PH.D. IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH EMPHASIS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Special Education (SPED) doctoral program is a full-time course of study that prepares students for academic positions in universities and research institutions. The program offers challenging coursework grounded in the field’s most current evidence and the latest advancements in research methodologies. Doctoral students receive valuable research and teaching competencies that provide a competitive advantage upon graduation. All courses are designed to develop a strong background in research.
The program consists of extensive coursework in cutting-edge research design and statistical methodologies. Students receive specialized coursework in special education practices and related issues. Additional core competencies are designed to enhance student competence in grant writing, research and college teaching.
Faculty research projects are supported by external funding sources from a number of federal, state and local entities. The array of research projects within the program provides opportunities for doctoral students to collaborate and gain valuable grant management and collaborative research experience. Students also have opportunity to conduct their own original research through coursework. Students present at national conferences and publish in high-quality journals.
WHY THE SPED DOCTORAL PROGRAM?
Doctoral students enroll in full-time coursework. They engage in research and teaching experiences to prepare them for careers in academia. The program offers:
● A collaborative cohort model
● Challenging coursework
● Latest advancements in research methodologies
● Valuable research and teaching competencies
SPED ADMISSIONS
December 1 for the following fall semester
* An alternate application deadline of April 1 is available for the Educational Psychology Ph.D. programs. Note that applications submitted by the December 1 deadline will receive priority in the review process and may have access to more funding opportunities.
SPED Admissions
The doctoral program committee uses the criteria below to assist in evaluating prospective student applications. Applicants are encouraged to use this as a guide in determining whether to apply to the program and in assembling their application packets.
REQUIRED CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO DOCTORAL PROGRAM
- Agreement to engage in full-time doctoral studies
- Prior experience working with individuals with or at risk of disabilities
- Bachelor or Master’s degree in a related area (e.g., special education, curriculum and instruction, bilingual education, psychology)
- Fit with Texas A&M University’s doctoral program (professional goals are compatible with program goals)
- Career goal of obtaining position in higher education or educational research setting
PREFERRED CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO DOCTORAL PROGRAM
- Teacher certification or instructional experience in school settings
- Already earned Master’s degree in related field
- Area of interest aligned with available SPED faculty
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Deadlines for submitting an application to the Special Education Doctoral Program are December 1 and April 1. Those accepted into the program begin the following fall semester.
Note applications submitted by the December 1 deadline are given priority and may be subject to more funding opportunities.
Top apply now, click here
APPLICATION QUALITY INDICATORS
ACADEMIC POTENTIAL
- GRE/Related Predictor
- GPA/Transcripts
- Previous degrees
- Prior scholarly accomplishments (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations)
PERSONAL STATEMENT AND FIT WITH PROGRAM
- Interest in educational research
- Awareness of SPED doctoral program goals
- Knowledge of the field of special education
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
- Research experiences
- Publication/scholarly presentation experiences
- Experiences with linguistically/culturally diverse populations
- Experiences working with individuals with disabilities
- International experiences
- First in family to attend college
- Relevant alternative educational experiences
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
- Letters speak to applicant’s scholarly potential (rather than clinical)
- Letters are provided by supervisors/advisors (rather than peers/friends)
Letters from individuals in higher education settings are preferred.
Program Details
Degree: Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (EPSY)
Emphasis: Special Education (SPED)
Degrees Offered: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
*Select College of Education and update credit hours
Funding Opportunities
- The majority of doctoral students in special education currently receive funding including tuition and a monthly stipend.
- Funding options include teaching or supervision graduate assistantship (GAs), federal leadership training grants and federal research grants.
- Competitive university level awards are available for students who qualify based on academic credentials and relevant experience.
- All student applications are reviewed to determine funding matches that align with student interests, interest, professional goals, and skills.
Because funding opportunities are competitive, students who apply by the December timeline are most often successful in securing funding.
Contact
Sally Kallina
Academic Advisor IV
Faculty
Dr. Lisa Bowman-Perrott
Associate Professor
Dr. Mack Burke
Associate Professor
Dr. Glenda Byrns
Clinical Professor
Dr. Jennifer Ganz
Professor
Dr. Shanna Hagan-Burke
Professor
Dr. Deborah Simmons
Professor
Dr. Kimberly Vannest
Professor
Dr. Dalun Zhang
Professor
Dr. Julie Thomspon
Assistant Professor
Dr. Melissa Fogarty
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Carly Gilson
Assistant Professor of Special Education
Dr. Florina Erbeli
Assistant Professor
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctoral
What are the typical program costs?
The following website can help you estimate the cost of the program, including current costs of tuition and fees: Click here for the cost of attendance estimator
Please note, you must update the program hours.
Can you guide me through the application process?
How to Apply: Master’s Application Information | Doctoral Application Information
I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?
Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the following departments: Office of Graduate Studies Financial Aid