Course Overview!

The joint UCLA-Cal State LA Ph.D. in Special Education program prepares graduates for leadership roles in the field, including teacher education and university faculty positions. The program emphasizes teacher education, theory, pedagogy, and research on disability issues. Students develop breadth and depth of knowledge in special education, with potential specializations such as early childhood education, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, and more. The curriculum includes core courses, research methods training, practicum experiences, and a cognate outside of education. A significant component of the program is the completion of a dissertation based on independent research.

Course Structure

The program involves coursework at both Cal State LA and UCLA. At Cal State LA, students complete 3 core courses and a higher education teaching practicum. Across both campuses, students take 5 statistics and research methods courses, 5 electives (with a distribution of 2 at one campus and 3 at the other), and 3 research practicum courses. At UCLA, students complete 3 cognate courses outside of education, a colloquium series, and a research apprentice course with a faculty advisor. The program culminates in a written and oral qualifying examination, advancement to candidacy, dissertation research and writing, and a final oral examination.