Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education
School of Education
Special Education Leadership specialization
Strengthen your ability to oversee and advocate for the growing number of students who need special education services, and contribute to the field through your own doctoral research. This specialization is part of Capella’s Professional Education Unit, which has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This specialization is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children. It provides a strong foundation in general P–12 educational administration, along with focused course work in special education administration, instructional strategies, law, and finance. People who choose this specialization include those pursuing special education leadership positions at the building, district, state, or national level; higher education faculty positions; or consulting positions in the field of special education.
Licensure information: Begin to research and understand your state's licensure requirements right away, find answers to common questions, explore how Capella programs fit with your state's standards and requirements, and get links to important state resources. Visit the School of Education licensure website.
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE)- Accredited
NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.
Read the news release announcing our NCATE accreditation.
Learn why NCATE accreditation is important.
Residency requirements: Three 4-day weekend experiences
- Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
- In addition to your online courses, you will complete 3 residential colloquia, each of which includes a 4-day weekend experience, at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your PhD studies and beyond.
Doctoral colloquia each have 3 steps:
Step 1: Colloquium Courseroom (opens approximately 2 weeks prior to Weekend Experience)
Step 2: Weekend Experience (4-day residency)
Step 3: Colloquium Courseroom—Assessment and evaluation (completed the week after the Weekend Experience)
What is the cost to attend?
The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn’t include costs for evening meals or travel. You’ll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
- Learn more about residency requirements.
- Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.888.227.3552.
Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)
- ED8007 - Leading Innovation
- ED8112 - Educational Research Methods
- ED8117 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods*
- ED8122 - Statistics for Educational Research I*
Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)
- ED7820 - Principles of Educational Administration
- ED7822 - The Funding of Educational Institutions
- ED7823 - Education and the Law
- ED7106 - Curriculum Development
- ED7541 - Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
- ED7545 - Special Education Administration
- ED7550 - Leadership for Director of Special Education*
- ED7551 - Special Education Curriculum and Instructional Strategies*
- ED7552 - Special Education Law and Finance*
- ED7554 - Internship for Director of Special Education I*
- ED7555 - Internship for Director of Special Education II*
- ED9919 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination*
- ED9920 - Dissertation Courseroom* - non-credit
- ED9921 - Dissertation Research 1* - 5 quarter credits
- ED9922 - Dissertation Research 2* - 5 quarter credits
- ED9923 - Dissertation Research 3* - 5 quarter credits
- ED9924 - Dissertation Research 4* - 5 quarter credits
Nine Elective Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)
- Recommended elective courses
- ED7542 - The Politics of P–12 Education
- ED7544 - Introduction to School Business Administration
- ED7852 - P–12 Principalship
- ED7543 - The Superintendency
- ED8812 - The Governance of Educational Institutions
- ED7310 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Educational Process
- ED8100 - The Future of Educational Institutions: Topics and Trends
- ED7818 - The Future of Teaching and Learning: Issues for the Educational Leader
- ED8111 - The Historical and Social Foundations of Education
- ED8123 - Statistics for Educational Research II*
- OR
- Choose any graduate courses.
This specialization has not been reviewed or approved by Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania residents will have to apply and meet requirements for certification as out-of-state candidates.
Admission to the Special Education Leadership specialization requires learners to complete and submit the Capella University School of Education Teaching Experience Verification form.
Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement.
(Washington State learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information)
New York and North Carolina residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Course Descriptions
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Learn more about our related specializations:
PhD
EdD
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Learning & Career Outcomes
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