Special Education Administration

Doctoral

The Special Education Administration (SEA) Doctorate Program at The University of Texas at Austin has been preparing students for major roles in special and general education administration since 1965. There has been continuous, regular track faculty commitment by the institution to the program since its inception. In the nation, it is one of a small number of doctorate level programs for special education administrators.

Doctoral Degree Options

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree and several years experience in the field of ECSE/Early Childhood/Early Intervention or a related field such as communication disorders or school psychology. There are no specific credit hour requirements set by the Graduate School for doctoral degrees, programs generally require three to four years of full-time study or the equivalent of 72-75 credit hours beyond the master’s degree.

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

The doctoral program generally requires three to four years of full-time study or the equivalent of 78-81 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. In addition to coursework, doctoral students are expected to become actively involved in a variety of professional activities across core areas. The doctoral program of study in SEA consists of requirements in each of 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

• Special Populations (Fall)
• Seminar in Special Education Administration
• Law & Disabilities (Spring, Summer I)
• Trends & Issues in Special Education Administration (Spring)

Area Faculty

James R. Yates, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin)
Professor
John L. and Elizabeth G. Hill Centennial Professor

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

Shernaz B. Garcìa, Ph.D., (The University of Texas at Austin
Associate Professor
Fellow in the L.D. Haskew Centennial Professorship in Public School Administration