Ph.D. in Special Education - Admission Requirements

The applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in the Department of Special Education must specify, in writing, his or her career goals and reasons for seeking admission to this program. A statement related to research goals also is appropriate. Materials submitted with the application form must include:

  1. A letter of application that includes clearly articulated personal statements of professional goals that are related to the focus of the Ph.D. program in Special Education. (Raters of applications focus upon the match between program characteristics and stated goals as well as professional commitment.)
  2. Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate level courses indicating grade point averages (and receipt of a post baccalaureate degree in special education or a related field.)
  3. Three letters of recommendation. At least one shall be from an individual familiar with the applicant's academic performance and potential for doctoral degree completion and at least one from an individual knowledgeable of the applicant's quality of work experience. (Raters of applications look for evidence of ability to complete doctoral studies and potential for leadership.)
  4. Representative samples of scholarly writing, preferably in APA style, and/or other media samples related to professional study. (Raters of applications keep in mind that writing and media samples should be of high quality when compared to those of other pre-doctoral graduate students.)
  5. A resume of professional preparation and experience (which includes a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in special education, general education or other relevant field as a teacher, administrator or related service provider.
  6. Scores from the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examination (taken within five years from the date of application for admission). The department does not impose "minimums" for GRE scores. GRE scores are considered in concert with the entire application portfolio.
  7. The department Admissions Committee may request additional information and/or a personal interview.

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that his/her file is complete. Incomplete files will not be considered.

In general, applicants will be expected to have a 3.50 grade point average on all graduate-level work and indication of potential to successfully complete all requirements of doctoral study (provided through submitted writings, letters of recommendation, GRE results, etc.) to be admitted as doctoral students in the Department of Special Education.

Graduate College Admission Information