Doctoral programs in special education can be found at some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. These institutions provide students with opportunities to study and research special education from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will typically develop a concentration area during their program to tailor their studies more specifically to their professional goals.
Students who wish to work as researchers or professors in special education may pursue a PhD. The PhD is the most advanced degree available in special education, and those who earn it will generally enter into careers that involve original research and academic teaching. A PhD is required if you want to teach at the university level. It may also help you get jobs working as a researcher, policy analyst, or administrator.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) is another option for students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree. This degree is designed for students who wish to work directly with children with disabilities or become school administrators or superintendents. This degree is limited to those with current teaching licensure, as it focuses on applying theory to improve practice in educational settings. Those who are interested in EdDs can earn them at universities that employ the practitioner-scholar model of teacher education.
There are several different types of doctoral programs that can lead to a career in special education. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in higher education or research. A Doctor of Education (EdD) program is designed for students who want to work as practitioners or administrators within educational settings at the K-12 or college level. An EdS is designed for educators who want to advance their knowledge and skills but don’t need a full doctoral degree to further their careers.
The PhD in Special Education from the University of Phoenix offers students an opportunity to specialize their studies in one of four distinct areas: Early Childhood Special Education, Postsecondary Disability Services, Applied Behavior Analysis, or Adult Learning and Development.
Special education doctoral programs are typically research-focused, meaning that rather than taking classes on topics like psychology or communications, you’ll spend much of your time working on a dissertation project, which can take years to complete. You might conduct studies that help you develop new and better methods of teaching students with disabilities. Or you might study the history of special education and how it has evolved over time. In general, though, your work will be focused on improving the field of special education as a whole.
Most doctorate degrees are designed to be completed in four or five years of full-time study, although some schools offer part-time options that let you take longer to finish. During this time, you’ll take anywhere from 30 to 100 credit hours of coursework—the exact number depends on the program you attend and what kind of doctoral degree it offers (PhD or EdD). To get into a doctoral program in special education, you typically need at least a master’s degree in special education.
A doctoral program in special education provides students with an in-depth understanding of the discipline, a specialization. Through these programs, students learn how to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. These programs are typically intensive and require students to complete research during their studies. Doctoral programs can take up to five years to complete. Some programs include a residency.
The children we work with are just like any other child, except for the fact that they have different needs and require more attention than their peers. Children in special education need extra help from adults to learn and grow, which is why special education teachers spend so much time with them.
This extra time spent with children means that there are plenty of opportunities for play and fun! While it’s true that some students may have trouble focusing on tasks that require more attention than others, this does not mean that they cannot enjoy playing games with their classmates or having fun at recess.
It’s important for special education teachers to remember this when they’re working with their students during a lesson plan or activity because it helps them keep things lighthearted while still accomplishing educational goals.
Doctoral programs in special education are designed to develop advanced competencies in research, policy, and professional practice. They foster the capacity to translate research into practice and policy as well as analyze and critique existing practices. These programs also prepare students to become leaders within their fields of expertise. A doctoral degree in special education will help you gain the research knowledge and skills needed to successfully address current issues impacting students with disabilities and their families. This program of study is designed for working professionals who want to increase their knowledge and expertise in the area of special education.