Special Education, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's Ph.D. program in special education prepares leaders, researchers and practitioners in the field of special education.

It focuses on developing expertise and skills in special education issues at the national and international levels and on policy development for inclusive special education programs.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's doctoral program in special education requires the completion of 30-36 credits of coursework, 12 credits of dissertation research, a comprehensive written examination, an oral examination/proposal defense, and a public presentation and defense of the dissertation.

Careers

Possible career paths for graduates with advanced degrees in special education include faculty positions in colleges and universities, positions in research institutes and organizations, curriculum coordinator, educational outreach coordinator, nonprofit specialist, special educator and adult educator.

Admission Requirements

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE or other applicable graduate entry exam scores
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Please note that application deadlines for this program differ for international students.

Application Deadlines

Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by July 1, for the spring semester by November 1 and for the summer semester by April 1. International students should apply by May 1 for the fall semester, Oct. 1 for the spring semester and February 1 for the summer semester.

Review Process

A committee reviews each application wholly.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by February 1. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.  

Accreditation

The School of Education at Saint Louis University is accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). To contact CAEP:

1140 19th St NW #400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 223-0077

1. Graduates will be able to explain special education learning and curriculum theories.
2. Graduates will be able to research questions in the field of special education.
3. Graduates will be able to analyze social justice issues in education.
4. Graduates will be able to explain how special education learning and curriculum theories are used to develop education programs.
5. Graduates will be able to use oral and written communication.

Introductory Research Courses

Students must complete master’s level graduate research coursework as prerequisites for advanced research courses. Students are required to successfully complete the following three research courses.  Up to 6 credits maybe waived based on students' prior coursework.  

Advanced Research Courses

Select either a Quantitative or Qualitative option:

Non-Course Requirements

• Students must pass comprehensive written examination,
• an oral examination/proposal defense, and
• a public presentation and defense of their dissertation.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

• 24 hours of research coursework is required (including 12 hours of dissertation research).
• 12 hours of research coursework is required as follows:
  • All Ph.D. students take EDR 5000 General Research Methods for Education (3 cr) and an advanced research class with either a qualitative or quantitative focus (6 hours total).
  • Students then choose 6 additional hours from either the qualitative or quantitative focus (6 hours total; see lists of research electives below).

Research Electives: Qualitative Research Focus

Research Electives: Quantitative Research Focus

Content Electives

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
SLU School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu