Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Special Education
Prepares students for leadership positions in colleges and universities, school districts, and community agencies. Our graduates are fully adept at conducting research, creating and disseminating knowledge in the field of special education, and teaching in higher education.
Contact Information
Katie M. Miller
Associate Professor
Department of Special Education
Office Location: ED 47 - 425
Campus: Boca
The doctoral program in special education is designed to prepare leaders in the field. Candidates for this degree program come from diverse professional backgrounds (e.g., special education teachers, certified behavior analysts, and curriculum specialists). Our doctoral graduates are prepared for leadership positions in colleges and universities, school districts, and community agencies. In addition to coursework, students work closely with faculty to conduct and publish research, present at state and national conferences, develop and teach courses, and prepare grant proposals for funding. The program accommodates both full- and part-time students.
The Department has a limited number of competitive graduate teaching assistantships available to assist with tuition costs and provides opportunities for collaborative work (e.g., research, conference presentations, publications) with department faculty. Most full-time students complete the program in about 3 years. The hybrid program offers a mix of face-to-face and online coursework, resulting in an accessible, robust doctoral education. Students interested in delving deep into different areas of study within the discipline of special education (e.g., special education teachers, certified behavior analysts, curriculum specialists) are invited to apply. The program accommodates both full- and part-time students. Learn about faculty research interests here.
The Department is a participating member of the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE). Member institutions of HECSE are major universities with national reputations for preparing teachers, related service providers, administrators, teacher educators, and researchers. Their faculty members are known for their excellence in teaching, research, and service in special education and related services. Learn more about HECSE here.
Program Overview
Consult the FAU Course Catalog for course descriptions and other details.
The DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN SPECIAL EDUCATION prepares graduates for leadership positions in higher education, school districts, and community agencies in the field of special education. Students work closely with their Major Professor to conduct, publish, and disseminate research; develop and teach courses; prepare grants; and, engage in service to the field. Students interested in delving into different areas of inquiry within special education (e.g. teacher education, applied behavior analysis, curriculum development, inclusive education) are invited to apply. The program is offered hybrid and accommodates full- and part-time students.
Area 1 | Special Education Core - 12 credits |
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| Contemporary Trends in Special Education |
| Historical, Theoretical and Legal Foundations of Special Education |
| Grant Writing |
| Teaching and Learning for Individuals with Disabilities |
Area 2 | Specialization - 12 credits |
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Students choose 4 courses in one area of focus:
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Area 3 | Research & Statistics - 18 - 21 credits |
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| Advanced Educational Research |
| Advanced Educational Statistics |
| Three (3) electives in Quantitative or Qualitative Method |
| *Precandidacy Research |
Area 4 | Doctoral Seminars in Special Education - 6 credits |
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| Triad of Professional Activities in Higher Education |
| Course Development and College Teaching |
| Professional Dissemination |
Area 5 | Internship & Residency - 6-9 credits |
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| Doctoral Internship in Special Education |
| Doctoral Residency in Special Education |
Area 6 | Dissertation Research - 12 credits |
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| *Students complete an original dissertation study. |
| Dissertation credits must be completed across a minimum of two semesters (fall and spring only), with a maximum of 6 credits within a semester. |
*Students are expected to publish this research.
How to Apply
Students are admitted for fall entry (August) only. Application deadline for domestic and international applicants: February 1st. To be considered for admission into the doctoral program in the Department of Special Education, applicants must complete a graduate application online through FAU’s Graduate College at www.fau.edu/graduate. Select the option for Ph.D. in Special Education.
Domestic and International Applicant Requirements
- Meet University and College admission requirements
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (in last 60 credit hours)
- Graduate GPA of 3.0
- A minimum of two years full time experience working with/supporting individuals with disabilities
- Personal statement*
- Major Professor selection statement
- Original writing sample
- Interview, if applicable
International Applicants - Additional Requirement
- English Proficiency. Have attained minimum English proficiency scores, in any of one the following within the last two years:
- TOEFL 500 (paper-based test), or 213 (computer-based test), or 79 (Internet-based test).
- ELTS score of at least 6.0.
- Duolingo 110.
*Domestic or international applicants with less than two years’ work experience, or an undergraduate or graduate GPA below 3.0, are required to address this in the personal statement.
Completed applications are forwarded to the Department of Special Education for a decision. Once applications are received from the Graduate College, students are then asked to complete the writing sample under specific conditions, and possible interview.