PhD in Special Education

The Ph.D. in Special Education is for students who want to lead the way in special education, Deaf education, or early intervention (i.e., birth through kindergarten early childhood special education).

Special Education Ph.D. Students Work With Top Educators

The UNC Greensboro School of Education was named one of the nation’s “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report. All teacher education programs are fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Students In the Special Education Ph.D. Program Experience

• The special education doctorate program requires a minimum of 69 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. These emphasize four areas:
  • Generating knowledge to help shape the future of the field
  • Sharing knowledge with others so that they can understand it and use it to improve their practice
  • Facilitating strong professional relationships through collaboration
  • Creating, interpreting, and implementing special education policy and procedures
• Doctoral students receive preparation in quantitative, qualitative, single-subject designs, and mixed methods. Research apprenticeships provide opportunities for students to develop their skills.
• Sample courses include:
  • Issues and Trends in Special Education
  • Single Subject Research Design (SSRD)
  • Systematic Review of Special Education Literature
  • Coaching and Supervision of Teaching & Learning
  • College Teaching & Adult Learning Theory

After Graduating with a Ph.D. in Special Education

Graduates of the doctorate program leave ready to be researchers, teacher educators, staff developers, advocates, educational consultants, curriculum developers, and school administrators. Graduates from UNCG go on to the following careers:

• Consultant
• Teacher
• Early interventionist
• Special services administrator
• Special services advocate
• University or community college faculty member

Additional INformation

Graduate students may be eligible for wide range of scholarships and other funding opportunities. The School of Education organizes them according to three broad categories — the Haggai Academy, fellowships, and Graduate Assistantships.

Application Due Dates:

• April 1 for Fall admission
• Nov. 15 for Spring admission