National University | PhD in Education - Special Education
National University's Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Special Education program is designed to examine instructional strategies for working with gifted students as well as those who are behaviorally, mentally, physically, and emotionally challenged. Continue reading to learn more about this specialized doctoral degree program.
Official Program Name:
Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Special Education
School Offering Program:
National University
Degree Level:
Doctoral
Program Prerequisites:
Individuals interested in this program may be college education instructors or K-12 gifted, special, or general education teachers. Those seeking admission to the Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Special Education program should possess a master's degree.
Program Description:
The Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Special Education is intended to cover current research, laws, and regulations affecting special education. Students have the chance to learn to develop appropriate curricula and assess student performance. In addition, students will be required to complete a dissertation project in which they must combine their knowledge, skills, and ingenuity to devise a unique, research-based solution to a field-specific issue. Ultimately, courses are designed to develop students' critical thinking, communication, research, and writing abilities.
Learning Format:
Online
Total Credits Required:
60 credits
Financial Aid Available:
Financial aid is available to qualifying students. Graduate students may apply for Federal Stafford Loan or the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan. Military personnel and veterans may qualify for special assistance or tuition reduction.
Tuition, Financial Aid & Start Dates
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Required Courses for a Doctorate in Education with a Specialization in Special Education:
Program and course requirements are subject to change. Please contact National University to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.
Doctor of Education Foundation Courses (24 credits)
- EDU 8000: Foundations for Graduate Study in Education
- EDU 8001: Advanced Scholarly Writing
- EDR 8200: Scholarly Literature Review
- EDR 8203: Research Methods
- EDR 8201: Statistics I
- EDR 8202: Statistics II
- EDR 8204: Advanced Qualitative Design and Measurement
- EDR 8205: Advanced Quantitative Design and Measurement
- One additional Specialization or Elective Course
Special Education Specialization Courses (18 credits)
- SE 7000: Introduction to the Exceptional Student
- SE 7001: Assessment in Special Education
- SE 7002: Characteristics of Student with Specific Learning Disabilities
- SE 7003: Characteristics of Students with Emotional and/or Behavioral Disorders
- SE 7004: Characteristics of Students with Intellectual Disabilities
- SE 7005: Law in Special Education
Doctoral Comprehensive Examination (3 credits)
- CMP 9700E: Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment: Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
Dissertation Requirements (12 credits)
- DIS 9901A: Components of the Dissertation
- DIS 9902A: The Dissertation Proposal
- DIS 9903A: Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection
- DIS 9904A: The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense
Post-Graduation Opportunities
Career Paths:
Upon completion of National University's Doctorate in Education with a specialization in Special Education program, graduates may have the opportunity to pursue higher-level responsibilities related to their current position. Other employment opportunities could be sought with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational publishing companies, colleges, or K-12 schools.
Potential positions could include:
- Educational consultant
- Academic researcher
- Special education professor
