The PhD in Special Education prepares individuals for careers as university scholars, teacher educators, and school leaders. With a focus on conducting research on special education in urban and culturally diverse schools, we emphasize the importance of data and empirically derived theory to promote effective practice and policy for students with special needs. The program develops student competencies in research and teaching through coursework and individual advising. In addition, the program provides doctoral students opportunities to develop competitive professional resumes through scholarly publications and presentations at the national, state, and regional levels. Program faculty have expertise in a range of areas including language and literacy, early intervention, developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, special education policy, and teacher preparation.
Degree Requirements Heading link
Degree Requirements Heading link
Overall: 96 semester hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree or 64 semester hours beyond the master’s degree
Faculty Heading link
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
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What can I do with a PhD in Special Education?
The purpose of UIC’s Special Education PhD program is to prepare students to pursue careers in special education research in either academia or to pursue school or district administrative positions. Most graduates move into higher education which includes preparing teachers, conducting research, and contributing to the field via various service activities.
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How long does the program take?
Most students complete the program between four and six years with full-time students, typically completing the program in closer to four years and part-time students completing the program in six years.
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Is transfer of course credit allowed?
Transfer of course credit is not automatic and requires approval of program faculty. The UIC Graduate College permits no more than 25 percent of the hours to be transferred into the degree. UIC’s Special Education PhD program will transfer up to 16 credit hours of relevant coursework if approved by the program coordinator and the Graduate College. For more information about credit transfer procedures, please consult the UIC Graduate Catalog.
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Can I hold a job while in the program?
Yes, many students in the program will hold a full-time job during their program. Evening course meeting times help to reduce conflicts between work and academic schedules.
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When do courses meet?
College of Education courses typically meet once a week in the evenings (5 p.m.–8 p.m.) Monday through Thursday. In the summer, they typically meet twice per week in the evenings (4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)
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Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required.
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Is a master’s degree required for this program?
Yes. A master’s degree is required to earn a PhD. The master’s degree may come from any field related to special education. For students without a master’s degree, it is possible to earn one as part of the program of study while pursuing the PhD. Experience working in the field prior to enrolling is beneficial to students entering the field.
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Can I afford the degree?
UIC makes every effort to help students pay for the cost of going to college. Our College Financial Aid page can help answer your questions.
Review the UIC tuition and fee schedule and find out more about billing and payment options.
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers six basic types of financial aid for graduate students: fellowships, assistantships, tuition-and-selected-fee waivers, traineeships, loans, and employment. Applicants for these types of aid must be admitted to a graduate degree program or have a completed application pending. Eligibility for loans is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applicants for loans should go directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applications for fellowships, assistantships, and tuition/fee waivers are available in the department office, the Graduate College Office, and on the Graduate College website. In the administration of these programs and in selecting students for participation in them, the University of Illinois at Chicago adheres to the Nondiscrimination Statement on the Office for Access and Equity website.
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Can I get housing on campus?
Yes. It is best to apply as soon as you know you want to live on campus, because applications are prioritized by date of application. Visit campus housing to find out more and submit your application.
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What student support does the College of Education provide?
The UIC College of Education is committed to the success of its students. If you have concerns or questions you can stop by the Office of Student Services or make an appointment to see a faculty advisor. The College encourages a good working relationship between students and their advisors. You can also find support from your professors and fellow students. UIC offers many support programs and opportunities that encourage academic success. Your program advisor can help you connect to UIC resources.