Special Education

The Special Education area of specialization within our Education Ph.D. program is designed for both K-12 educators interested in research-informed approaches to inclusive education, and students who would like to work as special education faculty at colleges and universities.

Special Education-5

Program overview

The area of specialization in special education is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in both K-12 schools and higher education institutions, where they can contribute to special education teacher preparation and address a nationwide shortage of special educators. Working within our Ph.D. in Education, students gain knowledge and skills in research and evidence-based practices for supporting all students with inclusive learning opportunities. Our program offers academic rigor with the flexibility to pursue a program of study specifically catered to your interests and goals. Our faculty have extensive experience with teaching and research in areas such as low-incidence disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual disabilities), high-incidence disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, emotional disorders and ADHD), multi-tiered frameworks (Response to Intervention and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and multilingual learners in special education. Throughout their doctoral program, students have opportunities to put research into practice, working with one of our many partner organizations both on- and off-campus that serve individuals with disabilities.

A typical doctoral program of study in the Special Education specialization, would include the following courses:

Research Prerequisite (4 Credits)
EHD 510 – Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits)
INT 601 – Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit)

Foundations Courses (15 credits)
EHD 690 – Doctoral Proseminar (3 credits)
EHD 660 – History of American Education (3 credits)
EHD 661 – The Sociology of Education (3 credits)
EHD 664 – Philosophy of Education (3 credits)
EHD 522 – Educational Psychology (3 credits)

Research Core (15 Credits)
EHD 573 – Statistical Methods in Education I (3 credits)
EDT 574 – Statistical Methods in Education II (3 credits)
EHD 571 – Qualitative Research: Theory, Design and Practice (3 credits)
EHD 572 – Advanced Qualitative Research (3 credits)
Research Methods Elective (3 credits)

Program Core
SED 598: Issues and Trends in Special Education
SED 598: Policy (internships)
SED 598: University Teaching/Co-Teaching
SED 598: Grant Writing

Dissertation (6 Credits)

Multiple states and the federal government have identified an urgent need to develop and train more special education teachers and related personnel. A shortage of special education faculty in higher education contributes to shortages and limits the capacity of colleges and universities to address the problem. Our Ph.D. graduates are prepared to meet the needs of children and communities as district special education directors, curriculum coordinators, school-based administrators and in positions at state education departments. The program also prepares graduates for faculty positions at higher education institutions, working with the next generation of teachers and producing transformative research.

Learning Outcomes
Our curriculum is designed to help our graduates attain the professional knowledge and competencies outlined by the Council for Exceptional Children’s Advanced Preparation Standards. The standards describe the necessary skills and expertise for practicing special education teachers. The Council for Exceptional Children is the premiere professional organization for special education.

  • Assessment: Special education specialists use valid and reliable assessment practices to minimize bias.
  • Curricular Content Knowledge: Special education specialists use their knowledge of general and specialized curricula to improve programs, supports, and services at classroom, school, community, and system levels.
  • Programs, Services, and Outcomes: Special education specialists facilitate the continuous improvement of general and special education programs, supports, and services at the classroom, school, and system levels for individuals with exceptionalities.
  • Research and Inquiry: Special education specialists conduct, evaluate, and use inquiry to guide professional practice.
  • Leadership and Policy: Special education specialists provide leadership to formulate goals, set and meet high professional expectations, advocate for effective policies and evidence-based practices, and create positive and productive work environments.
  • Professional and Ethical Practice: Special education specialists use foundational knowledge of the field and professional ethical principles and practice standards to inform special education practice, engage in lifelong learning, advance the profession, and perform leadership responsibilities to promote the success of professional colleagues and individuals with exceptionalities.
  • Collaboration: Special education specialists collaborate with stakeholders to improve programs, services, and outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities and their families.

As the state’s largest teacher preparation and training institution, the UMaine College of Education and Human Development has relationships with schools across the state that doctoral students can collaborate with on research and acquire practical skills related to their program of study. The program provides opportunities for students who wish to become higher education faculty to teach courses in special education to undergraduates. In addition, our special education faculty lead or have relationships with several organizations both on- and off-campus that our students can work with while earning their degree. These include:

For current information about tuition and fees, please visit Student Business Services.
 
Students interested in graduate assistantships will need to apply through the UMaine Graduate School. More information is online.

Applicants for the doctoral program must have at least a master’s degree. Applications should be submitted through the UMaine Graduate School.

Contact Us

For questions about the Education Ph.D., contact Director of Graduate and Online Programs Esther Enright, esther.enright@maine.edu.
 
For general queries use the Graduate School contact form below, or email coehd@maine.edu.

Graduate School Contact Form