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

A doctoral degree in special education is certainly an investment of time and financial resources; however, it offers the potential for considerable benefits, both in your career and your ability to effect positive change in your community.^{(See disclaimer 1)} If you’re wondering, What can I do with a doctorate in special education? first consider some of the compelling reasons to pursue a doctorate.

There are many reasons to pursue a doctorate in special education, such as the ability to examine advanced leadership skills and discover how to serve as an effective advocate for students.

Consider the following potential benefits of pursuing a terminal degree as you make your decision:^{(See disclaimer 1,2)}

• Career advancement: With a doctoral degree in special education, you could position yourself to pursue possible advancement within your current organization or another educational institution.
• Positive change: Students with exceptionalities rely on dedicated, knowledgeable professionals to help them achieve their full potential.
• Personal accomplishment: Earning a doctorate is no easy accomplishment. When you graduate with your new degree, you may 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.

Each student’s timeline will vary depending on factors that are unique to them. This includes the course load they take, the dissertation being approved, the specific degree program selected and whether the student intends to enroll as a full-time or part-time student. Because the expected timeline can differ for each learner, it’s best to consult a university counselor to determine how long it might take to earn a doctorate.

While researching different doctoral programs in special education, it can be helpful to take a closer look at the coursework. The curriculum will vary from one school to the next. At Grand Canyon University, the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education offers a research-based curriculum that explores topics such as:

• The history and theories of special education
• The laws and regulations that govern special education
• Fiscal planning, budget management and grant writing for special education
• Leadership theories and models, as well as the applied practice of leadership
• Ethical theories and social responsibility 

Along with coursework, students need to complete a dissertation. This involves conducting original research that adds to the body of knowledge or solves a specific problem in the special education field. At GCU, the dissertation process is integrated into the coursework, which means you won’t have to wait to start your dissertation research until after completing the classes.

A special education doctorate can allow you to pursue career opportunities that may enable you to make a greater impact on the lives of the students who depend on special education services.

Education Administrator

Some learners who earn a doctorate may decide to go into education administration. At varying levels of education, administrators manage the daily operations of educational institutions and school districts. They may handle everything from hiring teachers or professors to developing budgets to overseeing curriculum and more.

Depending on the level of education, some specific tasks may include:

• Communicating with families
• Ensuring institutional compliance with all applicable regulations and standards
• Monitoring finances
• Supporting faculty members, such as by planning professional development activities
• Conducting evaluations

At the postsecondary level, job duties can vary by department. Education administrators who work in admissions, for example, may meet with prospective applicants, whereas those who work in campus life may oversee student activities and athletics.

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 may 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 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.

A special education director’s duties may include:^{(See disclaimer 3)}

• Prioritize Student-Centered Leadership: Place students at the heart of all educational decisions and assume responsibility for their academic achievement and overall well-being
• Ensure Equitable Access and Support: Guarantee that every student has fair access to qualified teachers, high-quality learning experiences, and the academic and social resources necessary for success
• Maintain Legal and Policy Compliance: Understand and uphold local, state and federal laws, policies and regulations, and guide the school community in doing the same to foster student success 

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.^{(See disclaimer 4 )}For some, pursuing a PhD can help apply their knowledge in the field to improve student care and education. In contrast, the EdD program is typically 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. The EdD is designed to empower graduates to pursue leadership positions.^{(See disclaimer 4)} 

While selecting a doctorate program, you’ll 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 enriching academic experience for every student. Our College of Doctoral Studies offers extensive learner support resources, including our Doctoral Community (DC) Network™. 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 either qualitative research and quantitative research, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.