Special Education: PhD

The focus of the Special Education doctoral degree includes:

• English learners
• Early intervention
• Learning disabilities
• Secondary-transition services
• Emotional and behavior disorders
• Emphases in positive behavior support
• Autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Graduates attain positions in the United States and abroad working in:
• Conducting research
• Teaching young children
• Managing residential living centers
• Community and family-based programs
• Coordinating in-service training programs
• Serving in higher-education faculty positions
• Conducting individual and group intervention programs
• Consulting with teachers about educating children with disabilities in general education classrooms and school settings
• Working in the administration of special education programs; and delivering best practices in collaboration with a variety of professions in a range of settings. 

The doctoral program in special education prepares individuals for research and teaching positions in higher education, research positions with private foundations, administrative positions in school districts and other state educational agencies, and consultation positions in professional education.

Prerequisites

Strong applicants usually have previous teaching experience and/or master's degrees.

Application at a Glance

You apply for admission through your program. Detailed instructions are available on the program’s website. The following are required for your application:

• Official Transcripts
• English Language Proficiency Requirement
• Financial Verification for International Applicants

Program-Specific Application Requirements:

• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal statement about working with individuals or families with disabilities
• Professional Goals Statement
• Resume or CV
• Writing Sample