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United Arab Emirates University/Programmes/Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education

PhDDoctoralEducation

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

Academic: A relevant master's degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
English: IELTS Academic 6.5 (or 5.0 for Arabic-medium doctorates).

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.

EnquireView United Arab Emirates University
Next intakes
AugJan

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