Special Education, Ph.D.
Tracks
1. University Teaching and Research
2. Special Education Leadership
Program Description
The Ph.D. program in special education focuses on preparing special education professionals with emphasis on either teacher education and research or administration and leadership. The Ph.D. program prepares its graduates to become successful and productive special education faculty members or administrators through an intensive course of advanced study. Courses include both seminars and experiential learning.
Learning Outcomes
Admission
- In addition to The Graduate School’s application requirements, applicants must have the following materials on file at The Graduate School, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208. Students applying for grant positions must have all materials on file prior to faculty interview.
- a supplemental application form for the Ph.D. in Special Education, and a letter of intent
- evidence that the applicant holds a professional certification in education or a related field (e.g., speech/language pathology, school psychology)
- evidence of five years of direct educational experience, which may include working with exceptional individuals in school, clinic, or residential settings.
- Upon verification of the above requirements the applicant will interview with the Programs in Special Education Admissions Committee and participate in an extemporaneous writing sample.
Specialized Competencies
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and discuss major theories and philosophies related to learning and the education of individuals with disabilities
- Demonstrate the ability to identify governmental and legal structures, requirements, and parameters relating to the education and life issues of individuals with disabilities.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical support for analysis of policies, procedures, and strategies that govern and direct educational programs (leadership).
- Demonstrate knowledge of theories in educational leadership and the application of these theories in practical settings (leadership).
- Demonstrate knowledge of pedagogical styles and the application of these styles in practical settings (higher ed).
- Demonstrate a personal philosophy of teacher-education and pedagogical preferences, and the application of this knowledge in practical settings (higher ed).
Admission
- In addition to The Graduate School’s application requirements, applicants must have the following materials on file at The Graduate School, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208. Students applying for grant positions must have all materials on file prior to faculty interview.
- a supplemental application form for the Ph.D. in Special Education, and a letter of intent
- evidence that the applicant holds a professional certification in education or a related field (e.g., speech/language pathology, school psychology)
- evidence of five years of direct educational experience, which may include working with exceptional individuals in school, clinic, or residential settings.
- Upon verification of the above requirements the applicant will interview with the Programs in Special Education Admissions Committee and participate in an extemporaneous writing sample.
Degree Requirements (63 Post-Masters Hours)
Prerequisites
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 710 | Legal Issues in Special Education | 3 |
| EDRM 700 | Introduction to Research in Education | 3 |
Area of Concentration (21 Hours)
Concentration in Special Education Leadership
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 815 | Coordination of Programs for Exceptional Children | 3 |
| EDEX 892A | Internship in Exceptional Children: A (Administration) | 3-6 |
| EDEX 893 | Advanced Topics in Exceptional Children | 3 |
| EDLP 702 | School Personnel Administration | 3 |
| EDLP 703 | Supervision of Instruction | 3 |
| EDLP 704 | School Finance and Business Management | 3 |
| EDLP 705 | Legal Basis of Educational Organization and Administration | 3 |
Concentration in Research/College Teaching-Special Education
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 892P | Internship in Exceptional Children: P (Pedagogy) | 3-6 |
| EDEX 892T | Internship in Exceptional Children: T (Teaching Internship) | 3-6 |
| EDEX 893 | Advanced Topics in Exceptional Children | 3 |
| Select four additional research courses as approved by advisor | ||
Research (18 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDRM 710 | Educational Statistics I | 3 |
| EDRM 711 | Educational Statistics II | 3 |
| EDEX 809 | Single-Case Research Designs in Special Education | 3 |
| EDEX 894 | Research Seminar in Special Education | 3 |
| EDEX 720 | Applied Research Experience in Special Education | 1-3 |
| Select one additional research course as approved by advisor | ||
Cognate (9 Hours)
- Select three courses in a focused area of study as approved by advisor
Educational Foundation Elective (3 Hours)
Select one 3 hour elective from Educational Psychology, Foundations of Education, and Curriculum as approved by advisor. Sample courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDFI 743 | The History of Education in the United States | 3 |
| EDFI 744 | Philosophy and Education | 3 |
| EDFI 847 | Modern Philosophies of Education | 3 |
| EDPY 706 | Growth and Development: Childhood | 3 |
| EDPY 835 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDEL 715 | The Elementary School Curriculum | 3 |
| EDEL 720 | Middle School Organization and Curriculum | 3 |
| EDCS 725 | Principles of Curriculum Construction | 3 |
Dissertation (12 Hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 899 | Dissertation Preparation | 12 |