The goal of the doctoral program in Special Education is to prepare leadership personnel to help shape the future of special education. The program focuses on outcomes that will prepare graduates in the areas of research, teacher education, program development, and evaluation.

Graduates are prepared for roles as teachers and researchers in university programs and specialists and consultants in direct-service agencies. The doctoral program in special education seeks to provide personnel for these roles by preparing reflective, culturally sensitive practitioners and leaders in the profession of education who practice within the Code of Ethics adopted by the Council for Exceptional Children.