Special Education

Program Facts

Delivery Method:

Online

Start Term:

Spring

Completion Time:

30-36 Months

Credits:

Request info about Special Education

About Our Special Education Program

Slippery Rock University’s Doctorate in Special Education prepares educators and human service professionals to lead in a field that urgently needs qualified experts. With growing shortages of school administrators, faculty in teacher preparation programs, and agency leaders equipped to serve individuals with disabilities, SRU’s Ed.D. in Special Education is designed to meet that need. The program offers a student-centered, flexible format with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online courses. It follows a cohort model and can be completed in just three years by taking an average of two courses per term.

As one of the oldest and most respected Special Education departments in the country, SRU has been preparing special educators since 1961. The program is led by faculty who are both scholars and practitioners in the field, dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Recognized nationally, SRU’s Special Education programs have been named among the top 25 in the nation by BestCollegesOnline.com since 2013 and ranked one of the most affordable by AffordableSchools.net. With over a decade of online teaching experience, SRU understands what working professionals need. Join our community and start making a lasting impact in special education.

Why Get a Special Education Degree?

A new cohort launch each spring, allowing you to plan ahead and start fresh.
Transfer up to 12 master’s-level credits toward your doctoral degree.
A competitive, leadership-focused curriculum centered on special education, content learning, and organizational leadership—ideal for careers in schools, agencies, and nonprofits.
Learn from expert faculty with real-world experience who will guide your development as a leader in the field.

Career Outcomes

A Doctorate in Special Education is a terminal degree that prepares you for the highest levels of leadership in the field. This program is designed to address the critical shortage of experts who can shape policy, lead organizations, and prepare the next generation of educators. Graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge in research, law, and organizational leadership, qualifying them for influential positions in school districts, universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This doctorate prepares you for executive-level roles such as:

University Professor of Special Education
School District Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent
Director of Special Education for a district or state agency
Executive Director of a non-profit organization
Education Policy Advisor
Educational Consultant
Director of Research and Program Evaluation
Principal or other school administrator

Requirements

What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!

Program Director / Coordinator

Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Ashlea Rineer-Hershey
Special Education
724.738.2460
a.rineer-hershey@sru.edu

When are applications accepted?

Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.

What are all of the admissions requirements?

To apply for admission, please use the following link to apply now.

$35 Application Fee
Copy of Teaching Certificate (optional)
300-500-word essay indicating personal and professional goals (follow APA formatting)
A writing sample: Applicants can submit an example of a special education focused sample from your graduate program or a one- to two-page, single-spaced essay addressing one of the following topics (include the prompt that you choose at the top of your essay and follow all APA formatting):
- Why should a society provide a “free and appropriate” education to students with disabilities who will not be able to achieve academic or other skills at the same level as students without disabilities?
- Describe your position on the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education. What are the benefits of inclusion and the potential barriers?
Two Letters of Recommendation addressing the applicant's academic and/or professional background specific to the candidate's ability to be successful in a doctoral program in special education.
An undergraduate degree in elementary education, special education, early childhood, secondary (English, science, social studies, psychology, business, or core content area).
Official bachelor's and master's degree transcripts, doctorate, if applicable (Official transcripts must be sent by the institution via electronic transcript to graduate.admissions@sru.edu or via mail. Faxed copies are not considered official).
Bachelor's degree with at least 3.0 GPA and master's degree with at least 3.5 GPA, Doctorate degree, if applicable.
SRU current/Alumni/former students click here to order your official SRU final transcript and have it sent to graduate.admissions@sru.edu.

Preference is given to applicants in the order in which the application is received.

If you are requesting review of your graduate transcripts for transfer of credit, please complete the transfer of credit form and submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions with official graduate transcripts. Please review SRU's transfer of credit policy.

If you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, please check the list of most recent states approved for online classes and internships by clicking here to see if SRU is authorized to offer distance education and/or field experiences in your state of residency. Please contact the Department of Education in your state for information regarding certification.

Please note:For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.

Special Education (Ed.D)

About Our Special Education Program

Why Get a Special Education Degree?

Career Outcomes

Requirements

Program Director / Coordinator

Resources from SRU