Doctoral study in special education at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development provides students a unique opportunity to develop skills needed for success as teacher educators, researchers, and scholars in the field of education. In addition to the usual coursework, doctoral students work closely with faculty members on research projects, college teaching, support of professional organizations, and other activities that will be important parts of their subsequent professional careers. Graduates of the doctoral program in special education at U.Va. have become eminent scholars and leaders of professional organizations.
Goals of the Ph.D. in Special Education Program
Students who pursue advanced studies in Special Education generally have one of two settings in mind for employment, one a university or college setting, the other a research-and-development center, agency, or organization. The Ph.D. program includes coursework, a research apprenticeship, and practical experiences to prepare graduates to produce original research that contributes to the knowledge base in special education and to teacher education in general; it also prepares graduates to provide effective leadership in this area. For those who plan to work in colleges and universities, the Ph.D. program additionally prepares graduates to educate special education professionals with evidence-based practice as the base.