Special Education (Doctoral)

The Doctoral Study And Applied Research In Special Education is 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. The program 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 course work is designed to deepen knowledge of disability in society and understanding of the response of social institutions to atypical development.

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 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. We seek candidates who can assume leadership responsibilities that include translation of scholarly information from cognitive neuroscience into educational practice and policy. As well, 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.   

Tuition and merit scholarships are available on a competitive basis. For more detailed information, contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Alternative Specializiation for the Doctoral Program

Bilingual Special Education Specialization
Leadership for Diverse Learners Grant

Questions

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202-994-1820