PhD in Special Education

The special education PhD program helps students develop advanced foundational knowledge in the area of special education, yet provides the latitude necessary for a program of research that meets the student’s individual research focus, planned in collaboration with their advisor. Our doctoral students are likely to arrive with an extensive knowledge base at the master’s level of special education, which often exceeds 42 credits. The PhD concentration in special education extends this knowledge base by encouraging the development of both breadth and depth in an area of study that will carry students well beyond the dissertation as they transition into research careers. The special education program meets the criteria established by national and state accrediting boards, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Disciplinary accreditation is critical to fostering national visibility, developing a pool of strong applicants, and placing graduates in jobs.