Special Education, Ed.D. (Ed.D. Completion Pathway)

Eligible pathway students are required to complete the courses listed at ACE to earn an Ed.D. in Special Education. A total of 37 semester credits are required in the course list. Please note: students who have not completed at least 6 credits in research prior to enrolling at ACE will need to take additional research credits per the Transfer Credit Policy found here.

Program Description

The Ed.D. in Special Education provides an advanced degree specifically targeting research, theory, and best practices in the special education field. A student completes coursework focused on developmentally appropriate practice, advocacy, diversity and research, and scholarship. Students complete a final dissertation at the end of their program. This degree is not designed for licensure and is best suited for individuals who seek to work as a leader or scholar-practitioner in this field. The focus of study allows a student to select a concentration that will support their professional goals. Students will engage in scholarly research throughout the coursework to support their final dissertation.

Program Outcomes

Design and modify general and specialized curricula to increase access and meet the diverse learning needs and developmental growth of students with exceptionalities.
Analyze, synthesize, and apply seminal and current research, pedagogical principles, and assistive technology to support the use of best practices in the special education classroom.
Examine, design, and implement appropriate assessments to minimize bias, support individual student needs, and utilize results for instructional and placement decisions.
Construct models to support positive collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders to improve programs, services, and outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities and their families.
Develop strategies to support professional development, leadership, and advocacy efforts in special education.
Examine current trends, laws, and policy in special education and the role that they play in safeguarding the rights of students with exceptionalities.
Demonstrate understanding of cultural, social, and economic diversity and individual learner differences to inform the creation of an inclusive learning environment where all students feel respected and valued and have the resources and support necessary to reach their fullest potential.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Ed.D. in Special Education is to provide an advanced degree that promotes research, theory, and best practices. Students gain skills to become expert practitioners ready to work with individuals with special needs and their families. Students who complete the program will be prepared to serve as educators, educational consultants, school leaders, professional development providers, and advocates for individuals with disabilities. The Ed.D. in Special Education will culminate in a student designed dissertation that will be supervised by ACE professors who are experts in the field. Graduates will be able to apply the research-based practices honed during the program to improve academic, social and transition outcomes for their students with disabilities.

Credits Transferred from Prior Education (Up to 27 Semester Credits)

Course List (37 Total Semester Credits Required)

Special Education Courses (18 Semester Credits)

Leadership Courses (3 Semester Credits)

LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced Studies (1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format) (Initial Course)
LEAD6011 - Leadership as a Reflective Practice (1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format)
LEAD6021 - Leadership Seminar
(1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format)

Research Courses (6 Semester Credits/2 Courses)

Two courses will be required based on transcript review. If a student does not have 6 research credits on their transcript (rare) additional credits could be required.

Dissertation Courses (10 Semester Credits)

Additional Support Courses (if required or desired)

Courses may be required if progression is not achieved in courses OR students can elect to take courses to support their progress. If an Ed.D. student is required to take either the Research or Dissertation Boot Camp (RES6223 or RES6233) course, they will be charged for the tuition and fees associated with the Boot Camp course and not the tuition and fees associated with the dissertation sequence course they are retaking with the boot camp (RES6512, RES6521, RES6531, RES6541, or RES6551).

CITI Training

All students pursuing advanced degrees are required to have completed a certificate of completion for the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) in Human Subjects Research. There will be no additional fee. This is strongly recommended for students who anticipate conducting dissertation research involving human subjects. The CITI offers training modules for a Social-Behavioral-Educational (SBE) track, as well as additional modules of interest. More information can be found in Student Commons. Scroll down under Doc Program Resources where you will find the CITI Program Guide.

Note

This program is neither designed nor approved (as of the publication date of this Catalog) to prepare students for licensure, certification, or endorsement in any state.
Check availability in your state on the Programs by State section of the ACE website.
This pathway does not include a Focus of Study. Please note that if you are a Georgia educator seeking an in-field certificate upgrade, you may require a concentration (Focus Of Study) in a field in which you are currently certified. This may be determined by utilizing the Georgia Professional Standards Commission - Certificate Upgrade Advisor site.