PhD Special Education at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Our special education doctoral program is designed to prepare you as a leader who is committed to improving student outcomes in educational and community settings. Graduates enjoy a range of career possibilities. Design a course of study that best suits your professional goals.

Faculty: College of Education | Department: Educational and Developmental Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Learn from nationally recognized scholars who are committed to preparing the next generation of leaders in special education. Foundation courses draw from educational psychology, foundations, research, curriculum and educational leadership. Students pursue their own research interests, and a dissertation is required.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Educator, Researcher, Faculty.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): In addition to The Graduate School’s application requirements, applicants must have the following materials on file at The Graduate School, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208. Students applying for grant positions must have all materials on file prior to faculty interview. a supplemental application form for the Ph.D. in Special Education, and a letter of intent evidence that the applicant holds a professional certification in education or a related field (e.g., speech/language pathology, school psychology) evidence of five years of direct educational experience, which may include working with exceptional individuals in school, clinic, or residential settings. Upon verification of the above requirements the applicant will interview with the Programs in Special Education Admissions Committee and participate in an extemporaneous writing sample. Specialized Competencies...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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