A PhD program in special education prepares you to research and teach at the college level, provide leadership in government or research agencies, and become an expert in your area of interest. Currently, there are over 100 students enrolled in the program, hailing from all over the world. The program is rigorous, with students typically taking about five years to graduate. However, it’s extremely rewarding for those who commit to the work required.
Doctoral students specialize in one of three areas: early childhood special education, learning disabilities, or communication sciences and disorders. They also choose a dissertation topic that interests them and will be helpful for their future career goals.
Students in this program will receive a solid foundation in current research findings about exceptional learners, as well as the skills needed to identify and assess relevant and reliable evidence-based practices. They will also become familiar with the latest technology available to support and enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. In addition, they will learn how to conduct their own research in a variety of settings.
The next step in your journey is finding a doctoral program that can help you reach the pinnacle of your career. If you are passionate about helping people with special needs succeed in education, we can help make it happen. We offer doctoral programs fully online and on-campus that will prepare you to become an educator, researcher, or practitioner in your field.
If you’re looking for a doctoral program in Special Education, you’ve come to the right place. We offer doctoral programs that can help you become an expert in your field and qualify you for leadership or teaching positions at schools across the country.
The typical PhD program requires 3-6 years while EdD programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. Both degrees have similar core requirements and are equally respected by employers. However, the EdD focuses more on classroom practice whereas the PhD is more focused on academic research. Also, PhD programs tend to be more selective than EdD programs when admitting students.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The number of special education teachers will increase as students with disabilities spend more time in general education classrooms, requiring more special educators to provide support.
In the PhD in Education with a specialization in Special Education online program, students will explore how to address the needs of youth and adults with disabilities. Students learn how to create, implement and evaluate systems that support students with special learning needs. This program is designed for educators who are interested in becoming leaders in their field and driving change to improve the education of students with special needs.
The doctoral program in Special Education requires 70 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. The first year of this program focuses on research methodologies and coursework that prepares students for the qualifying examinations. After completing their qualifying exams, students work closely with a faculty advisor to define a research topic, write a dissertation proposal and complete an original research project.
Students who complete the doctoral program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to conduct research in special education, develop and implement effective policies, teach at the university level, and engage in advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
But we know that if you’re looking at this program, you’ve probably had an interest in special education for years. You might have worked as a teaching assistant or teacher and discovered your passion helping students with special needs. You might be interested in pursuing research to help optimize the education of students with disabilities.
Special education is a branch of education that focuses on teaching children who have disabilities or learning difficulties. Special education programs teach children with disabilities how to interact socially and academically, as well as helping them learn new skills that will benefit them later in life. Special education programs are often offered by schools, but there are some private institutions as well.
When you enroll in one of these programs, you’ll be given information about the kinds of classes that you need to take, what kinds of assignments will be required and even how much time you’ll need to invest into completing your degree program. You’ll also find out what kinds of financial aid is available to you, so that you can make sure that your program works well for your budget.