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