Message from the Chair

If you are exploring a career in special education, you will find an array of program and degree options available to you. Career decisions are always difficult. But once you have decided on a direction, it is critical that you gain the best education and experience available in the field you have chosen. President John F. Kennedy loved to quote the ancient Greeks and their definition of happiness: "the full use of your powers along the lines of excellence." Choosing the right program of study to prepare you for a career is very critical. As judged by our peers, this Department is considered one of the finest academic programs in the field of special education in the nation. The programs are rigorous, with high expectations for our graduates.

We hope that a review of this web site will help you learn more about the programs, what learning experiences they offer you as a student, as well as the interests of our faculty and staff centrally involved in advising our students. We have experienced an extraordinary level of support from the university in assembling a gifted and internationally renowned faculty committed to their research, teaching and the mission of improving the education and living experience of infants, children and young adults with disabilities.

As Chair of this outstanding Department, it is my privilege to make you aware of the accomplishments of our faculty and the many innovative features of our programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. All of us here in the Department entreat you to consider seriously a career in this critical and challenging field and the possibility of exploring involvement with our Departmental programs and research activities.

Philip J. Burke, Ph.D.
Professor & Chair

LATEST NEWS:

*Available Funding for Master's & Doctoral Programs*

New Funding Opportunities - Doctoral Program in Secondary and Transition Leadership