Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education
About This Programme
A research doctorate in special and inclusive education.
Course Highlights
- Taught at UAEU, ranked #217 in the QS World University Rankings 2027
- American-style credit-hour degree taught in English
- Research doctorate with supervision across the college's research areas
What You'll Study
Taught full time, in person, on an American-style credit-hour system, primarily in English.
Coursework
PhD Special Education, minimum 60 CH. Structure: Core (9 CH), Research Methodology (9 CH), Specialization Electives (9 CH, select 3), and one further Elective (3 CH).
- CURR701 Curriculum Theory and Practice3 credits
- FOED702 Organizational Theory in Educational Leadership3 credits
- SPED704 Teaching Students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds3 credits
- CURR710 Quantitative Research Methods in Education3 credits
- CURR713 Qualitative Research Methods in Education3 credits
- CURR715 Mixed Methods Research in Education3 credits
Specialization Electives: select 3 (9 CH) from SPED701, SPED720, SPED721, SPED722, SPED724, SPED732. Plus one further Elective (3 CH) from SPED723, SPED725, or STAT712.
- SPED701 Advanced Application of Assistive Technology in Special Education3 credits
- SPED720 Education and Development of Gifted Learners3 credits
- SPED721 Language and Literacy Impairment3 credits
- SPED722 Advanced Topics in Special Education3 credits
- SPED724 Developmental Disabilities3 credits
- SPED732 Assessment and Instruction for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities3 credits
- SPED723 Independent Study in Special Education3 credits
- SPED725 Internship in Special Education3 credits
- STAT712 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods3 credits
Comprehensive / Qualifying Examination
SPED800 Comprehensive Examination and SPED810 Research Proposal (0 CH each).
Dissertation Research
SPED900 Dissertation Research (30 CH). Research areas: assistive technology in special education; education and development of gifted learners; language and literacy impairment; developmental disabilities; assessment and instruction for students with mild/moderate disabilities.
Dissertation Defense
SPED910 Dissertation Defense (0 CH). Program total: minimum 60 CH.
Entry Requirements
Full transcripts, two references and, where required, a research proposal are needed.
Careers
Graduates pursue careers as teachers, education specialists and school leaders, or continue to postgraduate study in education.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Licensed and accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA); UAEU also holds US institutional accreditation from WSCUC.
Programme Details
Award
Doctor of Philosophy
Start Date
August (Fall intake)
Typical Offer
A relevant master's degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Duration
4 years
Qualification
Doctorate
Subject Area
Education
Campus
Al Ain
Course Type
Doctor of Philosophy
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 42,000/yr
Graduate applicants apply through apply.uaeu.ac.ae with transcripts, a CV and two references, and pay the AED 200 application fee.