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Special Education Leadership
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Expand your knowledge and skill in special education and contribute to the field through your own doctoral research with an online PhD in Education, Special Education Leadership from Capella University. This program is designed to augment your ability to oversee and advocate for the growing number of students who need special education services. The curriculum includes knowledge of laws and regulations, curriculum and instruction, financial resources, and community and family collaboration.
Classes start August 9
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online & in-person
- 4 Core courses
- 10 Specialization courses
- 3 Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
- 2 Internships
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- 3 years licensed teaching experience
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 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
$745 per credit, 77 coursework credits, 8 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Dissertation research seminar
—
Included in program costs; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included
Dissertation research seminar
—
Included in program costs; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included
Comprehensive exam
$2,235 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,235
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,235 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,235
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2021–22 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2021. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 4 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 4 quarters |
$8,940.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$62,804.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$42,804.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 19 quarters |
$45,304.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 6 quarters |
$13,410.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$67,274.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$47,274.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 21 quarters |
$49,774.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 8 quarters |
$17,880.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$71,744.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$51,774.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 23 quarters |
$54,224.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
This program places a high priority on special education administration, instructional strategies, law, and finance. It includes research seminars to help you get an early start on your dissertation.
Note: To apply, you must hold a master’s degree in education and a certification or license in special education or licensed clinical experience as a school psychologist, school social worker, or speech-language pathologist.
| ED7818 |
The Future of Teaching and Learning: Issues for the Educational Leader
In this course, learners explore and analyze the issues shaping teaching and learning. Learners use futuring methods to examine the ways history, technology, trends, and change affect the future of teaching and learning. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED7834 |
Higher Education and the Law
In this course, learners evaluate constitutional, statutory, and case law as related to higher education. Learners review federal and state legislation and their implications for both public and private higher education institutions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED8447 |
Advanced Funding and Managing Education Enterprises
In this course, learners explore and analyze the financing and fundraising plans of higher education enterprises. Learners explore current political and finance issues associated with higher education institution funding and management with an emphasis on endowments, public and private funding models, and intellectual property rights. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED7540 |
Leadership in Higher Education
Learners in this course examine the leadership philosophies, theories, and decision-making structures associated with higher education administration. Learners explore the nature and function of leadership; leadership roles; and institutional history, vision, culture, politics, and organizational structure. Cannot be fulfilled by prior learning assessment. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
The PhD in Special Education Leadership program focuses on P–12 special education leadership skills, including knowledge of laws and regulations, curriculum and instruction, financial resources, and community and family collaboration.
On successful completion of this degree program, you should be able to:
- Advance the field of education through influence
- Manage effective learning environments in special education
- Facilitate the development of a shared vision of learning for special education
- Effectively collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Apply self-management skills including communication and completion of required paperwork, activities, clinical hours and alignments
- Lead the field of special education in an ethical manner
- Promote the success of all persons
- Lead the development of a culture of learning
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Education, Special Education Leadership.
Related job titles to explore*
- Coordinator of special education
- Executive director of special education
- Special education consultant
- Supervisor of guidance or at-risk program
- Special education administrator
- Director of special education
- Full-time faculty of education courses
Employment settings to explore
- K-12 public or private school
- K-12 virtual or charter school
- District office
- Educational service center (ESC)
- Government—local, state, federal
- Non-profit organization
- Land-based or online college or university
- Regional educational service Agency (RESA)
- Special education regional resource center (SERRC)
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University’s Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Doctoral Guide
Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.
5 Ways Capella Supports Educators
Capella University believes strongly in the value of education and is proud to support those who choose this profession.
Doctoral Journey
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.