Ph.D. in Education
Special Education
The Ph.D. in special education is designed to prepare researchers who are ready to assume leadership positions at universities, research centers, state departments of education, or other educational and governmental institutions in the field of special education.
Program Highlights: n Prepares graduates to develop and provide
high-quality training to the next generation of special education teachers n Prepares graduates to meet the diverse,
complex needs of students with disabilities and their families, and create strategies for developing programs that meet state licensure and accreditation requirements n Provides a deep understanding of different
research methodologies and scholarly endeavors frequently expected of faculty in special education
“I appreciate the creative solutions that faculty commit to building community, collaboration and inclusion throughout the program.” – Amber Brown Ruiz, Ph.D. in Special Education ’21
n Develops students’ policy advocacy skills to
better understand and influence national, state and local policies impacting the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families
Public Graduate School of Education
95%
of recent graduates describe their overall professional preparation as Excellent or Very Good
Visit soe.vcu.edu/academics/doctoral-programs or email soeinfo@vcu.edu