Doctorate in Leadership -
Special Education
Discounted Tuition • Flexible Online Format
Program Highlights & Benefits
Up to 50% transfer credits considered
Access to job postings throughout Ohio
Personalized advising from start to finish
Network with teachers and administrators across the state
Program Overview
The leadership doctoral program in Special Education is designed for candidates who desire to continue their education as educators and scholars prepared for leadership roles in the area of special education in public or private institutions. This program develops special education experts who can design, implement, evaluate, and manage programs in a variety of public and private settings. The goals of doctoral study in this program are to develop the abilities for research and critical thinking in the field of special education, with a theoretical and practical knowledge; to develop competency in special education leadership, curriculum modification and program evaluation; to improve understanding of the needs of families as it relates to special services; to understand the role of advocacy in supporting key stakeholders; and to support and lead reform and change efforts related to teacher development in special education.
Areas of Study
Ed.D. Track
| Course | Title |
| EDL 6250 | Special Education Law and Policy |
| EDL 7140 | Organizational Change |
| EDL 7120 | Research Based Decision Making |
| SPED 6375 | Supervision of Programs for Children with Disabilities |
| FPR 7011 | Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Leadership |
| EDL 7210 | Policy Analysis |
| EDL 7310 | Organization and Community Partnerships |
| SPED 7020 | Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis |
| EDL 7300 | Ethics for Educational Leaders |
| SPED 7010 | Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities |
| SPED 7060 | Current Issues and Trends in Special Education |
| SPED 7100 | International Perspectives on Special Education |
| RES 7605 | Quantitative Analysis |
| RES 7700 | Qualitative Analysis |
| SPED 7030 | Seminar in Low Incidence Disabilities |
| SPED 7040 | Seminar in High Incidence Disabilities |
| RES 7900 | Research Design |
| COMP 7000 | Comprehensive Exam (fee based) |
| DISS 7010 | Dissertation |
| DISS 7020 | Dissertation |
| DISS 7030 | Dissertation |
| DISS 8000* | Dissertation Supervision (as needed, fee based)* |
Ph.D. Track
| Course | Title |
| EDL 6250 | Special Education Law and Policy |
| EDL 7140 | Organizational Change |
| EDL 7120 | Research Based Decision Making |
| SPED 6375 | Supervision of Programs for Children with Disabilities |
| FPR 7300 | Philosophy of Scientific Knowledge |
| EDL 7210 | Policy Analysis |
| EDL 7310 | Organization and Community Partnerships |
| SPED 7020 | Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis |
| EDL 7300 | Ethics for Educational Leaders |
| SPED 7010 | Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities |
| SPED 7060 | Current Issues and Trends in Special Education |
| SPED 7100 | International Perspectives on Special Education |
| RES 7605 | Quantitative Analysis |
| RES 7700 | Qualitative Analysis |
| SPED 7030 | Seminar in Low Incidence Disabilities |
| SPED 7040 | Seminar in High Incidence Disabilities |
| RES 7800 | Mixed Methods Research |
| RES 7620 OR RES 7710 | Advanced Topics in Statistics OR Advanced Topics in Qualitative Analysis |
| RES 7900 | Research Design |
| COMP 7000 | Comprehensive Examination (fee-based) |
| DISS 7010 | Dissertation |
| DISS 7020 | Dissertation |
| DISS 7030 | Dissertation |
| DISS 8000* | Dissertation Supervision (as needed, fee based)* |
Please Note:
* Students must register for DISS 8000 repeatedly (as needed) to maintain continuous enrollment until program completion. Minimum completion time is four years, but is dependent upon dissertation timeline of completion.
Those who intend to apply for financial aid should complete the financial aid process at the same time they apply for admission. Financial aid is available to admitted students (not pending/guest status) and is not retroactive.
This is only an introduction of the program. You are responsible to review the Graduate Catalog for program details.
Tuition Guarantee
The special per credit hour cohort tuition is $735. This rate is guaranteed not to increase over the life of the cohort. In addition, a technology fee of $18 per credit hour ($54 per 3 credit course) will be assessed for the purpose of supporting and enhancing student learning (Concordia e-mail, Blackboard, text notifications). The graduation fee will be assessed. We reserve the right to offer different tuition rates, or change the prices of other programs. Total tuition is dependent upon dissertation timeline of completion. Upon completion of the nine required hours of dissertation coursework, candidates must maintain continuous enrollment with DISS-8000 Dissertation Supervision until program completion, which is charged at the rate of one-credit hour per semester.
Admission Requirements
- A doctoral student must have an earned master’s degree of at least 3.00 cumulative.
- Two years teaching experience
- Objective Statement essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official sealed academic transcripts from institutions where degrees were earned
- Submission of Professional Resume
- Copy of current Ohio teaching license (if applicable)
Once all materials are submitted and your file is complete, the following steps will be taken:
- Your file will be reviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee.
- An admission decision will be reached immediately following the committee review, and you will be notified in writing within a few days.
NOTE: Admission to Concordia University Chicago depends on several factors, including: the cumulative GPA, program fit, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and an objective statement (critical writing sample). Students who do not have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 (on a 4.00 scale) will not be considered for admission.
Applicants may enroll in one semester of classes as a “pending” student awaiting an admission decision. Please note that participation and enrollment in the cohort does not guarantee admission to the University. Pending students who are denied admission will not be automatically withdrawn from the class, and will not receive a tuition refund. Pending students are not eligible for financial aid, therefore, please complete the admission process and submit official transcripts by the beginning of the semester for full admission to the graduate cohort program.
The Office of Graduate Admission and Enrollment Services will send a letter upon receipt of your application, and non-refundable $60.00 application fee (includes 1-year Associate Membership in OAESA). If you have any questions regarding your admission status, please feel free to contact us at:
Office of Graduate Admission and Enrollment Services
Phone: 708-209-4093
Fax: 708-209-3454
Email: graduate.admission@CUChicago.edu
Other Contacts:
| Cohort Information | Graduate Information Office | 800-946-9608 |
| Payment Plan | Office of Student Business Services | 708-209-3237 |
| Financial Assistance | Office of Student Financial Planning | 708-209-3113 |
| Online FAFSA form | www.fafsa.ed.gov | 800-4-FED AID |
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