Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in
Special Education

The Doctor of Philosophy ( Ph.D.) in Special Education is a flexible doctoral program with provisions for individual planning to prepare special education professionals for positions of leadership in public and private schools, in colleges, universities, agencies, businesses, and government entities. Graduates develop leadership knowledge and skills in special education related to five major themes: theory, effective teaching, inquiry, scholarly production and intra/interpersonal skills. The program is designed to prepare students for creative leadership in a rapidly changing world that is experiencing increasing cultural diversity, structural reforms in schools, and pedagogical innovations.

All doctoral students follow a common core of coursework, and applicants indicate interest in one of the following areas of specialization:

• Mild/Moderate Disabilities
• Early Intervention
• Significant Disabilities
• Blindness
• Deafness
• Educational Diagnostician
  The Ph.D. degree offered in the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services incorporates innovative approaches in leadership training. Candidates enrolled in the program address critical issues through course work and field experiences. Primarily, courses are divided among the following areas:
• Major Area of Concentration in Special Education (minimum of 36 credit hours)
• Research (minimum of 18 credit hours)
• Minor area of study related to Special Education (minimum of 18 credit hours)

In addition to completing formal coursework, candidates gain performance-based competencies through participation in a variety of professional activities which occur in both university and field settings. Competencies are addressed across the three leadership areas of research, personnel preparation, and systems intervention. Throughout the program of study, each candidate maintains a professional portfolio of the various products and artifacts resulting from experiences conducted within the doctoral program. Candidates must pass portfolio-based Qualifying and Generals Examinations to proceed to the final stage of the program, writing the dissertation.

Admission Requirements

The prospective doctoral candidates applying for the program must complete the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Admission requires a grade point average of at least 2.5 in undergraduate work and 3.0 in graduate work. Other required documents include transcripts, a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest.