Special education PhD
Become a leader in special education research and train future educators
As a PhD student in the special education program, you'll receive the training to find solutions to problems that help individuals with disabilities learn and grow. The program’s rigorous coursework and faculty-guided experiences will prepare you for a leadership role in special education.
Leaders in Advancing Data Decisions for Educational Responsiveness (LADDER)
The Leaders in Advancing Data Decisions for Educational Responsiveness (LADDER) is a grant that strives to educate highly qualified, doctoral-level personnel who can advance the study and effective implementation of data-based instruction (DBI). LADDER was created in partnership between the University of Minnesota and the University of Texas at Austin and was funded by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the US Department of Education. Visit the LADDER webpage and contact Kristen McMaster (mcmas004@umn.edu) for more information.
Coursework
Careers
Graduates with their doctorate in special education conduct research, teach in universities, and work in other educational settings in special education.
Tuition, funding, and financial aid
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Tuition and Financial Aid page for information on tuition.
- Special education scholarships, fellowships, and awards
- College of Education and Human Development awards
Minnesota Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship Pilot Program
Minnesota Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship Pilot Program provides post-secondary financial assistance to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to become teachers, have demonstrated financial need, and belong to racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the state’s teacher workforce.
Visit OneStop Student Services for more information on available financial aid.
Faculty
M.Y. Savana Bak
Assistant professor
Anne Foegen
Professor and department chair
Debbie Golos
Associate professor
LeAnne Johnson
Associate professor and special education program coordinator
Jennifer McComas
Professor and head of special education MA with emphasis in ABA
Kristen McMaster
Professor and Guy Bond Chair in Reading
Frank Symons
Emma Birkmaier Education Leadership Professor, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Policy, Distinguished McKnight University Professor
Jason Wolff
William Harris Professor in Child Development, associate professor, Director of Graduate Studies