Doctoral Program in Special Education

Doctoral Program Coordinator
Dr. Maureen E. Angell

Listen to a message about the Doctoral Program from the coordinator. (Read transcript.)

New Chicagoland Cohort begins Fall 2010

Designed with the working professional in mind, individuals can pursue a Director of Special Education Post Master's Certificate and/or a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Special Education. Learn more about the cohorts.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Special Education is offered by Illinois State University for persons seeking leadership positions in special education. Highly individualized programs based on the student's education, professional experience and career plans are offered and include formal coursework, independent study, professional practice, and a dissertation.

The doctoral program in Special Education at Illinois State is a 75-hour program that includes 24 hours of core coursework, 21 hours of specialty coursework, 15 hours of elective coursework, and 15 hours of dissertation. Doctoral level classes are typically offered in the evening to accommodate part-time working students and commuters. Plans of study may vary based on students' interests and previous coursework, but all include required coursework and dissertation hours.

Admission

Get admission information and required forms.

Financial assistance

• Graduate assistantships: Students may apply to the Department of Special Education for competitive graduate assistantships that include tuition waivers and compensate graduate assistants for up to 20 hours of work per week.
• Financial support alternatives: Learn about loans, grants, employment, scholarships, tuition waivers, and financial aid.
• Special Education scholarships

Resources for current students

The Department of Special Education doctoral program is based on a cohort model. On-campus and off-campus cohorts begin during specific semesters, but students may enter the doctoral program and begin taking elective courses as they wait for the full cohort to begin taking core and specialty courses.

• Download the graduate courses offered in Department of Special Education (pdf).
• Get information and advice about completing a successful dissertation.
• Download the Special Education Doctoral Student Handbook (pdf). This handbook is a supplement to the Illinois State Graduate Catalog and Illinois State University's Graduate School Mission Statement, Bylaws, Regulations and Procedures. It provides information about enrollment in the doctoral program and clarifies degree requirements and procedures.

Advisement

Learn about the advisement process for doctoral students.

Faculty

The Department of Special Education has a graduate faculty of 20 who specialize in inclusive education, curriculum and instructional strategies, assistive technology, behavior change, transition, advanced assessment and instruction, and other research areas. Faculty areas of expertise by disability include Learning and Behavior Disorders, Severe and Multiple Disabilities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Visual Impairment.

Professional and student organizations

Students are encouraged to become involved in student and professional organizations.

For more information

if you have further questions.