Special Education, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Special Education is intended for students interested in special education, deaf education, or early intervention (i.e., birth through kindergarten early childhood special education). The program requires a minimum of 69 credit hours beyond the master’s degree, and it emphasizes 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; and creating, interpreting, and implementing special education policy and procedures. Students in the SES doctoral program are required to successfully complete all listed course work. Additional Ph.D. program requirements are determined through a series of milestones and on an individual basis in consultation with the student’s major advisor and advisory/dissertation committee members.

Program Distinctions

The UNC Greensboro School of Education was named one of the 2022 “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.

The Student Experience

• Doctoral students receive preparation in a wide variety of research methods, including 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), Critical Review of Special Education Literature, Coaching and Supervision of Teaching & Learning, and College Teaching & Adult Learning Theory.

After Graduation

Graduates of the program are prepared for successful careers as researchers, teacher educators, staff developers, advocates, educational consultants, curriculum developers, and school administrators.