Ed.D in Organizational Leadership: Special Education (Qualitative Research)

Earn Your Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership for Special Education Online

All children are entitled to receive a fair and appropriate education. However, many students struggle with learning differences and disabilities that can affect their progress in a typical classroom. As a practicing special education professional, you can enhance your knowledge and skills in this area by earning your online doctorate in special education.

The online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education at Grand Canyon University empowers learners to become leaders in K-12 special education. After completing this EdD special education emphasis program, you will emerge with a renewed sense of purpose with skills that are immediately applicable for the betterment of special education programs and the benefit of the students they serve.

Explore Qualitative vs. Quantitative Options for Your EdD in Special Education

A qualitative doctorate in special education is geared toward the study of thoughts, concepts or experiences of the students and how policies and curriculum can be changed to improve their education. The quantitative EdD special education program focuses on the same end result of improving education but uses mathematical and statistical research methods to draw its conclusions.

Gain Advanced Skills and Knowledge in the EdD in Special Education Emphasis at GCU

In courses such as Supervision and Administration of Special Education, Fiscal Management in Special Education and Special Education Law, you will acquire the following core competencies:

    Understand special education laws and regulations, and use them as a foundation for best practices
    
    Adopt ethical leadership practices necessary to build appropriate frameworks for K-12 educators and students
    
    Manage budgeting, fiscal planning and grant writing in the special education setting appropriately
    
    Understand the history and theories of special education, including human development, educational standards and instructional tools

With the leadership doctorate in special education emphasis from GCU, you will have the opportunity for face-to-face networking with your peers during the two five-day residencies. You will present your scholarly work and thoughtfully critique the work of your peers, while benefiting from the intensive mentorship of faculty.

Prepare for High-Level Careers With an Organizational Leadership Doctorate in Special Education

Study Human Development and Educational Standards to Develop Organizational Leadership Skills

Career Opportunities for Graduates With a Doctorate in Special Education

Online doctoral programs in special education effectively prepare you to assume leadership roles in schools and institutions. There is a broad range of opportunities within this field. You can help educate and prepare future special education teachers. If you prefer a non-teaching role, you may want to consider developing special education programs and schools or creating policies that foster a more inclusive learning environment for students with various disabilities.

Some of the career options that may be related to the online doctorate in special education emphasis may include the following:

    School administrator
    
    Special education consultant
    
    Curriculum developer
    
    Lead special education teacher
    
    Learning advocate

In addition to schools and districts, other potential workplaces may include autism therapy centers, social service agencies and government organizations, depending on certifications earned in your bachelor’s and master’s programs.

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Postsecondary Education Administrators as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Postsecondary Education Administrators. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.