Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders (LD/BD)

Doctoral

The specialization in Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders (LD/BD) includes advanced coursework, field applications, and research focused on evidence-based practices for persons with learning disabilities and behavior disorders. Coursework emphasizes instructional methodology, behavior support, cultural and linguistic diversity, collaboration, technology, and research.

Doctoral Degree Options

Two doctoral degree programs are available: the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). Both programs prepare students for a variety of careers.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program trains students to conduct research in universities and in other environments. The dissertation, which demonstrates research skills, is a novel contribution to the field of special education.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program emphasizes applied research and prepares students for leadership roles in a variety of educational settings. This dissertation investigates an issue in special education or rehabilitation counseling and contributes to policy development or practice.

Comparison of the Doctoral Degree Requirements

Core Areas of Study	Ph.D.	Ed.D
Specialization Core	12 hours	12 hours
Content Core	9 hours	9 hours
Research Core	15 hours	12 hours
Professional Core	15 hours	15 hours
Interdisciplinary Core	9 hours	9 hours
Internship*	As required by area	6 hours
Dissertation	12 hours	12 hours
TOTAL	72 hours	75 hours

*Students seeking the Ed.D. must complete a 6-hour internship (appropriate prior work, completed within six years of admission to candidacy may be substituted with teh approval of the Academic Adviser and Graduate Adviser).

These general requirements set a minimum standard for the doctoral degree. Students develop their own individualized program of study in consultation with their Academic Adviser and the Graduate Adviser.

Program Components

Doctoral programs require 72 to 75 credit hours beyond the master's degree and generally take three to four years of full-time study to complete. The program of study includes work in the following core areas:

• The Specialization Core provides students with specialist expertise through advanced coursework and collaboration with faculty in their chosen area of study.
• The Content Core complements each student’s specialist training by exposing students to contemporary and emerging trends across a range of special education and rehabilitation topics. This is accomplished by completing coursework in at least three other areas of specialization within the Department.
• The Research Core includes work in quantitative and qualitative methodology, single-subject design, and measurement and evaluation. This work develops knowledge and skills in the design, conduct, and evaluation of research related to individuals with disabilities.
• The Professional Core develops skill in research, teaching, and service.
• The Interdisciplinary Core consists of elective coursework in a related discipline outside the Department of Special Education that complements the major areas of study.
• Dissertation
• Professional Activities Beyond Coursework. In addition to coursework, all students are expected to become actively involved in a variety of professional activities across these core areas (e.g., supervision of student teachers, presentation at professional conferences, submitting manuscripts for publication, teaching at the undergraduate level).

Core Courses

• Trends & Issues in Learning Disabilities/Behavioral Disorders
• Intervention Research in Learning Disabilities
• Seminar in Learning Disabilities
• Seminar in Behavioral Disorders

Area Faculty

 

Diane Pedrotty Bryant, Ph.D., (University of New Mexico)
Professor
Fellow in the Mollie V. Davis Professorship in Learning Disabilities

Anne Fuller, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Clinical Associate Professor

Sylvia Linan-Thompson, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Assistant Professor
Fellow in the Mollie V. Davis Professorship in Learning Disabilities

Herbert J. Rieth, Ed.D., (University of Kansas)
Professor
Chair of the Department of Special Education
Audrey Rogers Myers Centennial Professor in Education

Audrey McCray Sorrells, Ph.D., (University of Florida)
Associate Professor
Undergraduate Adviser
Department Minority Liaison Officer
Ford Fellow
Lee Hage Jamail Regents Chair in Education

Sharon Vaughn, Ph.D., (University of Arizona)
Professor
H.E. Hartfelder/Southland Corp Regents Chair in Human Resource Development

Cheryl Wilkinson, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Assistant Professor