Developmental Disabilities and Autism Special Education Ph.D.

Program Overview

The program emphasizes intervention-based research and aims to improve outcomes for individuals with autism and their families. Graduates are equipped to evaluate programs, design research, and bridge the gap between research and practice, filling crucial leadership needs in special education.

Program Outline

The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to effectively lead in autism programming and policy development, conduct rigorous intervention-based research, and bridge the gap between research and practice to improve outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

Objectives:

• To synthesize empirical literature for research trends.
• To critically evaluate existing research.
• To design and conduct methodologically rigorous research.
• To evaluate special education programs and personnel.

Program Description:

The program requires a master's degree in Special Education or a closely related field. Candidates with master's degrees in other fields may need to take up to five additional courses in Special Education, with advisor approval. The program emphasizes a rigorous curriculum that includes formal coursework, independent study, internships, practicums, and dissertation research. Students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as autism intervention, emotional/behavioral disorders, or mild/moderate disabilities.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a variety of career paths, including:

• Involvement in community-based programming
• Networking with professionals in special education and other disciplines
• Participation in interdepartmental studies
• Assessment and evaluation of students with special needs
• Analysis of the implications of school reform and refinement of service delivery to students with special needs
• Filling leadership personnel needs in special education
• Providing services for culturally and linguistically diverse children with special needs in urban and rural areas

Other:

• The program is housed within the College of Education, which is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
• The Kristin Farmer Autism Center offers opportunities for research and intervention with individuals with autism.
• The program provides unique opportunities for students to become involved in community-based programming, network with professionals in special education and other disciplines, and participate in interdepartmental studies.