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You help special education students exceed their limits every day. Now it's your turn to take the next step in your career, so that you can do more for yourself and for those who depend on you. An Ed.D. in Special Education from Nova Southeastern University will give you the advanced knowledge and field experiences that will prepare you for leadership positions in academic settings, direct service agencies, advocacy and policy organizations, and research institutes.
The Ed.D. program is a better match than a Ph.D. for educators who want to focus on hands-on implementation versus research work. The NSU Ed.D. in Special Education curriculum is timely and responsive to changes in the field, making it current, relevant, and culturally competent. Our graduates go on to build rewarding careers as special education teachers, university professors, administrators, consultants, and disability service providers.
Two Capstone Options for Completing Your Education
NSU’s Ed.D. program offers two capstone options for completing your education: the Applied Dissertation or the Strategic Research Project (SRP). Both choices are designed to help you formulate tough questions and learn how to begin answering them as you prepare for educational leadership. You must successfully complete one of these capstones in order to graduate.
Who Should Apply
- Practicing teachers, administrators, human service professionals, mental and healthcare providers, and others working with individuals with disabilities
- Master’s degree graduates seeking their doctoral degree and deeper expertise in special education.
- Candidates considering a traditional or online Ph.D. in special education who want to explore Ed.D. program benefits
Quick Facts
Ed.D. in Special Education Curriculum
Concentration Area Courses (3 credits)
Credits
Special Education Track (18 credits)
Credits
Autism Spectrum Disorder Track (18 credits)
Credits
Applied Behavior Analysis Track (21 credits)**
Credits
Additional Required Course (3 credits)
Credits
Summer Institute (1 credit)*
Credits
Applied Dissertation or Strategic Research Project (12 credits)**
Credits
Strategic Research Project (12 credits)
Credits
Required Courses (12 credits)
Credits
Quantitative Research Track (6 credits)***
Credits
Qualitative Research Track (6 credits)***
Credits
Research Track for those completing the Strategic Research Project (6 credits)
Credits
*Students will choose between the two courses.
**Certification Disclosure for the Applied Behavior Analysis Track:
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the courses
listed above toward requirements for eligibility to take the Board-Certified Behavior
Analyst® or Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will
need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the
examination. Association for Behavior Analysis International website: https://www.abainternational.org/welcome.aspxStudents interested in obtaining the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst designation
must complete a behavior analytic dissertation.
***Students will choose between the two courses.
****Doctoral students are required to attend at least one Summer Institute as part of required coursework. During each day of the institute, students will attend sessions where they will learn valuable skills to help them be successful in the program. There will also be sessions offered specifically to assist with the understanding and completion of the culminating capstone option (applied dissertation or strategic research project) that all students are required to complete. The sessions offer a unique blend of direct instruction and time for students to ask questions and connect with NSU faculty and engage with fellow students. The overall goal of the institute is to immerse students in a learning experience that will provide students with the information and tools needed to be a successful Ed.D. student. For additional information, please visit the website at
*****Students who complete all of their coursework and have registered for all of their dissertation benchmark courses (prospectus, proposal development, proposal, and applied dissertation) within the first three years will be required to register for ADS 8090 - Applied Dissertation Services I in order to receive dissertation services from their committee. Beginning with the fourth year (37th month/10th semester) following initial enrollment, and irrespective of remaining coursework, doctoral students are required to register for ADS 8091 - Applied Dissertation Services II, up to the point of degree completion, in order to receive dissertation services from their committee. Credits earned from ADS 8090 or ADS 8091 do not count toward the minimum credit hour requirement for the Ed.D. degree.
******For students completing the Applied Dissertation, you will select either the Quantitative Research Track or the Qualitative Research Track.
Ed.D. in Special Education Professional Licensure Disclosure (PDF)
Ed.D. in Special Education ABA Professional Licensure Disclosure (PDF)
Admission Requirements
Ready for the Next Step?
We’re thrilled you’re applying to this Ed.D. program at NSU.
This program opens opportunities in areas of research, academia, and management for those who are ready to advance as well as for individuals considering a career change.
Applications for admission are accepted online and on a rolling basis. No entrance exam is required.
Have the following items ready to submit with your online application:
- $50 application fee
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation by two different individuals who can attest to the applicant's ability to succeed in a doctoral program
Success Stories