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Special Education
The Special Education specialization will provide you with the knowledge and skills to implement the six pillars of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). You will investigate specific court and legal cases, federal mandates, case studies and application opportunities, with an emphasis on case law and research that addresses course-based concepts. You will also advance your knowledge and skills in student placement, service delivery requirements, discipline, appropriate educational decisions, family rights and privacy issues, and develop the skills to interact with special education administrators from a local district or university. As a Special Education graduate, you will be prepared to pursue positions as a school district administrator of special education programs or university positions where you will prepare special education students at initial certification or advanced levels.
General Degree Requirements
The PhD Program may be completed in 60 semester credit hours. However, up to an additional 15 credit hours will be allowed as needed to complete the dissertation research. If the program is not completed in 75 credit hours, the student will be dismissed from the program.
Completion Period for Doctoral Degrees
Northcentral University allows 7 years to complete all doctoral programs of 60 credits or less. Normal time to complete varies depending upon course take rate and credits transferred.
Certification and Licensing
The School of Education serves educational leaders by providing online graduate studies in education to reach worldwide populations. The PhD program is designed to reach national and international markets and does not purport to provide licensure or certification in any particular state or country.
PhD Degree Requirements
Admission to the doctorate programs at NCU requires a master's degree from an accredited institution. PhD students are also required to demonstrate competency in specific subject areas prior to enrolling in any of the specialization or elective courses.
Foundational Competencies for PhD Program
- Graduate Level Statistics Competency - PhD students are required to complete a Statistics in Education Research Course, EDU8003, and also EDU8006, Advanced Educational Statistics.
- Competency in Research Writing Skills - PhD students are required to show competency in writing skills for research purposes through their Northcentral University graduate coursework before being assigned to any dissertation courses. Students will be required to take EDU8001, Advanced Scholarly Writing, to improve APA formatting skills and to address advanced writing and research skills as necessary.
- Computer Competency - PhD students are required to use appropriate computer skills that are necessary in writing a dissertation. Students must be able to prepare documents using advanced word processing skills (e.g., creation of tables and figures, headers and footers, page breaks, tables of contents, hanging indents, etc.). In addition, students need to use computer programs for the statistical analysis and presentation of data (e.g., Excel, SPSS). The oral defense normally requires a computer-based presentation by the candidate (e.g., a PowerPoint presentation).
Course Length
All new students enrolling in the PhD in Education program are automatically enrolled in courses that are eight weeks in length. All eight-week courses are indicated by a "-8" (dash eight) at the end of the course code.
Course Code | Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
Specialization Course 1 | ||
EDU8002, EDU8002-8 | Educational Research Methodology | The purpose of this course is to enable students to gain a holistic understanding of the research process and examine the most common research designs used in educational research. In this course, students are prepared to make thoughtful and wise choices about their dissertation research project or capstone project through the exploration of different research design options. |
Specialization Course 2 | ||
EDU8003, EDU8003-8 | Statistics I | This course provides an introductory exploration of statistics for the graduate Learner. It includes instruction on the calculation, use, and interpretation of descriptive statistics, and introduces inferential statistical analysis. The emphasis of this course is on providing a working knowledge of basic statistical concepts to help the Learner understand statistical methodology used in education, and also more generally, developing a working knowledge of statistical usage in everyday life. |
Specialization Course 3 | ||
EDU8202, EDU8202-8 | Research Design | In this course, the Learner acquires the basic skills necessary for the interpretation and application of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. The Learner will examine the formal research process carefully, with an emphasis on practical applications and skill development. Critical concepts and principles intrinsic to research paradigms, study designs, and methods of inquiry are presented to empower the Learners ability to formulate and respond to research questions. The resources listed below from the Northcentral University Dissertation Center are critical resources throughout the whole research process _ learners are highly encouraged to become deeply familiar with the resources from the Northcentral University Dissertation Center. |
EDU8005, EDU8005-8 | Qualitative Research Design | This course is an examination of qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, and case studies. |
Specialization Course 4 | ||
EDU8006, EDU8006-8 | Statistics II | This course is an intermediate examination of statistical analyses commonly used for research in education. It prepares the doctoral student with the skills required to plan, conduct (using SPSS), report, and interpret quantitative statistical analyses. Topics include: basic statistical knowledge, probability theory, exploratory data analysis, assumptions for statistical tests, parametric and nonparametric tests. Specific analyses include correlation, regression (simple, multiple, and logistic), basic ANOVA and advance ANOVA techniques. |
Specialization Course 5 | ||
EDU8007, EDU8007-8 | Quantitative Methods | This course provides students with the skills essential for designing experimental, quasi-experimental, and survey studies; analyzing the data collected in those studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. Students will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research. |
Specialization Course 6 | ||
EDU8207, EDU8207-8 | Planning Dissertation Research in Education | Students in this course will begin the process of writing a dissertation for a research or professional doctorate. The course will address the University dissertation procedures and aids students in the process of successfully completing a dissertation, including attending to self-care and time management. |
Course Code | Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
EDU8000, EDU8000-8 | Foundations for Doctoral Study in Education (This course will be taken as the first course) | This course is an orientation to Northcentral University and to the essential skills needed to pursue a doctoral degree in Education. Doctoral level skills, such as academic integrity, time management, effective use of the Northcentral Library, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, and APA form and style in professional communication are also introduced. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of personal goals, strengths, and challenges, and a roadmap to navigate their way to completion of their educational aspirations. |
EDU8001, EDU8001-8 | Advanced Scholarly Writing | The purpose of this course is to build advanced skills identifying and obtaining high quality sources through online library searches. In addition, the course addresses advanced writing and APA formatting skills, and it prepares students to be critically reflective consumers of research reports. |
Course Code | Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
SE7000-8 | Introduction to the Exceptional Student | The basic tenets of exceptional students education are introduced in this course with research and best practices for the student in all disability groups. Doctoral students are encouraged to delve into specific disability areas and research best practices and studies for further knowledge of the history, laws, accommodations, and placement options for exceptional students. Co-teaching, national standards (CEC and INTASC) as well as IDEA regulations are explored for a broader-based learning experience. |
SE7001-8 | Assessment in Special Education | This in depth assessment course provides the student with research based information to extend the study of assessment of exceptional students. This Doctoral level course provides up to date information about testing, assessment, using technology and ethical considerations. Informal, formal, ability and achievement assessment information are also key components of this course. |
SE7002-8 | Characteristics of Learning Disabled Students | This doctoral level course focuses on issues related to students with mild learning disabilities. Students will investigate topics pertaining to common characteristics, instruction for specific disabilities, best practices for identification of learning disabilities, and at-risk and learning disabled students and education. |
SE7003-8 | Emotionally Disabled Student | Linking theory to practice this course provides the doctoral student the information and research needed to study the emotionally disabled student in depth in educational settings. Research and case studies along with practical and applied information are introduced to integrate theoretical models in research and design to provide characteristics and linking theory to practice. |
SE7004-8 | Developing Curriculum for the Mentally Disabled | Practical research based information in this Doctoral level course is the key to understanding the strategies for the effective practitioner or supervisor of special needs students. Emphasis is placed on practical, everyday knowledge needed for students and their families. Imbedded in the course are theoretical and research based applications and communication strategies for parental involvement. |
SE7005-8 | Law in Special Education | The necessary information is gathered in this course to make todays practitioner an advocate and knowledgeable researcher in the field of special education law. Students are provided a framework for intensive study within the legal world of disabilities, IDEA, No Child Left Behind, placement and referral issues. History of the special education law is also studied with applications for multiple settings and disabilities. |
SE7006-8 | Teaching Strategies in Special Education | Relevant scholarship and research based information combine to provide the student with information and about teaching strategies, supervision of students with learning disabilities and behavior disorders. The course also ties in the latest information for RTI, IDEA and NCLB. Using practical application and theoretical framework the student can apply needed strategies for promoting success in the classroom. |
SE7007-8 | Managing the Exceptional Student | A comprehensive course with research applications to behavior management for special needs students. Students will be encouraged to research and explore best practices for behavior plans, FBAs and individual student management programs. In addition, social adjustment, legal issues and teacher performance ethical issues are correlated with research based best practices to further thought and program development within the educational setting. |
SE7008-8 | Language Disabilities | This Doctoral level course provides students with a basic understanding of the nature of speech and language, developmental progression in language acquisition, and techniques for evaluating language development and remediation of language and communication disorders within a classroom setting. |
SE7009-8 | Transitioning the Exceptional Student | Including the standards based reforms of recent educational mandates this course encompassed practical applications for the practitioner for transition of disabled students, Course work is designed for elementary middle and high school teachers and adult center work place associates who want to further their study of transition and developing transition plans that are applicable to today's workforce. |
Course Code | Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
CMP9500E | Doctoral Comprehensive Examination | In pursuit of a research doctoral degree (PhD) at Northcentral University, students gain expertise in their academic discipline and in one or more specializations that complement their academic discipline. The Doctoral Comprehensive Examination is intended to assure that students have mastered knowledge of their discipline before candidacy status is achieved and their dissertation work is initiated. The Doctoral Comprehensive Examination is taken following the completion of all foundation, specialization, and methods courses. This course is graded using Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) grading criteria. The Doctoral Comprehensive Examination must be successfully completed with an "S" grade prior to beginning any work in Dissertation courses. This course may only be retaken once. |
DIS9501E | PhD Doctoral Dissertation | In this course sequence, students work progressively on completing each doctoral dissertation milestone toward the completion of the PhD degree. These milestones include Committee and University approval of a dissertation concept paper, a dissertation proposal paper, an approved IRB application by the Northcentral University Institutional Review Board, the collection and analysis of research data, the preparation and approval of the final dissertation manuscript, and the successful completion of the oral defense. Courses are taken continually and sequentially until all dissertation milestones have been completed. Throughout these courses, students often work independently but are required to be in communication with the Chair of their Dissertation Committee at least every 28 calendar days. These courses are graded utilizing Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) as the grading criteria. |
DIS9502E | PhD Doctoral Dissertation | In this course sequence, students work progressively on completing each doctoral dissertation milestone toward the completion of the PhD degree. These milestones include Committee and University approval of a dissertation concept paper, a dissertation proposal paper, an approved IRB application by the Northcentral University Institutional Review Board, the collection and analysis of research data, the preparation and approval of the final dissertation manuscript, and the successful completion of the oral defense. Courses are taken continually and sequentially until all dissertation milestones have been completed. Throughout these courses, students often work independently but are required to be in communication with the Chair of their Dissertation Committee at least every 28 calendar days. These courses are graded utilizing Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) as the grading criteria. |
DIS9503E | PhD Doctoral Dissertation | In this course sequence, students work progressively on completing each doctoral dissertation milestone toward the completion of the PhD degree. These milestones include Committee and University approval of a dissertation concept paper, a dissertation proposal paper, an approved IRB application by the Northcentral University Institutional Review Board, the collection and analysis of research data, the preparation and approval of the final dissertation manuscript, and the successful completion of the oral defense. Courses are taken continually and sequentially until all dissertation milestones have been completed. Throughout these courses, students often work independently but are required to be in communication with the Chair of their Dissertation Committee at least every 28 calendar days. These courses are graded utilizing Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) as the grading criteria. |
DIS9504E | PhD Doctoral Dissertation | In this course sequence, students work progressively on completing each doctoral dissertation milestone toward the completion of the PhD degree. These milestones include Committee and University approval of a dissertation concept paper, a dissertation proposal paper, an approved IRB application by the Northcentral University Institutional Review Board, the collection and analysis of research data, the preparation and approval of the final dissertation manuscript, and the successful completion of the oral defense. Courses are taken continually and sequentially until all dissertation milestones have been completed. Throughout these courses, students often work independently but are required to be in communication with the Chair of their Dissertation Committee at least every 28 calendar days. These courses are graded utilizing Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) as the grading criteria. |
At Northcentral University, we pride ourselves in being completely transparent when it comes to tuition and fees. We have adopted an all-inclusive tuition model that gives you the cost of your Doctor of Philosophy in Education tuition and fees in one flat program rate*. The only additional cost above your PhD in Education program rate is books. Learn more about the NCU’s PhD in Education costs below:
- Per credit cost: $857
- Per 3 credit course cost: $2,570
- Program cost: $51,400
- Average book cost per course: $150
- Application Fee: $0
- Technology Fee: $0
- Registration Fee: $0
Click here to learn more about payment and financing options.
*Program rates are subject to change and generally increase at the start of each calendar year.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about our students, it’s that they are motivated and ambitious—but they are also busy! At Northcentral University, we’ve designed our education experience to work with you, not against you, so you can achieve your academic goals without sacrificing the quality, flexibility and support you need to be successful.
- Regionally Accredited
- No Physical Residency Requirements
- One-to-One Teaching
- 100% Doctoral Faculty
- Flexibility of Online Learning
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