Ph.D. Special Education

Overview

Having the complex skills and knowledge to educate people with a broad range of abilities has never been more important. This doctoral program prepares students to assume faculty positions in universities and leadership positions at school districts where they train teachers in research-based practices in Special Education. 

Those enrolled in the 60-credit Ph.D. program work closely with innovative faculty mentors to learn how to conduct and evaluate advanced research in the field. They gain the sophisticated tools necessary for college teaching, grant writing, program administration, and writing for publication. 

Lehigh’s noted faculty in Special Education have expertise in such areas as autism, academic interventions for children with learning difficulties, ADHD, emotional/behavioral disorders, and applied behavior analysis. Alumni of the program include professors at universities, teacher trainers in school districts, and other educators vital to the field. 

The program has full-time and part-time options, and classes are held in the late afternoon or evening. This Ph.D. is geared toward the college graduate who holds a master’s degree in Special Education or a related area. Full-time doctoral students may engage in research activities for about 20 hours per week, supported with stipend and tuition funding.  In addition, they typically begin co-teaching with faculty in the second year of the program. 

Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a qualifying project to demonstrate their research skills and then take a comprehensive exam. Researching and writing a dissertation is the culmination of the program. 

There are opportunities for doctoral students to gain practical experience at Lehigh’s Autism Services Clinic, which works with young children using such proven methods as Applied Behavior Analysis, Pivotal Response Treatment, and Positive Behavior Support. 

Those seeking to apply to the Ph.D. program should complete the online application and provide official undergraduate and graduate transcripts. They must have a Master of Education in Special Education or a master’s in a related field. 

Prospective students should provide a personal statement of their career objectives and work experience in the field and two letters of recommendation with at least one from a faculty member of an accredited academic institution. They should submit their GRE test scores from within the last five years, and their TOEFL score, if applicable. 

The admission committee will use a holistic approach to review applications. We take into consideration the applicant's research interests, letters of recommendations, graduate academic performance, and GRE scores. The Special Education Program is committed to inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity. We encourage applications from individuals who have a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.

Curriculum