Special Education - Ph.D. at Kent State University
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    Special Education - Ph.D. at Kent State University

    Kent State University
    Kent State University
    United States of America
    United States of America, Kent
    University Rank:#1001
    Special Education - Ph.D. at Kent State University

    The Special Education - Ph.D. at Kent State University is a PhD program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Kent , United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 4 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 25, 2027.

    About Special Education - Ph.D.

    The Ph.D. degree in Special Education is designed to prepare highly qualified, experienced persons for leadership roles in the profession, and for roles as teacher educators and researchers. The program enables students to master a comprehensive field of emphasis in special education; employ intellectual and innovative methods for addressing the needs of exceptional children, youth and adults; and acquire a breadth of understanding of related disciplines that focus on the professional roles of college teaching, research, administration and clinical/educational/agency-based services for individuals with exceptionalities.

    Students participate in research studies, learn methods for conducting research and design independent and collaborative studies in their specialty area. In addition to conceptualizing, designing, implementing and interpreting research, all doctoral students are also expected to demonstrate competence in teaching at the college level during their doctoral training.

    The doctoral program prepares individuals for academic faculty and research positions in colleges, universities and research centers, in addition to administrative and advocacy positions.

    Accreditation

    The Ph.D. degree in Special Education is accredited by the Council of Education of the Deaf for coursework that focuses on deaf education.

    Graduates of the program will be able to:

    1. Formulate ideas, concepts, designs and/or techniques within and beyond the current boundaries of knowledge and practice in the field of special education; demonstrate breadth within their learning experiences.
    2. Articulate research problems, potentials and limits with respect to theory knowledge or practice in the field of special education; create research and scholarship that makes a substantive contribution to the field.
    3. Share knowledge and research in the field of special education with students in a clear and engaging manner; effectively communicate with students within and outside of class; advance contributions of the field of special education to society.
    4. Communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner to a variety of audiences.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to work well with others, participate in professional organizations and adhere to ethical standards of research protocol and professional behavior.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Special Education - Ph.D. at Kent State University

    Entry Requirements

    • Master's degree from an accredited college or university for unconditional admission
    • Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale (minimum 3.500 GPA is recommended) for unconditional admission
    • Official transcript(s)
    • GRE scores (minimum score of 50th percentile is recommended)
    • Résumé or curriculum vitae
    • Goal statement
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Interview
    • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
      • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
      • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
      • Minimum 77 MELAB score
      • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
      • Minimum 58 PTE score
      • Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

    For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education's admission website.

    Program Learning Outcomes

    Graduates of the program will be able to:

    1. Formulate ideas, concepts, designs and/or techniques within and beyond the current boundaries of knowledge and practice in the field of special education; demonstrate breadth within their learning experiences.
    2. Articulate research problems, potentials and limits with respect to theory knowledge or practice in the field of special education; create research and scholarship that makes a substantive contribution to the field.
    3. Share knowledge and research in the field of special education with students in a clear and engaging manner; effectively communicate with students within and outside of class; advance contributions of the field of special education to society.
    4. Communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner to a variety of audiences.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to work well with others, participate in professional organizations and adhere to ethical standards of research protocol and professional behavior.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 58
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    English Program Requirements

    Submitting your English test score

    When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.

    • Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
    • An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..

    All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.

    Proficiency Waivers

    Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.

    Tuition and Fee Information for Special Education - Ph.D. at Kent State University

    1 Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.

    2 Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.

    3 Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge.  Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.

    All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee.  The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.

    Application Fee 70

    How to Apply for Special Education - Ph.D. at Kent State University

    Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.

    Submit an Online Application and Fee
    Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply
    • Passport biographical page.
    • English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
    • College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language). 
    • College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language). 
    • GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
    • Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
      • Assistantship application.
      • Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines. 
    • Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
    • Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
    • Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
      • *Financial documents are only required after acceptance. 
    Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System

    For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.

    Check Your Application Status
    Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)
    Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)

    If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.

    Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival

    For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.

    Special Education - Ph.D. at Kent State University
    Kent State University
    Kent State University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Kent

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