Doctoral Degree in Special Education
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The PhD program in Special Education is ideal for educators, researchers, and professionals committed to advancing the field through scholarship, leadership, and evidence-based practices. It is especially suited for those seeking careers in higher education, policy development, or specialized roles in school systems and research institutions.
Program Overview
Through rigorous research, hands-on mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration, Special Education PhD students gain the skills needed to influence policy, lead innovative practices, and contribute to the academic field of special education. Whether your goal is to teach in higher education, conduct impactful research, or shape inclusive education policy, this program offers the expertise and support to help you lead change in diverse educational settings.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
- A minimum undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75.
- Combined scores on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) of 300 (current scale) or 1000 (prior scale).
- A fifth-year certification OR a master’s degree in special education, interdisciplinary early childhood education, or counselor education with a minimum grade point average of 3.5.
- A minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in special education or related field.
- At least four (4) positive recommendations attesting to the candidate’s ability as a professional with potential for success in doctoral study.
- A statement of the applicant’s objectives for completing a doctoral program.
- A personal statement or brief autobiographical statement of the applicant.
- A sample of the applicant’s academic or professional writing.
If an applicant meets these criteria and appears to have the background, academic record, experience, and professional objectives that are consistent with Departmental expectations, the person is invited to campus to interview with faculty and to meet current doctoral students. If the candidate is unable to visit the campus, arrangements can be made for telephone or web-conference interviews with members of the Department’s Graduate Admissions and Standards Committee (GASC). However, it is highly recommended that applicants visit campus.
The GASC then makes a decision about admission. If all criteria are met, a recommendation is forwarded to the Graduate School via the Department’s Director of Graduate Study (DGS). Typically, admission decisions are made no later than 30 days after the interviews have been completed.
Application Deadlines
Domestic & International Students
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Fall
- 03/01/2025
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Spring
- 10/01/2025 International Students apply for Spring Sept. 15.
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The goal of the Special Education Leadership Personnel Preparation Program is to prepare students to assume positions as educators, researchers, and scholars in higher education settings. The program leads to the Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree (Ph.D.).
Students in the Ph.D. in the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education may select program focus areas in applied behavior analysis, assistive technology, learning and behavior disorders, moderate and severe disabilities, and interdisciplinary early childhood education. There is a formal option in Counselor Education.
Specific course requirements for individual students will vary according to each student’s background and stated objectives. Competency lists that have been developed by faculty in the Department guide the selection of courses and related training experiences. However, each student must complete a graduate core (23 credits), coursework in a departmental area of emphasis consisting of at least 15 credits, coursework in a support area (a minimum of 15 credits), and a research block of courses (minimum of 21 credits). The coursework is divided among four areas:
- Special education personnel preparation
- An area of emphasis selected from the following:
- Applied behavior analysis
- Assistive technology
- Interdisciplinary early childhood education
- Learning and behavior disorders
- Moderate and severe disabilities
- A thematic support area from outside the department area of emphasis.
- A research block of courses.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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