Is an online doctorate in special education emphasis worth it?

By earning an EdD with a special education emphasis online from an accredited school, you receive a curriculum that meets the high standards of national accreditation. Paired with the leadership of expert faculty within the education field, graduates will be prepared to enter a leadership or administrative role in the special education field. If you have a passion for serving students with disabilities and improving programs and policies to bolster their success, then a doctorate in special education may be worth it.

What is the difference between PhD and EdD?

A Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education are equivalent in level; however, they each serve a different purpose. An EdD degree is designed for experienced education professionals who want to pursue leadership roles that effect change within their schools or organizations. Alternatively, a PhD in education is a preferred degree for those who want to pursue research. Both degrees can lead to teaching roles at the college level.

Are special education careers rewarding?

Special education careers are innately rewarding as they help students with various disabilities learn and overcome their unique challenges. For those who hold a doctorate in special education, you also have opportunities to create new and improved programs that help special education students succeed as individuals and members of society. Additionally, postsecondary education administrators have a median annual wage of $97,500 as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

Online EdD in Organizational Leadership: Special Education

Overview

Develop the Skills To Lead and Support Diverse Learning Communities

Every child deserves access to a fair and supportive education. However, many students struggle with learning differences and exceptionalities that can affect their progress in a typical classroom. If you’re a practicing special education professional, the online^{(See disclaimer 1)} EdD in Organizational Leadership: Special Education can help you enhance your knowledge and skills to drive change management and innovation in schools, helping all students flourish.

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Special Education (Qualitative Research)

Offered By

College of Doctoral Studies

Class Settings

Evening

Online

Why GCU

Lead With Purpose in Special Education at GCU

The doctorate in organizational leadership: special education at Grand Canyon University is designed to empower educators to provide transformative guidance in K-12 special education settings. This program can equip you with advanced skills in strategic leadership, educational policy and governance and instructional support tailored to diverse learning needs. Graduates can emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and the ability to drive meaningful change, enhance special education programs and benefit the students they serve.

Online Learning Flexibility

The online^{(See disclaimer 1)} EdD in Organizational Leadership: Special Education is structured to meet the needs of busy educators and professionals. With its flexible format, students can conveniently access coursework, making it easier to balance academic goals with personal and professional responsibilities. This format also provides opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and engagement with faculty. The program can help you advance your education without interrupting your career.

Explore Qualitative vs. Quantitative Options

Coursework

Gain Advanced Skills in Special Education Leadership

The online^{(See disclaimer 1)} EdD in Organizational Leadership: Special Education combines rigorous academics with practical leadership development. Students participate in two immersive five-day residencies that provide opportunities for face-to-face collaboration, mentorship and peer feedback, all of which can help enhance their research and leadership skills.

GCU’s curriculum places a strong emphasis on ethical leadership and servant-oriented practices, guided by a Christian worldview. It includes essential concepts in organizational leadership and management, as well as the history, theories and instructional strategies related to special education and human development. As students’ progress through the program, they will develop a dissertation based on original research, contributing to the advancement of the field.

In courses such as Supervision and Administration of Special Education, Fiscal Management in Special Education and Special Education Law, you can build the following core competencies:

Special education laws and regulations and how to use them to guide best practices

Ethical leadership practices necessary to build effective frameworks for K-12 educators and students

Budgeting, fiscal planning and grant writing in special education settings

The history and theories of special education, including human development, standards and instructional tools

Careers

Career Opportunities for EdD Graduates

EdD programs can help professionals position themselves for potential leadership roles in education, enabling them to guide initiatives, shape policy and develop special education programs that address diverse learner needs.^{(See disclaimer 2 )}Graduates may pursue administrative positions in K–12 schools, teach and mentor future special education teachers at the college level or focus on creating equitable programs and policies for students with disabilities. Depending on prior certifications and experience, additional career paths may include roles in autism therapy centers, social service agencies or government organizations.

Some of the potential career options for those with a doctorate in organizational leadership: special education include the following:

School administrator

Special education consultant

Curriculum developer

Lead special education teacher

Learning advocate

Accreditation

Earn your EdD Degree at an Accredited University

GCU is dedicated to preparing education leaders to effectively address modern challenges in school systems, with a strong emphasis on professional ethics and integrity. We take pride in being an institutionally accredited university, which reflects the quality of our education. The Higher Learning Commission has consistently accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Doctoral Studies shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards set by our accrediting bodies.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s common to have questions before applying to a doctoral program. These FAQs and answers may help clarify your next steps as you plan your career path.

Is an online EdD in Organizational Leadership: Special Education worth it?

Earning your EdD with a special education emphasis from an accredited university, such as GCU, offers a rigorous, research-based curriculum taught by experienced faculty. This program can equip you to enhance programs, influence policy and better serve students with exceptionalities. If you are passionate about creating welcoming learning environments and driving meaningful change, this degree can be a valuable step in your career. Additionally, postsecondary education administrators have a median annual wage of $103,960 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Can I teach with an organizational leadership EdD degree in special education?

What is the difference between an EdS and EdD?

An Education Specialist (EdS) degree is typically a shorter, non-doctoral degree focused on practical skills for specific roles in education, such as administration or curriculum development. In contrast, a Doctor of Education (EdD) is a terminal degree designed for experienced professionals who want to lead change in schools, districts or organizations. While both may support career advancement, the EdD offers more extensive education in leadership, research and policy. This degree may also open doors to positions and teaching opportunities at the college level.

Dissertation

Time to Completion Dissertation Process

To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

RES-815

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces doctoral learners to the principle elements of research, scholarly writing, and effective argumentation. Learners are made aware of the dispositions and expectations of doctoral researchers as well as the University’s overarching values and beliefs regarding research and the responsibility of scholars to contribute new knowledge to their respective fields of study. Learners begin the process of identifying a researchable dissertation topic and are acquainted with appropriate scholarly resources that support the development of the dissertation.

RES-820A

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to the critical reading of scholarly qualitative and quantitative literature at the doctoral level. Learners also explore the concept of synthesizing the scholarly literature to identify problems and problem spaces that emerge to form a researchable topic of study. The application of scholarly argumentation from the extant literature to defend the need for a research study is discussed.

LDR-800

3 Total Credits

LDR-825

3 Total Credits

RES-831

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to key components of qualitative and quantitative research designs and the means to critically appraise the application of research designs as observed in the scholarly literature. The University's core research designs are presented. Consideration is given to the initial selection and defense of a research design to address a problem that emerged from the extant literature.

RES-832

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods employed in qualitative and quantitative research designs. Learners explore the alignment of sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods to the research topic, research questions, and research design. The course positions learners to select qualitative or quantitative designs for their dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-831.

RSD-851

3 Total Credits

SPE-812

3 Total Credits

SPE-817

3 Total Credits

SPE-822

3 Total Credits

RES-841

3 Total Credits

RES-843

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners differentiate the epistemological foundations and explore the data trustworthiness, research ethics, and potential for bias in descriptive, case study, and phenomenology research designs. The process of building a rationale for design choice and aligning the research questions, interview questions, problem statement, and purpose statement is addressed. Sources of qualitative data are introduced for each design, and ethical aspects of research are discussed. Prerequisite: RES-841.

LDR-804

3 Total Credits

RSD-883

3 Total Credits

SPE-827

3 Total Credits

DIS-955

3 Total Credits

RES-873

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners explore qualitative data collection techniques and sources of qualitative data in the context of answering the research questions posed by a study. Consideration is given to the recognition of data saturation and the management of data. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs to prepare a written statement of data collection, and management activities. Prerequisites: RES-843 and one of the following: DBA-955 or DIS-955 or DHA-955 or PSY-955 or PCE-955 or TLC-955.

DIS-960

3 Total Credits

RES-883

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on the interpretation of qualitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisites: RES-873 and one of the following: DBA-960 or DIS-960 or DHA-960 or PSY-960 or PCE-960 or TLC-960.

DIS-965

3 Total Credits

Continuation Courses

The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.

DIS-966E

3 Total Credits

DIS-967E

3 Total Credits

DIS-968E

3 Total Credits

DIS-969E

3 Total Credits

DIS-970E

3 Total Credits

DIS-971E

3 Total Credits

DIS-972E

3 Total Credits

DIS-973E

3 Total Credits

DIS-974E

3 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

More Resources

Learning Goals

Financial

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Tuition & Financing

Scholarships & Grants

Information

Admission

Grow Your Influence as a Special Education Leader

Advance your expertise and make a lasting impact in special education. Apply now to begin your doctoral journey.

Apply Now

Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.

^{(See disclaimer §)} MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Jan2026: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in January 2026. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.

Excluding residencies, practicums, internships and field experience.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Postsecondary Education Administrators. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Education Administrators as of May 2024, retrieved October 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary education administrators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.