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 in school districts where they train teachers in Special Education research-based practices.
Students enrolled in the 60-credit Ph.D. program work closely with faculty mentors to learn how to conduct and evaluate advanced research in the field. They gain the tools necessary for college teaching, grant writing, program administration and writing for publication.
Lehigh’s noted faculty in Special Education have expertise in areas including autism, academic interventions for children with learning difficulties, ADHD, emotional/behavioral disorders and applied behavior analysis. Program alumni include university professors, teacher trainers in school districts and other educators vital to the field.
The program has full-time and part-time options; classes are held in the late afternoon or evening. This Ph.D. is geared toward college graduates who hold a master’s degree in Special Education or a related area. Full-time doctoral students may engage in research for approximately 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 proven methods such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Pivotal Response Treatment and Positive Behavior Support.
The Special Education program is committed to inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity. We encourage applications from candidates who have a broad range of life experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Master's degree in Special Education or related field
- Two letters of recommendation, personal statement
Quick Facts
Transcript Evaluations: Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.
Deadline(s): December 1 for summer or fall start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.
Modality: On-Campus
Course Requirements: 20 courses (60 credits)
Typical Course Load: Fall (3 courses), spring (3 courses), summer (1-2 courses)
Time to Completion: 4-5 years depending on course loads and status (full-time versus part-time)
Program Alumni: Graduates of the program include university professors, teacher trainers in school districts, and other educators vital to the field
Curriculum
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| SCHP 496 | Doctoral Seminar in School Psychology and/or SPED 490 Doctoral Seminar in Special Education |
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| Required: | |
| EDUC 410 | Univariate Statistical Models |
| Other: | |
| EDUC 408 | Introduction to Statistics |
| EDUC 409 | Analysis of Experimental Data |
| EDUC 461 | Single-Subject Research Design |
| SCHP 473 | Advanced Research Methods in Applied Psychology |
| SPED 495 | Independent Study in Special Education |
| Other courses with approval of adviser. | |
Choose from special education courses or independent studies in special interest areas with approval of adviser.
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| EDUC 471 | Diversity and Multicultural Perspectives |
| Other courses with approval of adviser | |
Supervised mentored experiences such as college teaching, student teaching supervision, writing for publication, participation in research projects, presentations at national conferences, grant writing, or educational leadership in schools and community.
Faculty and Staff
-
Donna Toothman
Program Coordinator, Teaching, Learning, and Technology & Special Education Programs
-
Dr. Julie Fogt
Director of Centennial School and Affiliated Professor
-
Dr. Sara Kangas
Associate Professor and Program Director
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Dr. Lee Kern
Professor and Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice
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Dr. Kristi Morin
Associate Professor
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Dr. Elise Settanni
Teaching Assistant Professor
