Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education

The Ph.D. program in the Department of Special Education is designed around the interests of the student and the expertise of the faculty and aims to produce a top researcher seeking an appointment in a university or research setting. Before acceptance into the program, the department evaluates whether a student's interest area matches with an area of faculty expertise. Once accepted, students work with the Plan of Study committee (POS) to shape their course of study. The POS is made up of faculty, including the student's advisor. Many interests related to special education field can be accommodated, including subfields related to autism spectrum disorders, behavior disorders and prevention, early childhood special education, early intervention, gifted and talented, non-categorical special education, severe disabilities, and transitions.

In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:

A recent (within the last five years) GRE score of 300 or higher. An earned MA degree in special education (or a related area) with an accomplished scholarly record at the master's level Three years of appropriate experience (defined as three years of work in agencies serving children and youth, one year of which must have been spent in direct, full-time interaction with exceptional children) A demonstrated commitment to a scholarly career in special education

English Language Requirements: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT); International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 6.5; Pearson Test of English (PTE): The minimum score of admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 59.