Special Education
Doctoral Program

Program Information

The Department of Special Education (EDSP) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree which is designed to prepare individuals to conduct and disseminate research and prepare future teachers in special education. U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked the EDSP department as one of the nation’s leading programs in personnel preparation. Students accepted into the PhD program are prepared to assume faculty positions at research universities or leadership positions in state and local education agencies, policy organizations, or the federal government. Therefore, the PhD program goals consist of the following:

1. To prepare highly qualified scholars and researchers in the field of special education
2. To prepare highly qualified teacher educators in the field of special education who can prepare personnel in the field of special education
3. To prepare leaders, advocates, and policy developers who will make an impact upon the education and lives of individuals with disabilities and their families

Required Doctoral Coursework

Once admitted to the doctoral program, each student develops a formal plan of study with a faculty advisor that complements his or her previous background and professional goals before completing 21 credits of study. Required courses include:

EDSP 860: Doctoral Research Seminar in Special Education
EDSP 875: Policy Issues Affecting individuals with Disabilities
EDSP 872: Theory & Empirical Design in Special Education
EDMS 645: Quantitative Research Methods I or Equivalent
EDMS 646: Quantitative Research Methods II or Equivalent
EDSP 670: Single Subject Research in Special Education
EDSP 671: Qualitative Methods in Special Education or equivalent
EDSP 651: Applied Multiple Regression Analysis OR 3 credit course equivalent at the intermediate level (e.g., single subject or qualitative research methods)
EDSP 898: Pre-Candidacy Doctoral Seminar
EDSP 899: Dissertation Research in Special Education

Concentration Areas & Funding Opportunities

In addition to the required courses, PhD candidates also select one of the following concentration areas and plan content coursework with a faculty advisor. For additional information on these concentrations, faculty associated with each area, and fellowship/funding opportunities, click on the appropriate area:

	Behavior Disorders		Dr. William Drakeford Dr. Peter Leone
	Learning Disabilities		Dr. Rebecca Silverman Dr. Deborah Speece Dr. Susan De La Paz
	Early Childhood Special Education		Dr. Joan Lieber Dr. Paula Beckman
	Policy Studies		Dr. Margaret McLaughlin Dr. Philip Burke
	Secondary & Transition Services		Dr. Paula Maccini Dr. Sherril Moon Dr. Debra Neubert
	Severe Disabilities		Dr. Andrew Egel (Autism) Dr. Frances Kohl Dr. Sherril Moon

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