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Ph.D.

Special Education

Advanced Leadership and Research in Special Education

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a concentration in Special Education at WSU Vancouver prepares exceptional educators for advanced academic and leadership positions. Students engage in rigorous, innovative coursework alongside research and teaching internships designed to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. This university-wide program brings together faculty and students across campuses for live evening classes via video conferencing, offering a collaborative environment that balances professional preparation with flexible scheduling.

Through individualized mentorship from nationally recognized faculty, doctoral students develop deep expertise in specialized fields like autism spectrum disorders, Universal Design for Learning, assistive technology, and multitiered systems of support. WSU Vancouver emphasizes collaborative research and partnerships within schools and local communities. Graduates emerge ready to design inclusive curricula, conduct impactful research, and train the next generation of educators in higher education and professional organizations.

Contact us

B.A. & MIT (Elementary/Secondary)

Education Academic Coordinator
Email Address van.education@wsu.edu
Phone (360) 546-9673

Certifications, M.A., Ed.M & Ed.D

Education Academic Coordinator
Email Address van.education@wsu.edu
Phone (360) 546-9075
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Plan Your Special Education Doctoral Journey

Connect with an academic advisor to discuss your doctoral coursework, choose your research and specialization core electives, explore internship opportunities, and map out your path toward graduation.

Schedule an Advising Appointment

Program Highlights

  • Individualized research focus tailored to your specific interests
  • Collaboration with faculty and graduate students across four WSU campuses in research, teaching, service, and professional activities
  • Opportunities to work with nationally and internationally recognized faculty in areas such as autism spectrum disorders, Universal Design for Learning, augmented reality, assistive technology, early childhood, transition, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, learning disabilities, reading and writing disabilities, multitiered systems of support, and diversity and multicultural education
  • Potential partnerships with schools, communities, faculty, and fellow graduate students
  • Research and teaching internships with dedicated faculty mentors

Outcomes

Students completing the program and degree will possess:

  • The knowledge, skills, and experiences in special education desired by higher education institutions, teacher education programs, and professional agencies
  • The ability to design curriculum and coursework, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses
  • The ability to implement research that improves the lives of students with disabilities and their families

Application Requirements

Strong applicants who want to conduct research to positively impact the field of special education will have:

  • A graduate degree in special education or a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • K-12 teaching experience (preferred), though adult education or other special education experience is applicable
  • Demonstrated contributions to schools and communities

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to early submissions. To apply, submit an online application to the Graduate School. Your application must include:

  • A letter of intent detailing your research focus areas and identifying special education faculty members who share your academic interests
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A writing sample

The GRE is not required.