Special Education, Ph.D.
College of Education
Our special education doctoral program is designed to prepare you as a leader who is committed to improving student outcomes in educational and community settings. Graduates enjoy a range of career possibilities.
Design a course of study that best suits your professional goals. Choose from a higher education and research track with a focus on special education scholarship or a leadership and administration track with a focus on skills to manage special education programs and policies at the district, state or national level.
Program Highlights
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Design Your Program
Create an individual plan of study that's tailored to your unique research interests and career goals.
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Notable Faculty
Our faculty are experts in a range of special education topics from policy and law to teacher preparation.
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Intensive Mentoring
The program provides in-depth mentoring and advising to ensure scholars are equipped to serve in various leadership roles.
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Ranked Program
Be part of a college ranked in the top 15 percent nationally for graduate programs of education by U.S. News & World Report.
Building Skills
Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.
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Understand Complexity
Analyzing and synthesizing information to identify patterns and connections
Cultural Awareness
Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs
Empathy
Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and demonstrating compassion and support
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Innovation
Introducing new ideas, methods or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal
Research
Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems
Critical Thinking
Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
Using your degree
Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.
Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.
Potential Careers
- Educator
- Researcher
- Faculty
Job Titles of Alumni
- Assistant Professor
- Adjunct Professor
- Educational Consultant
- Special Education Placement Chair
- Research Assistant Professor
Workplace Settings
- Education
- Agencies
Employers of Alumni
- University of South Carolina
- Special Olympics South Carolina
- Richland School District Two
- South Carolina Department of Education