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Jun 15, 2026
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2026-2027 University Catalog
Educational Studies: Special Education Concentration, PHD
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About the Program
The mission of the Special Education Doctoral Program at Purdue University is to prepare scholars for faculty positions in higher education. This residential, full time, and competency-based program is designed to prepare students to conduct rigorous scientific and applied research, to teach at the university level, and to become leaders who strive to improve educational outcomes and quality of life for individuals with special needs. The program’s mission is accomplished through challenging coursework, competency-based faculty mentorship, and active student involvement in applied research. Program Website
Program Requirements
90 Credits Required(Up to 30 credits from a Master’s or professional Doctoral degree may be applied.) Required Courses (24 credits)
Research Courses (15 credits)
First Foundational Statistics Course (3 credits)
Choose one. Second Foundational Statistics Course (3 credits)
Choose one. Advanced Statistics, Research Methods, or Measurement Course (3 credits)
Additional Courses (3 credits)
The committee may approve equivalent courses for EDPS 53300 and EDPS 63000, and substitutions should be noted by the student in the Comments section of the plan of study. Electives (9-54 credits)
Elective coursework may be from other education programs or may include audiology and speech, language pathology, language development, instructional development, child development and family studies, psychology, etc. The plan of study must have at least one related area primarily outside of Special Education (in another program or Department, or combination of programs or Departments).
The PhD program in Special Education offers several signature areas for students to conduct research. The specific course requirements for the major emphasis will be determined by the student, the advisor, and the advisory committee, subject to approval by the Office of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS).
Dissertation Research (12-57 credits)
Concentrations
Interdisciplinary Concentration: Education Licensure Disclaimer - GR
For information on which Graduate programs lead to an Instructional or Administrative State of Indiana Educator License, and the obligations therein, visit the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) Graduate Programs website. The Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR) is the authoritative source for program licensure requirements. Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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