Doctorate in Special Education Program Guide
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About 15% of U.S. K-12 students qualify for an Individualized Education Plan, according to a 2024 PBS News report. Factors such as teacher high turnover and a lack of qualified applicants make helping these children and adolescents a significant challenge.
A doctorate in special education can train you to educate the next generation of teachers and perform research, leading to improved instructional best practices.
The best online degrees for teachers offer an asynchronous curriculum with the same support services on-campus students receive. Consider an online degree if you do not want to pause your career.
Doctorate in Special Education Program Overview
Focus
Typically, an Ed.D. in special education trains you to create and manage special education programs at the school or district level, while a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in postsecondary education. The specific knowledge and skills you learn depend on your focus area, also known as concentration. You choose a focus area based on your career goals, professional experience, and prior education.
Curriculum
Your curriculum depends on your focus area and whether you pursue a Ph.D. or Ed.D. Classes in a Ph.D. program may include research methodology, disability in society, and doctoral-directed study. Ed.D. classes may feature inquiry into special education, critical issues and trends in special education, and school improvement.
Program Length
Expect a program in special education to take 3-4 years if you pursue an Ed.D. In practice, the dissertations for these programs usually take less time to complete than a traditional dissertation. Although a typical Ph.D. in special education takes at least five years to complete, you may graduate sooner if you enroll in an accelerated program.
Admission Requirements Checklist
Admission requirements vary by school and degree type. However, typical requirements include:
- A master’s degree
- Professional experience
- A teaching license or certification
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- An interview
Check program websites for the latest requirements. University admissions advisors can answer questions and help you complete your application portfolio.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Expect From a Doctorate in Special Education Program?
A typical doctorate in special education can involve a mix of asynchronous and synchronous coursework. The latter takes place in the evenings. Foundational classes cover the latest special education research and best practices.
Research classes prepare you for the Ph.D. dissertation or Ed.D. dissertation in practice. Both require significant research and writing.
Your concentration affects your academic experience significantly. Your program may offer one or more concentrations like those below.
- Applied Behavioral Analysis: Applied behavioral analysis concentrations examine how professionals define, measure, and analyze human behavior. Coursework looks at the methods used by teachers and professional behaviorists in these areas, along with student results and improvements.
- Learning Disabilities: This concentration explores how teachers educate students with specific learning disabilities. Coursework highlights methods for designing programs and evaluating and supporting learners with special needs.
- Autism: In autism concentrations, you’ll examine the research on meeting the educational and personal needs of children with autism. You may look at some issues, common learning challenges, and successful teaching methods in this field.
- Early Intervention: These concentrations focus on best practices and policies regarding early intervention in special education. You’ll examine methods for identifying children’s disabilities, evaluating their needs, and developing appropriate assessment procedures.
- Policy and Administration: In policy and administration concentrations, you focus on program and policy development. You’ll study issues in special education policies and processes for enacting change.
How Much Does a Doctorate in Special Education Cost?
You don’t need to go into significant debt to pay for a doctorate in special education. In-state public universities may offer you the most affordable per-credit rate. You may also qualify for tuition reimbursement through your employer.
Average Tuition and Fees for Graduate Programs
Public College
$20,510
Private College
$28,020
Why Get a Doctoral Degree in Special Education?
- Teach Undergraduates: Graduates with a doctorate can teach special education classes at the college level. Working as a postsecondary educator lets you pass on your extensive experience and skills to the next generation of special education teachers.
- Lead a Department: Graduates with an Ed.D. can lead a school or district’s special education department. These professionals can see how their work improves educational outcomes and makes schools inclusive to learners with special needs.
- Earn More: Many school districts pay educators with doctorates more than teachers with only a master’s or bachelor’s. A doctorate in special education may also qualify you for an administrative position. Admin roles typically pay more than teacher positions.
- Perform Important Research: A doctorate in special education emphasizes research and writing skills. Your research can improve how all special educators work with students with disabilities. Apply to Ph.D. programs if you want a research-focused career.
- Choose a Concentration: Concentrations let you align your education with your career goals. This benefit helps you graduate with the knowledge and skills you need for professional success. Research universities closely to make sure they offer the concentration you need.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Special Education?
You can explore many careers with a doctorate in special education. The table below reflects the latest median salary for five popular jobs. Remember that you may earn less as a recent graduate.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $102,610 |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $84,380 |
| Principal | $103,460 |
| Special Education Teacher | $65,910 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate in Special Education Programs
A doctorate in special education typically takes 3-5 years to complete, depending on whether you earn an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. Many students need more time to earn a Ph.D. because of the dissertation requirement.
If you are learning part-time or working while in school, it may take more than five years to graduate. Speak with your academic advisor to create a graduation timeline that aligns with your unique needs.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 21, 2024.
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