GCU Logo Mobile
Apply NowRequest Info
  • GCU Login
GCU LoginRequest Info
Grand Canyon University logo in bold purple uppercase text on a white background
  • Degree Programs
    • Areas of Study
      • Business
      • Teaching
      • Language
      • Counseling
      • Psychology
      • Healthcare
      • Nursing
      • Criminal Justice
      • Legal Studies
      • Engineering
      • Science
      • Technology
      • Theology
      • Ministry
      • Digital Arts
      • Digital Media
      • Fine Arts
    • Locations
      • Campus
      • Online
      • Evening
    • Degree Level
      • Bachelor's
      • Master's
      • Doctoral
      • Certificates
      • Bridge
      • Post-Master's
    • Other Course Options
      • Minors
      • Individual Courses
      • High School Dual Enrollment
      • Current Teacher Continuing Education
      All Majors & Programs
      All Majors & Programs
  • Academics
    • Colleges
      • Doctoral
      • Arts & Media
      • Business
      • Education
      • Engineering & Technology
      • Humanities & Social Sciences
      • Natural Sciences
      • Nursing & Health Care
      • Theology
      • Honors
    • More About GCU
      • Academic Catalog & Policies
      • University Accreditation & Regulation
      • Educational Alliances
      • Faculty Directory
      • Office of Assessment
      • Provost Message
      Academics
      Academics
  • Admissions
    • Admissions
      • Admission Requirements
      • Visit Campus
      • Undergraduate Admissions
      • College Transfer Center
      • Graduate & Doctoral Admissions
      • Campus Resources
      Admissions
      Admissions
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Tuition
      • Online & Evening
      • On-Campus
      • Housing & Meal Costs
      • Other Fees
      • Cost of Attendance
    • Financial Aid
      • FAFSA
      • Scholarships & Grants
      • Student Loans
      Tuition & Financial Aid
      Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Why GCU
    • Student Journey
      • Online Learning
      • Campus Life
      • Evening Classes
      • Hybrid Learning
      • Military & Veteran
      • ROTC
      • International Students
      • Native American
    • Our Story
      • University Spirit & Traditions
      • Christian Identity & Mission
      • History & Campus Growth
      • Community Outreach
    • About
      • Leadership Team
      • Campus Locations
      • Blog
      • Offices
      • Contact
      • Media & Branding
      Why GCU
      Why GCU
Apply NowRequest Info
Read time 6 minutes
Published On May 3, 2022
In This Article
  • Overview
  • Why Earn a Doctorate Degree in Special Education?
  • How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree in Special Education?
  • Careers in Education to Consider
  • Deciding Whether to Pursue a PhD or an EdD Special Education Degree
  • Choosing Between a Qualitative and a Quantitative Doctorate Degree
In This Article
Overview
Why Earn a Doctorate Degree in Special Education?
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree in Special Education?
Careers in Education to Consider
Deciding Whether to Pursue a PhD or an EdD Special Education Degree
Choosing Between a Qualitative and a Quantitative Doctorate Degree
Tags
Teaching and Instruction|Education Today|EdD Degree
  1. Home/
  2. Blog/
  3. Doctoral Journey/
  4. Earning a Doctorate Degree In Special Education

Earning a Doctorate Degree in Special Education

With a doctorate degree in special education, there are a few high-level career options you could pursue. Earn your online doctorate degree at GCU.
Lead special education teacher with student
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
Make a selection
Select One
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral
Bridge
Make a selection
First select a degree level
Make a selection
First select a degree level and how you would like to attend
Make a selection
First select degree level, modality, and area of interest
Make a selection
Select One
Yes
No
Make a selection
Select One
Yes
No
Make a selection
Select One
Yes
No
West Valley (Phoenix, AZ) ABSN
Select One
Albuquerque, NM ABSN
Boise (Meridian, ID) ABSN
Denver (Englewood, CO) ABSN
East Valley (Chandler, AZ) ABSN
Las Vegas (Henderson, NV) ABSN
Orlando (Lake Mary, FL) ABSN
Salt Lake (Sandy, UT) ABSN
St. Louis, MO ABSN
Sun City, AZ ABSN
Tucson, AZ ABSN
West Valley (Phoenix, AZ) ABSN
Make a selection
Select One
Still in High School
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate Degree or over 60 credits
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or Higher
Bachelor's with Cert. & Experience
BS in Nursing
Make a selection
Select One
2029
2028
2027
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
1977
1976
1975
1974
1973
1972
1971
1970
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
1960
1959
1958
1957
1956
1955
1954
1953
1952
1951
1950
1949
1948
1947
1946
1945
1944
1943
1942
1941
1940
1939
1938
1937
1936
1935
U.S. Citizen
U.S. Citizen
Non-U.S. Citizen
No military affiliation
Make a selection
No military affiliation
Active
Spouse
Retired
Veteran
United States
United States
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua And Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Cote D'ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (malvinas)
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard Island And Mcdonald Islands
Holy See (vatican City State)
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran, Islamic Republic Of
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea, Democratic People's Republic Of
Korea, Republic Of
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic Of
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia, Federated States Of
Moldova, Republic Of
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Reunion
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts And Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Pierre And Miquelon
Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome And Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard And Jan Mayen
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan, Province Of China
Tajikistan
Tanzania, United Republic Of
Thailand
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad And Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks And Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Viet Nam
Virgin Islands, British
Virgin Islands, U.s.
Wallis And Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

By clicking submit, you give GCU consent to use automated technology to call and text you regarding educational services. Your consent is not required to receive educational services. GCU will never sell your information. By submitting this form, you agree to GCU's privacy policy.

Related Resources

Recommended Degrees
Admissions
Scholarships & Grants
Transfer Center
Unlock Your Potential

Speak with an Enrollment Counselor today.

Apply Now
Related Articles In
Doctoral Journey
Student contemplates his studies.

What Is a Terminal Degree?

What is a terminal degree, and is it right for you? Explore the world of doctoral education and pursue your degree at GCU.

02/13/2025

|

4 min read

A confident business woman talks to her team.

What Is Organizational Leadership?

Explore potential careers in business leadership positions and earn your degree at GCU.

02/03/2025

|

5 min read

Mental health professional leads boardroom discussion on behavioral healthcare.

Doctorate in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health vs. Doctor of Behavioral Health

Discover the differences between a doctorate in organizational leadership: behavioral health and a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree. Enroll at GCU today!

11/20/2024

|

6 min read

View All Articles

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to Apply
GCU Logo White
1-855-GCU-LOPELive Chat
3300 West Camelback Road - 
Phoenix, AZ 85017
Grand Canyon University © 2025
All Rights Reserved
  • Majors & Programs
  • Admission
  • Financial Resources
  • Academic Calendar
  • Academic Catalog & Policies
  • Online Learning
  • Why GCU
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Title IX
  • Media & Licensing
  • Consumer Information
  • Financial Disclosures
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cost of Attendance
Find Your Purpose Logo
Video from GCU
FacebookTwitter/XLinkedInInstagramYouTube
  • Current Students|
  • Alumni|
  • Athletics|
  • Arena|
  • GCU News|
  • Lope Shops|
  • GCBC|
  • Canyon Promotions|
  • Lope House|
  • GCU Golf

Privacy / Cookie Disclaimer: Our site uses cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features/ads and to analyze site traffic. We share information about your use of this site with our social media, advertising and analytics teams who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them. By continuing to navigate this site you are consenting to the collection of information via our use of cookies. For more information on our cookie collection and use please visit our Privacy Policy.

Share This Story

FacebookTwitter/XLinkedInShare via Email

Are you a licensed special education teacher considering enhancing your career qualifications to pursue higher-level opportunities? If so, it’s time to explore the process of earning a doctorate degree in special education. A doctorate degree could open the door to numerous careers in education. 

A doctorate degree in special education is certainly an investment of time and financial resources; however, it offers the potential for considerable rewards, both in your career advancement and your ability to effect positive change in your community.

Why Earn a Doctorate Degree in Special Education?

The decision to pursue a doctorate degree in special education isn’t one to be made lightly. After all, doing so will require a great deal of time and resources. However, the rewards can be immense. Consider the following benefits of pursuing a terminal degree as you make your decision.

  • Career Enhancement: Individuals with doctorate degrees are widely recognized for their advanced knowledge and skills that make a positive difference in the field. With a doctorate in special education, you could pursue a high-level position within your current organization or another that you’re interested in working with.
  • Positive Change: With greater knowledge and skills in your field, you would be more able to generate positive change in your community. Students with disabilities rely on dedicated, knowledgeable professionals to help them achieve their full potential.
  • Expert Credentials: People who possess a doctorate degree are typically recognized as being among the top experts in their fields.
  • Personal Accomplishment: Earning a doctorate degree is no easy accomplishment; when you graduate with your new degree, you’ll experience an incredible sense of personal accomplishment as you celebrate your work.
  • Professional Contribution: The original research you do while earning your degree will expand the current body of knowledge in the special education field. This can then benefit other special education teachers as they seek to empower their students.

Another compelling reason to consider earning a doctorate degree in special education is the pressing need within the field for qualified professionals. The percentage of students who need special education services is rising, but 98% of the school districts in the U.S. have reported a shortage of qualified professionals to serve them.1 Enhancing your ability to serve special education students would help meet this critical need.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree in Special Education?

Each student’s timeline will vary depending on factors that are unique to them. This includes the course load they take, the specific degree program selected and whether the student intends to continue working while pursuing their advanced education.

Along with their coursework, students need to complete a dissertation. This involves conducting original research that adds to the body of knowledge in the special education field. A full-time doctorate degree student may reasonably expect to complete the program, including the dissertation, in three to five years. Those who plan to continue working while going to school part-time can expect to take longer to graduate.

Careers in Education to Consider

A doctorate degree in special education can allow you to pursue higher-level careers. This is the primary motivation for most EdD students. Not only do these higher-level positions typically offer higher salaries but they also enable professionals to make a greater impact on the lives of the students who depend on special education services. There are many careers in education you might consider pursuing. Some are listed below.

Lead Special Education Teacher

If you want a higher-level position but still want to directly inspire and empower students, you might consider becoming a lead special education teacher. The lead special education teacher is responsible for coordinating the department’s special education services, supervising staff members and developing program policies and procedures.

It would be your primary responsibility to ensure that every child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is administered properly and that the students are on track to meet their individual goals. You’ll lend your expertise to troubleshoot problems in collaboration with other teachers and parents, as well as related professionals such as social workers and school psychologists. You’ll also spend some time working directly with students, to implement their IEPs and help them reach their full potential.

Special Education Professor

Some special education teachers decide that their talents would be best utilized by guiding the next generation of teachers. If you enjoy the thought of influencing and inspiring future special education teachers, you might consider becoming a professor. As a professor, your job duties would include:

  • Developing a syllabus for each course you will teach that aligns with the curriculum standards
  • Developing lesson plans and assignments
  • Giving lectures and leading intellectually stimulating classroom discussions
  • Working one-on-one with future special education teachers during office hours, helping them shape their career goals and excel in their coursework
  • Evaluating students’ assignments and providing needed guidance
  • Serving on collegiate committees within the department or the college

You’ll also be expected to stay abreast of the latest trends, legislative initiatives and scientific research in the special education field. Since professors are also expected to periodically publish research in journals and books, this is an ideal career for those who want to continue making original contributions to the special education field.

Special Education Director

The role of a special education director is another option for doctoral graduates. These professionals are responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing all of the activities of the special education services department within a school. Some directors may even oversee all special education departments for the entire school district.

Most special education directors are former special education teachers who earned an advanced degree and moved into administration. Their years of classroom experience, coupled with a doctoral degree in special education, give these professionals broad perspectives on shaping the lives of students. A special education director’s duties may include:

  • Developing departmental budgets, tracking expenditures and verifying that services billed by external providers were properly delivered
  • Supporting and mentoring special education teachers and other administrators and offering guidance on implementing IEPs according to each child’s best interests
  • Developing annual benchmarks and compliance goals, forecasting student enrollment and developing new programs as needed
  • Planning professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom
  • Analyzing the latest research and scientific findings in the special education field to optimize students’ progress

Special Education Consultant

Special education consultants are highly educated individuals who have extensive experience in this field. They also have considerable expertise with the many complex regulations of special education services. Their role is primarily to assess students and their needs and ensure that each student’s IEP will allow them to achieve their full potential.

A special education consultant may work for a school board or a governmental agency that supports the school board. Alternatively, consultants may be employed privately by families to advocate for their children with special needs.

Consultants who work as advocates for families will collaborate closely with them, answering their questions and guiding them through the complicated process of obtaining special education services and developing an IEP.

In contrast, special education consultants who work for school boards will, in addition to assessing students, focus on working with teachers and other staff members. In this capacity, a consultant may provide teacher training and guidance on developing IEPs.

Deciding Whether to Pursue a PhD or an EdD Special Education Degree

Both the PhD and EdD degrees are terminal degrees. In other words, they represent the highest level of academic accomplishment within the field. However, there are significant differences you should be aware of before you choose a degree program.

A PhD program typically focuses on theoretical knowledge. This is ideal for individuals who wish to pursue a career in academia. In contrast, the EdD program is practice-based and is appropriate for professionals who want to apply what they’ve learned in the field to effect meaningful change within their organizations.

Choosing Between a Qualitative and a Quantitative Doctorate Degree

While selecting a doctorate degree program, you’ll also need to decide whether to focus on qualitative or quantitative research. Quantitative research involves analyzing data that can be classified and used to generate statistical models. In short, it involves numerical computations, hence the root word “quantity.”

In contrast, qualitative research explores data through a narrative to develop a greater understanding of an individual’s or a group’s experiences, thoughts and motivations. Researchers who use this methodology generally conduct their research through focus groups, verbal interviews, behavioral observations and open-ended questionnaires.

Grand Canyon University aims to provide an exceptional academic experience for every student. If you would like more information on GCU’s doctoral programs, including a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with a Special Education Emphasis in both qualitative research and quantitative research, visit GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies or click on the Request More Information button at the top of this page.

1Retrieved from Council for Exceptional Children, The Special Education Teacher Shortage: A Policy Analysis in August 2021