phd special education online

Online PhD in Special Education Every Student Needs Someone Who Cares

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Learn How to Meet Your Students’ Unique Needs with a PhD in Special Education Online

You are an education professional seeking a terminal degree. You love working directly in the classroom and equipping your students for success. You are passionate about helping students with special needs learn, grow, and thrive.

If that sounds like you, Liberty University’s PhD in Education – Special Education can help. Our program provides an in-depth look at learning theory and research methods with the goal of helping you bolster your effectiveness as an educator. You can learn how to help all of your students — including those with disabilities — excel at every level of education, from kindergarten through college.

Explore methods for making effective, data-driven decisions and implementing evidence-based practices in the classroom. This doctorate in special education online program can help equip you to work as a school leader at public and private institutions. Partner with us and prepare to serve as a Champion for Christ in the education field — and beyond.

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• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
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• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty University’s PhD Program in Special Education?

Are you worried that school will get in the way of your other commitments and priorities? If so, we have just what you need! Our PhD in special education is offered 100% online, so you can complete your coursework from the comfort of your home and easily access your materials whenever you need them. Most importantly, you can stay invested in your family and career while furthering your education.

In this online doctoral degree program in special education, you’ll study under professors who have years of experience in research, teaching, and academia. With their guidance, you can gain the tools you need to help your students succeed.

We don’t just train educators — we equip qualified professionals who seek to use their skills in service to God and others. At Liberty, you will analyze education practices through the lens of a biblical worldview. Our faculty are grounded in the Christian faith and are committed to helping you lead with excellence and integrity in the education field.

What Will You Study in Our Online PhD Program in Special Education?

This special education doctoral program online is broken down into 4 main parts: core education courses, research classes, a dissertation project, and the special education concentration. You can gain foundational skills in the theoretical, historical, and philosophical aspects of education. Additionally, you can explore current trends in educational technology, allowing you to stay knowledgeable about the most cutting-edge research in the industry.

Our PhD in special education online courses can help prepare you to meet the needs of students with physical impairments, behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. In particular, you can learn how to collaborate with families, service providers, and school administrators in helping these students set and achieve academic goals.

Every student is unique, so our courses can help train you to evaluate the needs of individual students and help them reach their full potential. Upon graduation, you could work directly in the classroom or as the director of a special education program. Whether you want to work in early childhood education or at post-secondary institutions, our online PhD in special education can help you pursue your career goals.

This program contains several research methods courses, culminating in an extensive final dissertation project. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct original research and contribute to the base of knowledge in your field.

Potential Career Opportunities

By earning your Doctor of Philosophy in special education, you can pursue a variety of job opportunities in the field of education. Some of the roles you may qualify for include:

• Educational consultant
• K-12 special education teacher*
• Rehabilitation facility director
• School superintendent
• Special education director
• Survey researcher
• Training and development specialist
• University administrator
• University professor

*This career may require a teaching license.

Featured Courses

• EDUC 701 – Advanced Learning Theory and Research
• EDSP 722 – History and Future of Special Education
• EDSP 725 – Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
• EDSP 726 – Disability and Learning

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Education .
• View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required) .
• This program contains optional on-campus intensives . Most intensives are offered in a week-long course format, with a few being offered in a weekend-only format.
• An extensive final dissertation project is required.

Degree Completion Plan

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• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for Liberty’s Doctor of Philosophy in Education Program

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

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(888) 301-3577

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Email for Documents

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of earning a phd in special education.

By completing this online doctorate degree in special education, you’ll earn a terminal credential that can help demonstrate your expertise to employers. With a PhD, you could potentially earn a higher salary or advance to top-level leadership roles.

Most importantly, our doctorate in special education online can help strengthen your ability to serve students with learning disabilities and make a positive impact on them. You will explore special education teaching philosophy and learn how to help students with disabilities thrive in their academic, professional, and personal life.

What is the difference between an EdD and a PhD in special education?

A Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are both terminal degrees that offer advanced training in the field of education. However, they have some important differences.

An EdD is a professional doctorate designed to equip you with vocational knowledge. In contrast, our online PhD in special education program can help you pursue a career in research or teaching. Additionally, our EdD requires a final capstone project while our PhD program involves an extensive dissertation.

Both degrees are valuable — you’ll just need to evaluate which one best matches your career goals!

Does this degree require any culminating project?

Liberty’s online PhD program contains an integrated dissertation process, allowing you to work toward your final research project while completing your regular classes.

What are the benefits of pursuing a program like this online?

If you’re a full-time parent or working professional, we provide the flexibility you need to take the next step in your academic journey. Completing your PhD gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of achievement in your field.

What resources will be available to me in this program?

As a doctoral student, you can access a wealth of resources through our top-notch research portal while completing your PhD in Education at Liberty University.

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Where Can You Earn An Online Ph.D. In Special Education In 2024?

Updated: Jul 10, 2024, 11:07am

Key Takeaways

• A doctorate in special education allows you to conduct original research in specialized areas of the field and take an active role in shaping the education of students with physical and intellectual disabilities and other exceptionalities.
• Online Ph.D. in special education programs are comparatively rare, but online learning may help you balance graduate study with other obligations and let you access programs across the country without having to relocate.
• For full-time doctoral students, an online Ph.D. in special education typically takes three to five years to complete.

Education professionals who want to pursue leadership roles and change the future of special education should consider earning a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in special education. This terminal graduate degree develops advanced expertise in particular areas of special education.

Special education doctoral programs explore educational research methodology, special education law, public policy and pedagogy. Program requirements may include an internship, a comprehensive or qualifying examination, and a doctoral dissertation. Some programs offer specializations like administration, autism, applied behavior analysis and university teaching.

An online Ph.D. in special education can prepare you to work in university teaching and research, program development, specialist teaching and consulting, or educator preparation and training. Learn where you can earn a Ph.D. in special education online.

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• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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Online Ph.D. in Special Education Degree Options

Texas tech university, university of northern colorado.

Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, offers a fully online Ph.D. in special education that prepares students for leadership roles in special education and accepts up to 30 transfer credits.

The curriculum explores educational statistics and research, program evaluation in special education and grant writing for special education. Students complete a doctoral internship, a qualifying exam and a 12-credit doctoral dissertation to graduate. The program requires one year of residency, which in most cases entails full-time enrollment for two consecutive semesters.

Applicants need GRE scores, a résumé, three professional recommendations and an applicant statement. Total tuition costs approximately $460 per credit for full-time, in-state students; TTU charges an additional distance learning fee of up to $100 per credit.

At a Glance

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 90 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time, full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Introduction to educational statistics, qualitative research in education
• Concentrations Available: Assessment, generic: high incidence disabilities special education, applied behavior analysis, autism, deaf/hard of hearing, deaf/blind, orientation and mobility, visual impairment
• In-Person Requirements: No

Learners can earn a Ph.D. in special education online in three to five years from the University of Northern Colorado Extended Campus in Loveland, Colorado. The program prepares students to conduct research, use evidence-based practices and advocate for change in special education. The curriculum explores grant writing, individualized instruction, collaboration in education and leadership. Students can add a director of gifted education endorsement.

The program requires doctoral core, research core and elective graduate coursework. Students also complete an externship, a comprehensive exam and a doctoral dissertation. Tuition costs $734 per credit, and the program has one annual start date each fall.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 77 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Theories of exceptionality, grant writing seminar
• Concentrations Available: Transition of children and youth with exceptionalities; education of infants and preschool children with exceptionalities; one of the categorical areas of special education (e.g., autism, blindness or visual impairment, deaf or hard of hearing, learning disabilities); gifts and talents; curriculum development; special education administration; university teaching and research

How To Find the Right Online Ph.D. in Special Education for You

Consider your future goals.

Before choosing an online Ph.D. in special education, think about what you want to do after graduation. No two programs are identical, so you should find the one that best aligns with your future career goals.

In a program where faculty members are already conducting research in your interest area, you’ll have an easier time getting the support and opportunities you need to succeed.

If you want to concentrate your research on a specific population or area of special education, make sure to find a program that makes this possible. For example, if you want to research special education issues related to children with autism spectrum disorder, find a program with an autism concentration, or one that will let you design your own area of focus.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Total tuition rates for the degrees discussed on this page amount to about $41,400 for TTU’s Ph.D. and $56,500 for UNC’s.

For comparison, The National Center for Education Statistics reports that one year of graduate school tuition and fees costs about $11,500 for in-state students at public universities. Private, nonprofit universities charge just over $20,000 per year for graduate tuition and fees. (These figures include master’s degrees; it’s tough to parse out the average cost of tuition for a doctorate since program costs vary widely at the doctoral level.)

To apply for federal student aid that can help pay for your online Ph.D. in special education, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Federal aid may include student loans, grants and scholarships. Your department and school also may offer funding options like scholarships, fellowships, and graduate student research and teaching assistantships.

Should You Enroll in an Online Ph.D. in Special Education Program?

Online Ph.D. in special education programs can provide flexibility and convenience, making it easier for working educators to go back to school. However, online learning does not suit everyone. Consider the below factors before committing to a delivery format for your degree.

Online programs can offer savings since distance learners do not pay for expensive on-campus housing or transportation costs. In general, tuition rates for distance education programs tend to be similar to or lower than rates for on-campus offerings.

Learning Style

Succeeding in an online learning environment usually takes good time management and organizational skills. You must be able to motivate yourself to do the work, even when you don’t feel like it. If you tend to procrastinate, or if you otherwise benefit from the structure and accountability of in-person classes, an online program might not work for you.

Time Commitment

Compared to in-person programs, which require you to attend class at a specific place and time, online programs usually provide greater scheduling flexibility. Asynchronous programs in particular allow you to work through your course material at your convenience. This flexibility can especially benefit learners with full-time jobs and other time-intensive commitments.

Accreditation for Online Ph.D. in Special Education

Universities can pursue institutional accreditation to showcase their high-quality educational offerings.

To award institutional accreditation, independent accrediting bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) evaluate schools based on factors like quality of faculty, availability of student services and responsible financial management.

Programmatic accreditation signals that a specific department or program within a university has passed a rigorous quality assurance process. Online Ph.D. in special education programs may hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

You can research school and program accreditation using CHEA’s searchable directory . Most schools also provide accreditation information on an accreditation page of their website.

Our Methodology

We scored two accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D. in special education programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.

We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of January 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We listed all two schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Ph.D. in Special Education Programs

What is the difference between a ph.d. and an ed.s..

An education specialist (Ed.S.) degree, similar to a doctor of education (Ed.D.), is a postgraduate education degree that is more advanced than a typical master’s degree but less intensive than a Ph.D. While a Ph.D. in special education usually prepares graduates to work on high-level special education research, policy or university teaching, an Ed.S. prepares graduates to assume leadership roles as special education practitioners.

Is a Ph.D. better than an Ed.D.?

The answer depends on your career goals. Ph.D. special education programs focus primarily on university-level research and teaching, while Ed.D. programs are designed for practitioners. If you want to take a leadership role working directly with special education students, an Ed.D. is a good choice. On the other hand, if you want to design and conduct studies on special education issues, choose a Ph.D.

How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. in special education online?

How long it takes to earn your online Ph.D. in special education depends largely on whether you study full time or part time. Full-time Ph.D. candidates can typically complete their coursework and doctoral dissertation in three to five years.

What can you do with a Ph.D. in special education?

Many Ph.D. in special education graduates go on to teach at the university level or conduct academic research in the field. Others work at individual schools or school districts as special education coordinators, curriculum specialists, administrators or consultants.

Is a Ph.D. in special education worth it?

Depending on your career goals, a Ph.D. in special education may be worth it. This terminal degree is typically required if you plan to conduct research and train future special education professionals as a university professor. It can also benefit those seeking advanced special education roles in schools and school districts, although other graduate degrees—such as an Ed.S. or Ed.D.—may also help you qualify for these positions.

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Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.

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A Flexible Online Doctorate (PhD) Program in Special Education

The Special Education Doctor of Philosophy program allows you to pursue your specific interests and goals in the field of special education. Our program is based on the concept that your learning is an active, self-regulated process.

You will work in collaboration with your advisor and committee on individualized instruction in theory, pedagogy, research methodology, evidence-based practice, public policy and advocacy, and collaboration. Required courses include special education, research methods, electives, and research tools.

Become a Special Education Leader And Advocate

You will be prepared for creative leadership in a rapidly changing world that is experiencing increasing cultural diversity and structural reforms. Become a steward and advocate for exceptional students via a wide range of leadership positions in public and private schools, colleges, universities, agencies, businesses and government entities.

I'm Ready To Apply!

Credits Required: 77

Time to Completion: 3-5 years including dissertation

Tuition: $734/credit hour

Delivery Option & Start Term: Online program: starts each Fall term

Get Started/Apply

Meet with Admissions Coach

Program Coordinator

Silvia Correa-Torres, Ed.D. [email protected] 970-351-1660

Course of Study

Eligibility & transfer credit, costs & aid.

This program can be completed in 77 credit hours (including dissertation). Additional credit hours could be required if optional research tools coursework or additional externship hours are chosen.

Choose the enrollment level that is right for you. Full-time students generally finish in three years; part-time students can typically finish within five years.

• Content courses are offered in the Fall and Spring terms. Three 16-week courses are available. You can enroll in 1 to 3 courses.
• In Summer terms, you will focus on electives, research tools courses, externship, and your dissertation. These courses are also available in Fall and Spring.

Coursework (77 Credit Hours)

To see the upcoming courses, visit this program's Current Students page .

Doctoral Core (25 Hours)

• EDSE 701 Introduction to Doctoral Study in Exceptionalities (1)
• EDSE 702 Law of Exceptionalities (3)
• EDSE 721 Theories of Exceptionality (3)
• EDSE 727 Seminar in Exceptionalities (3)
• EDSE 728 Seminar in Professional Writing (3)
• EDSE 732 Research in Exceptionalities (3)
• EDSE 733 Preparing Teachers of Students with Exceptionalities (3)
• EDSE 744 Grant Writing Seminar (3)
• EDSE 745 Advanced Doctoral Seminar (3)

Research Core (12 Hours)

• SRM 602 Statistical Methods I (3)
• SRM 603 Statistical Methods II (3)
• SRM 680 Introduction to Qualitative Research (3)
• SRM 700 Advanced Research Methods (3)

Research Tools (12 Hours Minimum)

Students in special education must demonstrate proficiency in two of the four research tools . You will work with your advisor on research tool course options.

Electives (9 Hours)

Students are to select 9 semester hours of courses in a cognate closely related to the student’s program goals. Electives are chosen in consultation with the major advisor and are an integral part of the program plan.

Dissertation (16 Hours)

• EDSE 797 Doctoral Proposal Research (4 total)
• EDSE 799 Doctoral Dissertation (12 total)

Externships (3 Hours Minimum)

• EDSE 730 Externship in Exceptionalities (3)

Add a Director of Gifted Education Licensure/ Endorsement

You can include Director of Gifted Education Endorsement preparation if you take it as an Area of Special Interest for this PhD degree.

Contact the Program Coordinator for details and advice based upon your academic background.

Comprehensive Performance Assessment

The comprehensive examination consists of a written Major Paper plus a matrix of performance options that demonstrates competency in theory, pedagogy, research methodology, evidence-based practice, public policy/advocacy, and collaboration.

For full details, see the official program listing in the UNC Graduate Catalog.

Admission Requirements

Possess (or be in the process of finishing) a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.

Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 point scale) for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress. If you are still completing your master's degree at the time you apply, admission will be based on your current cumulative GPA, and you will need to re-submit your official transcript (showing your conferred degree and final GPA) during your first semester. If your final GPA fell below 3.00, you will be given additional requirements as defined by the academic program that must be met within one calendar year to remain enrolled at UNC.

Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for this program.

Prerequisite course: SRM 600 Introduction to Graduate Research (3) or equivalent (you can be admitted without this prerequisite, but will need to take it prior to taking your first SRM course in the program).

Eligibility by State

At this time, UNC can provide distance education to students from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. UNC cannot provide distance education in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Certain distance education activities that occur outside of Colorado may have additional state approval processes or requirements. This most commonly occurs for experiential learning placement activities such as practica, internships, student teaching, and healthcare clinicals. Please review the State Authorization (SARA) page for additional information on UNC’s ability to offer distance education across state lines and a list of activities and states where approval may be required. For additional information or questions, please contact [email protected] .

International Student Eligibility

International students residing outside of the United States are eligible to apply to our online programs. Applicants for online programs must demonstrate English proficiency, or enroll in the UNC Intensive English Program , in order to be considered.

Students in completely online UNC programs are not required to come to the United States. You will not need a student visa or receive any immigration documentation, and do not need to provide financial documentation.

Please visit the International Students Admission Requirements page for details about English proficiency requirements and applying as an international student.

Transferring Credit

UNC graduate school accepts applicable graduate credit with a grade of C or higher from accredited institutions. Please note that if your chosen program has a higher grade minimum for any program coursework, that minimum would apply to transfer requests for those courses. Graduate program faculty are responsible for reviewing any proposed transfer credit to ensure that course content and objectives match program content.

• Students must complete at least 50% of their graduate program credits at UNC, not including research, capstone, seminar, internship/externship/practicum, thesis, dissertation proposal, dissertation and any credits graded with S/U (P/F).
• Courses requested for transfer must not be more than eight years old for doctoral degree credit, and cannot have been used to fulfill requirements for a previously awarded degree. See the full Graduate Transfer Credit Policy .

A student who possesses a specialist degree may count a maximum of 21 semester hours of specialist work in the doctoral program with the approval of the Graduate School, the program advisor, and all members of the doctoral committee. Schools may have requirements that exceed the minimums established by the university.

This is an Extended Campus program, which means:

• We charge a flat per-credit tuition rate for all students (in-state or out-of-state).
• There are no added student fees or technology fees. However, certain courses may carry specific course fees to support additional services and materials.

Program tuition for the 2024-25 academic year (which runs Fall, Spring, and Summer terms) is $734 per credit hour. Tuition for the 2025-26 academic year will be determined mid-June 2025.

Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC's official Cost of Attendance/ Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.

Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships.

Limited graduate assistantship opportunities are available to offset program costs. Multiple factors are involved in awarding these positions, but the earlier you apply for your chosen start term the greater your chance of full consideration. Contact the Program Coordinator with any questions about assistantships.

Federal Financial Aid

Degree-seeking students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The UNC FAFSA/financial aid page for graduate students has key dates and support, including the release date and deadline for each academic year (a Fall-Spring-Summer cycle which begins each August).

Late submissions of the FAFSA are still accepted throughout the school year but you may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid. If the priority deadline has passed for the upcoming/current school year, we encourage you to apply for FAFSA consideration as soon as you enroll for your first courses. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to submit an application for the current academic year and an early/priority application for the following academic year.

Doctoral degree students must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full time enrollment is based on 9 credits per term.

To apply for federal financial aid assistance

Fill out the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

For more specific help, contact the Office of Financial Aid:  [email protected] , 970-351-4862  or via the UNC Financial Aid website .

Students can also find helpful information such as the Guide to Federal Student Aid at https://studentaid.gov/resources . Most of the resources are available in English, Spanish and Braille.

Student Health Insurance

The University of Northern Colorado offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to all degree-seeking students who enroll in courses on our main UNC Campus, an Extended Campus Center, or Online.

Degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours will automatically receive this benefit each term. SHIP premiums will appear on your semester bill. If you have comparable insurance coverage, and do not want to be charged for SHIP coverage, you must opt out of this plan each Fall via an online waiver process .

Please visit the UNC Student Health Insurance pages for more information about the insurance plan.

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Additional Resources

• We also encourage you to visit the School of Special Education page for this program, which includes information about the on-campus delivery of this program.
• Learn more about the Special Education Faculty .

Related Programs

• Special Education: Gifted Education Director (Endorsement)
• Special Education Director (Licensure)

Flexible. Affordable. Online or face-to-face.

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