Special Education

Doctor of Education
Department of Special Education and Disability Studies

Mission and Program Outcomes

This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the preparation of special education scholars and leaders. The program is designed to support the development of doctoral students who possess knowledge of emerging research from the fields of cognitive and neuroscience and an understanding of its capacity to change  understanding of human growth and development processes across the life span. It incorporates the changing knowledge landscape of human growth and development by offering opportunities to translate and apply new neuroscience research for populations at risk for atypical development and learning processes. The special education curriculum and student research opportunities are aligned with developing knowledge about the plasticity of the brain and neurological processes as they relate to cognition, language and social-affective development. The program's course work is designed to deepen knowledge of disability in society and understanding of the response of social institutions to atypical development. Also, the program includes a common leadership and research core, and students may work with faculty who have research interests in several focus areas, including early intervention and early childhood, secondary and transition to post-secondary, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and bilingual special education.

The doctoral program seeks applicants who can advance collaborative, interdisciplinary research aimed at improving outcomes for children and families. Candidates are prepared for leadership in academic settings, research communities, policy making, and advocacy organizations. The ideal candidate can assume leadership responsibilities that include translation of scholarly information from cognitive neuroscience into educational practice and policy. Also, candidates are expected to lead transformative efforts to improve the lives of all children and reduce the historical and continuing social exclusion of children with disabilities.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Carol Kochhar-Bryant

Program Details

Program Locations
Foggy Bottom Campus (DC)

57-62 Credit Hours (without dissertation research)
Dissertation research: minimum 12 research hours

Sampling of coursework:

• Foundations of Neuroscience in Special Education
• Disability and Contemporary Society
• Research and Trends in Special Education
• Doctoral Clinical Internship

Admissions Deadline:
Fall - January 15 (Priority deadline to be considered for tuition support) or April 1 (final deadline)
Spring: October 1

Semesters for Entry:
Fall and Spring

For more information, please contact:

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