Ph.D. in Special Education
The Ph.D. program in special education is designed to prepare students to be leaders in the field of special education, deaf education, or interpreting. In addition to coursework, doctoral students receive mentoring and apprenticeships in college-level teaching and research. External service experiences are possible to address the career goals of doctoral students. Through these activities, students will enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and their families.
Example Careers:
Researcher; teacher educator; staff developer; advocate; educational consultant; curriculum developer; SEA, LEA, and school administrators
Designed For
The Ph.D. program in Special Education is designed for individuals with three or more years of teaching, or other relevant professional experience, who desire preparation for leadership roles in deaf education, K-12 special education, B-K special education, or American Sign Language and interpreting. While most students attend the doctoral program full-time, part-time attendance is also possible.
Career Opportunities
Through the doctoral program, students are prepared to be leaders in special education and deaf-related professions. Career opportunities include serving as faculty in institutions of higher education, district or state-level special education/deaf education personnel, advocacy organizations, and other careers that require special education leadership.
Research Preparation
Doctoral students receive training 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.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of all application forms required by the UNCG Graduate School
- Well-developed statement of purpose that includes career goals within a field of study (e.g., special education, deaf education, early childhood)
- Writing sample (e.g., paper developed during master’s program)
- Three professional letters of recommendation (i.e., from former faculty)
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae
- Official transcripts from all universities attended
- Submission of Test Scores (e.g., GRE, TOEFL)
- Application fee
The UNCG Graduate School holds workshops to assist potential graduate students with the preparation of a competitive admissions package. Potential graduate students are encouraged to contact the Graduate School for additional information.