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Special Education Leadership Specialization Doctor of Philosophy in Education

School of Education

  1. Online Doctoral Degrees
  2. Education
  3. PhD in Education
  4. Special Education Leadership

Overview

Augment your ability to oversee and advocate for the growing number of students who need special education services, while contributing to the field through your own doctoral research, with Capella's online PhD in Special Education Leadership degree program. Capella is an accredited and nationally recognized university and our academic offerings are professionally aligned. 

The online PhD in Special Education Leadership program is part of Capella's Professional Education Unit, which has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This online specialization is nationally recognized by the Council of Exceptional Children. It provides a strong foundation in general K-12 educational administration, along with coursework that places a high priority on special education administration, instructional strategies, law, and finance.

Take the most direct path to your PhD in special education leader—Capella's online course room ensures that your schedule is designed around your life, and our online learning experiences allow you to take classes anywhere, and at any time.

The Building Blocks of Your PhD

In the PhD in Special Education Leadership program, you will begin work on your dissertation immediately. Our curriculum begins with programs of research to help you determine your topic and incorporates credit-bearing dissertation research seminars with assistance blended into coursework. Expert faculty, research methodologists, and advisors provide the right assistance at the right time, when you need it. Each facet of your education builds on the others to take you seamlessly through your program and to your goal of a PhD.

Degree Outcomes

With your online PhD in Special Education Leadership from Capella, you'll facilitate the development of a shared vision of learning for special education, promote the success of all persons, lead the development of a culture of learning, and manage effective learning environments in special education.

Career Outcomes

Common jobs with an online PhD in Special Education Leadership include director of special education, supervisor of school psychologist or speech and language service, disabilities and mental health services manager, state or federal grant coordinator or faculty member. Potential workplaces include: K–12 public or private school, state department of education agency, federal department of education agency, land-based or online college or university, or educational consulting firm.

Detailed Program Information

Get all the details about cost, courses, requirements, and more.

Download the GuidedPath Specialization Guide »

Classes Start October 9th

Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future. 

Admission Requirements »  | $50 Application Fee

Cost & Learning Format

Online education isn’t one size fits all. We know you’re busy—you need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however you learn. 

Our online-learning format that guides you along. You pay per credit; we set the deadlines. 

Learn more about GuidedPath »

  • Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
  • 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
  • Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
  • Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$707 per credit, 92 total quarter credits, 16 max transfer credits

Learning Outcomes »

Gainful Employment »

Get the Details

Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.

Ways to Save

At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable–there are more ways to save than you might think. 

Transfer Credits

We can accept many transfer credits from regionally accredited schools. 

Learn about Transfer Credits »

Grants

Grants are federal education funds that never need to be paid back. 

Learn about Federal Grants »

Federal Work Study

This program provides part-time jobs to reduce your loan debt amounts. Talk to an enrollment counselor to learn more.

Faculty & Support

You’re never going it alone at Capella. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are waiting to guide, help, and advise you through every step of your educational journey.

Enrollment Counselors

These folks are superstars. We hear it from our students (and grads). They’re here to help find a program fit and set you up for success.  

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty holds top credentials in their fields. They’re here to teach the knowledge and skills you’ll need, now. 

Writing Support

These skilled communicators offer free tutoring services and multiple resources to sharpen your writing skills.

Doctoral Advising

A doctoral degree takes special effort. It's why we offer expert support at every step to keep you moving forward toward your goal.

Ready for the Next Step?

Learning online doesn't mean going it alone. Help is here. From faculty, coaches, advisors, and more. Plus a supportive community of students who are as passionate about their careers as you are about yours.

Call Us: 1.866.933.5974