Masters of Urban Design
The Master of Urban Design program at Kent State University is designed to provide stud...
Ph.D. in Special Education
Kent, Ohio
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Kent State University's Ph.D. in Special Education is a specialized program designed to prepare scholars, researchers, and leaders in the field of special education. The program combines advanced academic training with practical experiences, equipping graduates to address the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities in educational settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum is carefully crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of special education theories, research methodologies, and evidence-based practices. Core courses cover areas such as inclusive education, assessment and intervention strategies, and specialized topics such as autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. The program allows for individualized study, enabling students to tailor their coursework to specific areas of interest within special education.
Research Focus: At the heart of the Ph.D. program is a strong emphasis on research. Faculty members actively engage in cutting-edge research projects related to special education, and students are encouraged to participate in research activities, contribute to scholarly publications, and present their findings at conferences. The program aims to cultivate research skills that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field and inform evidence-based practices.
Industry Engagement: Recognizing the importance of practical application, the program fosters strong connections with the special education industry. Graduates are prepared for roles in research institutions, government agencies, school districts, and non-profit organizations. The program encourages industry engagement through internships, collaborative research projects, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to enhancing special education services.
Global Perspective: With an understanding of the global nature of special education challenges, the program integrates a global perspective into its curriculum. Courses explore international approaches to inclusive education, cultural considerations in special education, and global policies impacting individuals with disabilities. Students are encouraged to engage in international research collaborations and contribute to the global dialogue on special education.
Location
Kent, Ohio
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18448
PhD Entry Requirements
Application Fees : US$ 70
Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 80% or above as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 58 is often required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 110 is required.
Students must provide:
- Academic marksheets & transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement - SOP
- Passport
- Other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Kent State University actively promotes diversity and international collaboration in academia by offering scholarships specifically tailored for Ph.D. students from around the world. These scholarships aim to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing advanced degrees and encourage global scholars to contribute to cutting-edge research.
Global Diversity Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to attract and support high-achieving international Ph.D. students. It encompasses full or partial tuition coverage and may include additional benefits such as research grants and stipends.
Research Excellence Scholarship: Geared towards Ph.D. candidates with exceptional research potential, this scholarship provides financial support to facilitate groundbreaking research projects. Recipients may receive funding for equipment, travel, and other research-related expenses.
Teaching Assistantship Awards: Kent State University offers teaching assistantship awards for qualified Ph.D. students. These awards not only contribute to tuition costs but also provide valuable teaching experience, enhancing the academic journey of international scholars.
The Ph.D. in Special Education program at Kent State University offers graduates a versatile skill set, combining advanced knowledge in special education with research expertise. Graduates are prepared for a range of impactful and meaningful career options within the field.
Academic Positions: One of the primary career paths for Ph.D. holders is academia. Graduates can pursue faculty positions at universities and colleges, engaging in teaching, mentoring, and conducting research in special education. The program's emphasis on research excellence prepares individuals for tenure-track positions, academic leadership roles, and contributing to the ongoing development of special education knowledge.
Research and Policy Analysis: Ph.D. graduates can contribute to research institutions and policy analysis. By engaging in research projects, graduates can inform evidence-based practices, contribute to policy development, and address systemic issues affecting individuals with disabilities. Opportunities exist in government agencies, think tanks, and research organizations dedicated to advancing special education policies.
Leadership Roles in School Districts: With a Ph.D. in Special Education, graduates are well-suited for leadership roles within school districts. Positions such as Director of Special Education or Coordinator of Inclusive Services allow individuals to shape and implement policies, programs, and practices that enhance the quality of special education services provided within a district.
Special Education Consultancy: Ph.D. holders can establish themselves as consultants in the field of special education. Consulting roles may involve working with school districts, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to provide expertise on inclusive education practices, program evaluations, and strategies for supporting individuals with diverse learning needs.
Non-Profit Organizations: Graduates can contribute to non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. This may involve roles in program development, advocacy, and community outreach. Non-profit organizations focusing on disability rights, inclusion, and support services value the expertise of Ph.D. holders in guiding their initiatives.
Educational Leadership and Administration: Ph.D. graduates can pursue leadership roles in educational administration. Positions such as Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent allow individuals to influence policies at a district or regional level, ensuring that special education remains a priority in the overall educational framework.
Curriculum Development: Individuals with a Ph.D. in Special Education are well-positioned to contribute to curriculum development. They can work on creating inclusive curricula, designing instructional materials, and developing resources that cater to the diverse learning needs of students with disabilities.
Advocacy and Parent Support Organizations: Graduates can engage in advocacy work and join organizations supporting parents of children with disabilities. By providing expert guidance, participating in advocacy initiatives, and offering resources, Ph.D. holders can contribute to empowering parents and improving the educational experiences of children with special needs.
Professional Development and Training: Ph.D. holders can play a crucial role in professional development and training programs. They may design and deliver training sessions for educators, administrators, and support staff to enhance their skills in working with individuals with disabilities and implementing evidence-based practices.
International Special Education Initiatives: With a global perspective ingrained in the program, graduates can explore opportunities to contribute to international special education initiatives. This may involve collaborating with international organizations, participating in global research projects, and sharing expertise to address global challenges in the field of special education.
