As a special education teacher, you recognize the unique challenges faced by students with exceptionalities and their families. You understand that the goal of inclusion is not just to be in a classroom, but to be engaged and supported within that classroom. The Doctorate of Special Education degree from [school name] prepares you to be an effective leader in special education research, teaching, and policy making.
The online PhD in Special Education degree program is designed for individuals who have earned a master’s degree in special education or a related field and wish to pursue careers as university faculty or as leaders in state or federal agencies. This program will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct research that improves the lives of children with disabilities and their families; teach at the university level; and develop policy at the state and national levels.
This course of study incorporates a wide variety of subjects, including psychology, sociology, and communication. Students will learn about the various systems that support special education teachers, including how to apply those systems in the classroom and how they can be utilized by other teachers.
There are two types of students who typically enter this program: those who have had previous experience with special education children or are currently working as such, and those who do not have any background knowledge or experience with these children or their families. Students who have worked with children with disabilities or are currently working as such may benefit from a more general program that provides basic knowledge about special education, while those without any prior experience may find this type of program helpful when they begin looking into graduate programs.
This program is designed for professionals seeking an advanced leadership position within special education. You will develop the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to become a leader in K–12 schools or higher education. You will also learn how to advance your career into policymaking at the local and state levels.
The doctorate in special education (EDD) program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the practice-based field of special education. The program is practice-oriented and research-based with a focus on developing leadership and advocacy skills to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families, and their communities. The program requires between 60 and 66 graduate credits. This includes completion of a dissertation.
The coursework for this program is designed to help you learn more about learning disabilities and how they can be treated using special education techniques. You’ll learn what strategies work best for different types of learners, and how you can use those strategies in your classroom or in a one-on-one setting.
You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a clinical practicum that allows you to observe special education teachers in action and apply your knowledge in real-life settings. You’ll get hands-on experience working with kids with learning disabilities and designing effective educational programs for them.
The benefits of a doctorate degree in special education are numerous, but perhaps the most important is the ability to provide a quality education for children with disabilities. If a child has an impairment that keeps him or her from attending classes at school or if he or she is unable to attend classes on their own due to physical limitations, then a doctorate degree in special education can help prepare those students who need specialized services.
For students who do not have any specific learning disabilities but who have an exceptional ability or talent that has no impact on their daily lives, a doctorate degree in special education can also help prepare them for college-level coursework. This type of coursework will allow them to work as counsellors and other professionals who work with children with disabilities.
Through a curriculum that includes leadership, policy and practice, you will learn to develop innovative approaches for meeting the complex needs of students with disabilities.
You will also explore the theories and research related to special education, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities. This program prepares you for licensure as a special education administrator. You will be prepared to take on leadership positions in public schools or other educational settings in which you may find yourself working with students who have disabilities.