultant
Entry Requirements:
Doctor of Philosophy - Special Education
The following materials also should be submitted through the online application network. A letter of application that clearly articulates professional and research goals that are related to the focus of the Ph.D. degree program in Special Education; Three letters of recommendation – at least one from an individual familiar with the applicant's academic performance and potential for doctoral degree completion and at least one from an individual knowledgeable of the applicant's quality of work experience; Representative samples of scholarly writing, preferably in APA style, and/or other media samples related to professional study; A resume of professional preparation and experience (a minimum of two to three years of professional experience in special education, general education or other relevant field as a teacher, administrator or related service provider for children and adults with disabilities and/or giftedness is preferred); Scores from the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (taken within five years from the date of application for admission). Applicants should arrange to have official notification of GRE scores sent to the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that their applicant file is complete. Incomplete files will not be considered. Application materials for U.S. residents requesting financial support are due March 1. Note: The department admissions committee may request additional materials and/or conduct a personal interview after reviewing initial applicant files. In general, applicants will be expected to have a 3.50 grade point average on all graduate-level work and an indication of potential to complete all requirements of doctoral study successfully (provided through submitted writings or creative products, letters of recommendation and GRE results) to be admitted as doctoral students in the Department of Early Childhood, Multilingual, and Special Education.
