Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership, Special Education Administration, PhD

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This program prepares leaders to direct special education programs in local school divisions, state education agencies, and other settings. It also addresses the critical shortage of Ph.D. faculty to meet special education needs in educator preparation programs by producing graduates for higher education faculty positions specializing in high incidence disabilities. The special education concentration focuses on improving outcomes for students with disabilities through access to general education curriculum with emphases on evidence-based and culturally responsive practices and collaborative service delivery. The program includes a strong foundation in law, policy, leadership, and organizational dynamics, as well as a rigorous research core. In consultation with their advisers, students also select one or two cognate sequences to support their career goals.

For more information please contact Dr. Ginnie McLaughlin, at 757-221-2337.

Core Componet (12 Hours)

Research Component (15 Hours)

EDUC 663 - Principles of Educational Research (3).
EDUC 665 - Intermediate Statistics in Education (3).
EDUC 694A - Qualitative Research Design & Methods, Part I (3).
EDUC 694B - Qualitative Research Design & Methods, Part II (3).
One of the following:
EDUC 700 - Advanced Statistics in Education (3).
EPPL 765 - Applied Field Research Project (3).

Cocentration Area (21 Hours)

Cognate(s) (12 Hours)

Each student will select one or more cognate areas to broaden his/her knowledge base and provide additional areas of specialization. Students may select 6 hours in two cognate areas or 12 hours in one area. Courses listed in more than one cognate or concentration area can be used to satisfy only one requirement. Students should discuss their potential cognate area(s) with their faculty advisor.

Culminating Experience (3 Hours)

EPPL 790 - Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership Research Seminar (3).

Dissertation (6 Hours)

Each student must complete an approved dissertation while enrolling in a minimum of 6 dissertation hours under the supervision of his/her faculty advisor.

EDUC 800 - Dissertation (Var.)