Special Education (Ed.D)
About Our Special Education Program
Slippery Rock University’s Doctorate in Special Education (Ed.D.) prepares educators and human service professionals to become leaders in a field that urgently needs skilled experts. As schools, universities, and community agencies face growing shortages of qualified administrators, faculty, and disability service leaders, SRU’s program equips graduates with the knowledge and leadership skills to meet these challenges. Designed for working professionals, the program offers a flexible, student-centered format that blends synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Students progress through the program together in a cohort model, building a supportive professional network while completing the degree in as little as three years by taking an average of two courses per term.
Slippery Rock University has a long-standing tradition of excellence in special education. As one of the oldest Special Education departments in the nation, SRU has been preparing special educators since 1961. Students learn from faculty who are both experienced practitioners and active scholars dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders in the field. SRU’s Special Education programs are nationally recognized, ranked among the Top 25 programs in the country by BestCollegesOnline.com since 2013 and identified as one of the most affordable programs by AffordableSchools.net. With more than a decade of experience delivering high-quality online instruction, SRU understands the needs of working professionals.
Join a community of passionate educators and leaders and take the next step toward 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 addresses the growing need for experts who can guide policy, lead organizations, and prepare future educators. Through advanced study in research, law, and organizational leadership, graduates develop the knowledge and skills needed to influence systems that support individuals with disabilities.
Graduates of this program are prepared to take on high-level leadership roles in school districts, universities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. These positions allow professionals to shape programs, guide policy decisions, and improve services for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Career opportunities may include 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
This degree empowers professionals to lead meaningful change, influence educational systems, and advance opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
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
Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.
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.
Resources from SRU
From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.
