Best PhD Degrees in Special Education

Do you have a desire to teach students, no matter their learning abilities?

A Ph.D. in Special Education is perfect for natural-born teachers who love sharing knowledge in a way that’s easy for others to understand. With more special education programs popping up around the nation, educators are needed now more than ever to help students of all abilities. If you are a patient and passionate person who believes everyone deserves a high-quality education, no matter their differences, a career in special education may be perfect for you!

What kind of Special Education degree should you get?

If you already hold a bachelor’s or a master’s in a related field, a Ph.D. in Special Education may be the next logical step in your career path. These programs are challenging, and you’ll need to be prepared to dedicate several more years to your education before graduating. Many of the below programs require internships, dissertations, and field experiences for students to gain a hands-on approach to this style of teaching. A Ph.D. degree is perfect for educators or those who wish to pursue a research-based career path.

Perhaps you’re not quite ready to embark on a Ph.D., but you’re interested in an advanced degree. Check out our ranking of the Best Master’s degrees in Special Education!

How much money do people make with a Special Education degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Education Teachers can earn upwards of $59,000 per year. Of course, your salary will also depend on what line of work you choose after graduating and what city you end up living in.

There are plenty of careers prospects other than teaching with this degree. For example, some in this field choose to pursue careers as Speech-Language Pathologists. In this line of work, you can make nearly $80,000 annually. 

What can you do with a degree in Special Education?

A degree in Special Education can lead to so much more than working in a classroom. Of course, many graduates do choose to teach at the university level or pursue particular areas of research related to the field. You can also work for a non-profit, the government, or other organizations who need the expertise of special education teachers. 

Plus, many of the programs below offer unique areas of specialization, which can lead to exciting careers. Some of these areas include educational policy, emotional behavior disorders, working with autistic students, and more. 

What are the requirements for a Ph.D. degree in Special Education?

Many of the below programs require applicants to have prior experience in teaching and working with people who have special needs. Additionally, most programs require students to hold a master’s degree; though you’ll find some that only require a bachelor’s in a related field. 

Once admitted, doctoral students will be required to complete coursework, as well as internships and field experiences. Students may also be required to complete a minor or a particular area of emphasis to earn their degree. Many of the programs are incredibly research-focused, so Ph.D. candidates should have a specific area of focus in mind before applying. 

What are the best Special Education degrees?

Figuring out the best Ph.D. program within any industry can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Luckily, the Colleges Rank team has compiled a list of the 12 Best PhDs in Special Education degrees just for you! These programs provide students with in-depth coursework, incredible research opportunities, and state-of-the-art labs and equipment to further their studies. Plus, these programs offer small class sizes with professors who have a passion for the field. Check out our best special education degree picks below!