Program Overview

Special Education Ph.D. with a concentration in Developmental Disabilities and Autism

Overview

The doctorate in Special Education with a concentration in Developmental Disabilities and Autism focuses on the preparation of personnel to assume leadership roles in research, education, and training.

Program Details

• Program Type: Doctoral Degree
• Format: On Campus
• Estimated Time to Complete: 2-4 years
• Credit Hours: 63

Requirements

• A master's degree in Special Education or a closely related field is required for application to the doctoral program.
• Candidates with master's degrees in other fields will be required to take up to five additional courses in Special Education, with advisor's approval.

Marketable Skills

• Synthesize empirical literature for research trends
• Critically evaluate existing research
• Design/conduct methodologically rigorous research
• Evaluate special education programs/personnel
• Apply knowledge for educational/social policy-making

Program Highlights

• UNT's College of Education is one of Texas' top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors, and other school professionals.
• The rigorous curriculum allows you to participate in formal coursework, independent study, internships, practicums, and dissertation research.
• As you progress through the program, you can enroll in specialized coursework focusing on autism intervention, emotional/behavioral disorders, or mild/moderate disabilities.
• The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, which means we meet or exceed strict academic standards for excellence in education.
• The Kristin Farmer Autism Center offers opportunities for research and intervention with individuals with autism.

Career Opportunities

• Become involved in community-based programming
• Network with professionals in special education and other disciplines
• Participate in interdepartmental studies
• Assess and evaluate students with special needs
• Analyze the implications of school reform/refine the delivery of services to students with special needs
• Fill leadership personnel needs in special education
• Offer prevention and evidence-based interventions for at-risk populations and individuals with disabilities
• Provide services for culturally and linguistically diverse children with special needs in urban and rural areas

Sample Courses

• Advanced Studies in Evidence-Based Practices in High and Low Incidence Disabilities (3 hrs)
• Special Education and Public Policy (3 hrs)
• Advanced Program Evaluation (3 hrs)
• Biomedical Aspects of Autism (3 hrs)
• Advanced Studies in Autism (3 hrs)
• Analysis of Trends, Issues, and Research in Special Education (3 hrs)