Special Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Quick Facts
Main Campus (Tucson)
In Person
January 15
The Special Education PhD program prepares leaders to advance equity and justice for children with disabilities through ethical practice, rigorous research, and innovative special education policy, administration, and program development.
Students in the program will develop knowledge and skills in four core areas:
Culturally Sustaining Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education
Students will gain an understanding of evidence-based practice in special education, issues of equity and justice, and the impact of race, culture, and language. Students will apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
Research Methods
Students will design and implement ecologically valid research, develop a research agenda, work with practitioners to introduce and sustain evidence-based practices in schools, and disseminate new research among scholars and practitioners.
Personnel Preparation
Determined in collaboration with the major advisor, students will engage in effective teaching within teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education and/or service in preK-12+ schools. They will understand teaching methods, program coordination, school collaboration, and issues related to service delivery in preK-12+ schools.
Professional Knowledge and Career Skills
Students will gain skills in professional leadership development, survival skills, ethics, professional writing, and grant writing. They will apply these skills in various contexts, such as job searches and professional presentations.
Graduates of the program are national leaders who conduct and design research in higher education and school settings. They also serve as directors of special education and administrators in public or private schools.
SERP 595D: Evidence-Based Practice in Special Education
SERP 603: Equity and Justice in Special Education
SERP 605: Leadership, Policy, and Administration in Special Education
EDP 667: Research Design and Techniques
Admission Requirements
- A graduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential for advanced graduate study in their chosen specialization
- A written personal statement.
- CV and a technical writing sample
- Relevant experience (three years of experience preferred)
- A master's degree in special education, rehabilitation, or a related discipline
- Personal interview (in person or via Zoom)
- Other requirements set by the Graduate College
Ready to learn more?
We recommend reading the student handbook for details about our department and our program. For more information, contact Professor Sunggye Hong.
Funding Opportunity for Fall 2026
Collaborative Approaches to Impactful Special Education Leadership is a doctoral program delivered in partnership by Wayne State University (WSU), the University of Kansas (KU) and the University of Arizona (UA). This fully funded four-year program will prepare you for special education leadership positions, including research, teacher/leader education, and administration. Accepted students will interact with each other, faculty from WSU, KU, and UA, and various individuals and organizations who are leaders in administration and special education across the country. If you're ready to drive systemic educational change, support special education personnel, and improve outcomes for students with disabilities and their families, please consider applying.