PhD Developmental Disabilities and Autism Special Education

The doctorate in Special Education with a concentration in Developmental Disabilities and Autism focuses on the preparation of personnel to assume leadership roles in research, education, and training.

In addition to the required course work, all doctoral students will have opportunities to accomplish a number of professional competencies including submitting a grant application, submitting a manuscript for publication consideration, course instruction, and presenting at professional conventions.

The requirements are designed to increase the capacity of graduates to provide effective leadership in the area of autism programming and policy development and to conduct valid, empirical intervention-based research that will bridge existing research-to-practice gaps and improve outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

A master's degree in Special Education or a closely related field is required for application to the doctoral program. Candidates with master's degrees in other fields will be required to take up to five additional courses in Special Education, with advisor's approval.