We're here to help.
All children are entitled to receive a fair and appropriate education. However, many students struggle with learning differences and disabilities that can affect their progress in a typical classroom. As a practicing special education professional, you can enhance your knowledge and skills in this area by earning your online doctorate in special education.
The online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education at Grand Canyon University empowers learners to become leaders in K-12 special education. After completing this EdD special education emphasis program, you will emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, with skills that are immediately applicable for the betterment of special education programs and the benefit of the students they serve.
Explore Qualitative vs. Quantitative Options
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.
In courses such as Supervision and Administration of Special Education, Fiscal Management in Special Education and Special Education Law, you will acquire the following core competencies:
With the leadership doctorate in special education emphasis from GCU, you will have the opportunity for face-to-face networking with your peers during the two five-day residencies. You will present your scholarly work and thoughtfully critique the work of your peers, while benefiting from the intensive mentorship of faculty.
Online EdD programs may prepare you to assume leadership roles in schools and institutions. There is a broad range of opportunities within this field. You can help educate and prepare future special education teachers. If you prefer a non-teaching role, you may want to consider developing special education programs and schools or creating policies that foster a more inclusive learning environment for students with various disabilities.
Some of the career options that may be related to the online doctorate in special education emphasis may include the following:
School administrator
Special education consultant
Curriculum developer
Lead special education teacher
Learning advocate
Earning a qualitative doctoral degree can prepare you for high-level positions within educational institutions. Accelerate your learning with a research-based approach to student interventions and acquire a framework of foundational knowledge in the history and theories of special education. As you near completion of this online doctorate in special education degree emphasis, you will have developed a dissertation that draws on collected research to advance the body of knowledge in the field.
In addition to schools and districts, other potential workplaces may include autism therapy centers, social service agencies and government organizations, depending on certifications earned in your bachelor’s and master’s programs.
GCU strives to graduate students who are confident communicators and innovators in their fields. The Christian worldview is integrated into the curriculum, empowering you to explore the elements of servant leadership and ethical practices. The doctorate in special education online classes offer flexibility and enable working professionals to meet their current obligations. All courses are taught by qualified instructors who facilitate intellectually stimulating discussions.
Before you decide to apply for enrollment, you may have some lingering questions. These FAQs and answers may help address any uncertainties as you work on planning your career pathway.
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.
Once you have the appropriate teaching license for your state, you will be able to teach at any level. Some graduates with a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership choose to continue teaching in the K-12 classroom where they feel they have the most impact working directly with the students. Others may choose to use their advanced skills to train the next generation of teachers at the college level. If your career goals involve teaching, then earning your EdD in special education allows you to purse a variety of opportunities where you can make a difference in the world of special education.
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.
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
If you decide that a career in the special education field could be the right choice for you, apply for enrollment in GCU’s online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education degree today. Complete the form on this page to get started.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 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.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Postsecondary Education Administrators as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Postsecondary Education Administrators. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. 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. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Up to 9 doctoral credits
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Doctoral)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.4 may be accepted with specifications.
** Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 - 3.39 may be accepted with specifications. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will not be accepted.
