Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Special Education

University of Illinois Chicago

The PhD in Special Education prepares individuals for careers as university scholars, teacher educators, and school leaders. With a focus on conducting research on special education in urban and culturally diverse schools, we emphasize the importance of data and empirically derived theory to promote effective practice and policy for students with special needs. The program develops student competencies in research and teaching through coursework and individual advising. In addition, the program provides doctoral students opportunities to develop competitive professional resumes through scholarly publications and presentations at the national, state, and regional levels. Program faculty have expertise in a range of areas including language and literacy, early intervention, developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, special education policy, and teacher preparation.

College of Education