Individuals applying to the Ph.D. in Special Education at the University of Kansas must have relevant professional training, usually represented by undergraduate and graduate degrees in special and/or general education or a related field. Also, applicants are usually expected to have at least three years of professional teaching experience in public schools or related agencies that serve individuals with disabilities. Both your formal education and experience in the field help to demonstrate that you have the foundational knowledge necessary to develop expertise in special education.
Applicants are strongly advised to establish a dialogue with one (or more) faculty members in the preferred specialization area prior to applying for the doctoral program. The purpose of the dialogue is to understand how your scholarship interests align and/or intersect with departmental faculty, and to ensure the specialization focus aligns with your interests and skills. Finally meeting with faculty will assist you to identify a good match of specialization advisor with whom you would like to study. This dialogue also is critical for informing you about various social, academic, and teaching aspects of the doctoral experience that will complement your development as a scholar. Communicating with specialization faculty prior to submitting your application is strongly recommended and is considered vital to the department admissions process.
You will be required when you apply online to upload a copy of your transcripts.
You will submit three names and email addresses when you apply online.
Prepare a personal letter of introduction addressed to the Department of Special Education Chairperson. (Upload this document under Misc. documents on the online application.)
Upload this document under Misc. documents on the online application
TOEFL (paper): 57 or above on each section and 5.0 on the Test of Written English
TOEFL (iBT): 23 or above on the reading, listening, and writing sections
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 minimum overall score and at least 6.0 in listening, reading, and writing
PTE: 58 or above with no part score below 53 in listening, reading, and writing