Course Overview!

Ball State University's online PhD in Special Education prepares graduates for leadership roles in education and behavioral professions. The program emphasizes core knowledge and skills for advanced practice, allowing for specialized expertise in various focus areas. These areas include American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism, Teaching and Learning (low and high incidence populations, and emotional and behavioral disorders), and Systems, Teaching, and Learning RTI/MTSS. The program integrates scholarship and evidence-based practices, focusing on community-based learning for socially meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Graduates will be equipped to serve as teacher educators, special education managers, curriculum specialists, or directors of treatment centers.

Course Structure

The PhD program comprises 91 graduate credits, with a possibility of transferring up to 30 master's credits. At least 40 credits (excluding dissertation) must be in the major, and 48 credits must be completed at Ball State. 10 credits are dedicated to the dissertation. Students collaborate with the program director and their doctoral committee to design a plan of study. Coursework includes research methods, statistics, and a chosen focus area. A research cognate and a second cognate (9 credits) are required. The program also includes a comprehensive examination and dissertation defense.