Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences
Please visit the Special Education Doctoral Program page for more information
As a field of study, Special Education (SPED) is dedicated to the improvement of the quality and outcomes of education, employment, and community living for children and adults with special needs and their families.
Doctoral students in Special Education prepare for careers in advanced administration and educational research.
Program Philosophy
The doctoral program in special education prepares individuals for research and teaching positions in higher education, research positions with private foundations, administrative positions in school districts and other state educational agencies, and consultation positions in professional education. The depth and breadth of research, teaching service, and preparation at the UO College of Education transcend many program options in special education.
Program Description
Secondary/Transition Services
The Secondary/Transition program option focuses on adolescents and young adults with disabilities during secondary school and during the transition from secondary school into society and adult roles. Students who participate in doctoral studies in Secondary Special Education and Transition develop skills in four core areas (Policy, Advocacy, Instruction, and Research) and are prepared to assume national leadership roles in the field of secondary special education and transition. The program includes rigorous coursework in research methods, a carefully planned sequence of transition-related coursework, opportunities to develop instructional competencies in a university setting, and opportunities to be involved in transition-focused research projects being conducted by faculty in the College of Education. Graduates of the program are prepared to assume a wide range of roles as university faculty, researchers, leaders of state agencies, as well as consultation positions in professional education.
Doctoral Degree
The area of Special Education offers doctor of education (D.Ed.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. The program requires approximately 90 credits beyond the master's degree, and is designed for full-time students. Typically, students complete the program in three or four years.
Application, Deadlines, and Admission
The application packet contains procedures and forms necessary for general admission to the Special Education doctoral program. To receive full consideration for fall admission, complete application packets must by on file with the program academic secretary by January 5. (After January 5, late applications may be reviewed, pending space available.) Incomplete application files are destroyed 12 months after receipt.
For specific information regarding application requirements SPED Application Information
If you have questions regarding the status of your application materials, please call the Special Education Academic Secretary at (541) 346-5521.