Doctoral Programs

Welcome! Our program prepares leaders in the field of Special Education; we seek students with strong and active commitments to the improvement of education and quality of life for infants, children, adolescents and adults with disabilities and their families.

Our Ph.D. students are immersed in a 90-hour program of study, participate integrally in the undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs, and have multiple opportunities for engaging in research.

A range of questions about our program is answered through the links below. If this information does not answer all your questions, we encourage you to leave a message on our Message Board, at the end of this page.

Table of Contents

Who are the Faculty?

What Kinds of Jobs do our Graduates Take?

What are the Program Requirements?

• Individual Content Areas
• Advisory Committee
• Course Requirements
• Major Area
• Inquiry Requirements
• Minor Area
• Electives
• Dissertation
• Dissertation Research Committee
• Doctoral Portfolio
• Annual Portfolio Review
• Final Portfolio Review/Qualifying Examination
• Advancement to Candidacy
• Residency
• Steps to Completing the Doctoral Program

Is There a Doctoral Minor in Special Education?

• Minor Area
• Faculty Representation
• Coursework
• Qualifying Examination Requirements

How do I Apply?

• Application Deadlines
• Admission Requirements
• Planning an Interview
• Financial Support

Can I Afford It?

• Leadership Training Fellowship & AI/RA Option
• Assistant Instructor Positions
• Graduate Assistantship
• Student Loans

What are the Research Opportunities?

What Kinds of Jobs do our Graduates Take?

What is it like to live in Bloomington? (Information from IST)

Can I talk to an IU Doctoral Student?

• Doctorial Program guide in Curriculum and Instruction Department