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 online1 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.
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.
The online1 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.
A qualitative doctorate in special education is geared toward the study of thoughts, concepts or experiences of the students and how policies and curriculum can be changed to improve their education. The quantitative EdD special education program focuses on the same end result of improving education but uses mathematical and statistical research methods to draw its conclusions.Â
The online1 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
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.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
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.Â
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.
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.3
Yes, once you hold the appropriate state teaching license, this degree can support teaching at any level. Some graduates continue to work in K–12 classrooms, while others utilize their advanced skills to teach at the college level or train future educators. If your goal is to make a difference through teaching, the EdD in special education can open doors to a variety of opportunities.
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.
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Advance your expertise and make a lasting impact in special education. Apply now to begin your doctoral journey.
Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Dec2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in December 2025. 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.
