The Doctorate of Philosophy in Special Education is offered with emphasis options in Behavior Disorders, Early Childhood Special Education, and Learning Disabilities. The PhD program requires 72 hours beyond the requirements of the master's degree. Candidates will develop a program to meet their learning and research goals in the chosen emphasis area.<br><br>Students meeting entrance criteria will be conditionally admitted to the program, assigned an advisor, and expected to enroll in designated requisite coursework.<br>After completion of 9 credit hours, including 3 credits of quantitative methods plus 6 credits of special education doctoral core coursework, students must pass a qualifying examination to be fully admitted into the department.<br>Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, students form a program committee and develop a program plan. The committee shall consist of four or more graduate faculty members (at least three from within the department and at least one from outside the department). The program plan will delineate coursework and competency activities to meet department requirements.