Multicultural Special Education (MCSE)

Doctoral Degree

The Multicultural Special Education program at The University of Texas at Austin is one of the longest standing programs in the country to offer graduate preparation focusing on services for individuals with disabilities from diverse socio-cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. The Department actively recruits individuals with a commitment to services for culturally and linguistically diverse populations. The specialization in Multicultural Special Education (MCSE) is designed to prepare educators to work with individuals with disabilities and their families from diverse socio-cultural and linguistic communities. In addition to their specialization in MCSE, all students complete a concentration of courses in one of the other areas offered by the department.

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 the 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

• Sociocultural Foundations of Multicultural Special Education (Fall)
• Research on Assessment and Intervention in Multicultural Special Education (Summer)
• Educational Leadership in Multicultural Special Education (Spring)
• Designing Personnel Preparation Programs: Multicultural Special Education (Spring)
• Advanced Research Seminar in Multicultural Special Edcuation
• Internship: Multicultural Special Education (Ed.D. students must complete six hours)

Area Faculty

Shernaz B. Garcìa, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Associate Professor
Fellow in the John Pier Eben Endowmnent for Education

Alba A. Ortiz, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Professor
President's Chair for Education Academic Excellence

Phyllis Robertson, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Clinical Associate Professor

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

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