A doctoral program in Special Education, offered jointly by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), combines the unique resources of the two institutions.

The program is designed to prepare graduates for teacher education in special education or other leadership positions in the field. This program offers a focus on disability issues in special education, emphasizing teacher education, theory and pedagogy, and research. Graduates are prepared to assume university faculty positions in which they will conduct teacher education, research, and other scholarly pursuits related to special education and disabilities. This program offers a Ph.D. in special education, thus students are required to obtain both breadth and depth of knowledge in special education and may specialize in specific areas that include but are not limited to: early childhood education, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, severe disabilities, physical and health impairments, visual impairments, cultural and linguistic diversity, and transition to adulthood.

The degree requires major work in special education, and breadth work in related areas as well as work in a cognate field outside of education. Advanced courses and research seminars supply technical background in the specialization in which students plan to do their dissertations. Practicum, fieldwork, and/or internship assignments are planned on an individual basis.

Admission to the Program

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Completion of a Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field.

- An undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 and a minimum graduate grade point average of 3.4.

- The potential to perform research as demonstrated in evidence submitted to the special education joint doctoral program committee.

- At least three years’ successful professional experience, such as teaching, with individuals with disabilities (if an exception is made at the time of admission, the requirement must be completed prior to advancement to candidacy).

- Three letters of recommendation, preferably two of which should be written by faculty from whom the student has taken graduate work.

- Applicants may be asked to participate in an oral interview as part of the screening process.

Applicants will be considered for admission by a screening committee consisting of special education faculty from both Cal State LA and UCLA. Students are initially admitted to the Cal State LA campus with conditional acceptance by UCLA. Upon recommendation of the Cal State LA special education joint doctoral program committee, students may make a formal application to UCLA and be approved for admission to that campus to complete the program of study.