Doctoral Degree Programs

Doctoral programs in Educational Specialties prepare you at an advanced level to work in the professorial ranks of higher education or assume positions of leadership in public and private schools and agencies. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to full-time graduate students in the EDS Department. By completing your doctoral work with us, you can also take advantage of the wonderful outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities that the Reno-Tahoe area has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about applying to EDS graduate programs.

Please note: Applicants sometimes are confused about which program they are applying for because one of our program areas, doctorate in Educational Specialties, has the same name as our department. Each of our three program areas is listed separately on the Graduate School's on-line application. Please read the descriptions below to carefully determine to which program you wish to apply. Submitting incorrect forms or listing the wrong degree choice on the Graduate School's application may delay the processing of your application. The links below lead to summary information about each program.

The Department of Educational Specialties offers you three doctoral programs, each with two degree options, the Doctor of Education Degree (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.). These degrees each represent the highest level of professionalism and scholarship and have slightly different professional emphases and requirements. You are encouraged to thoroughly investigate which of the degrees best fits your professional goals.

To be eligible for the doctorate, you must have a master's degree. You can earn a master's degree in our department and continue into a doctoral program if you meet the requirements for doctoral admission.

The application and advisement manual for all programs is at right in PDF format (Acrobat Reader required). Other links at right lead to EDS department forms and policies that you will need during your degree progression. Be sure to familiarize yourself with official university forms and notices, available on the web site of the Graduate School.

Doctoral Degree Programs include:

• Literacy Studies
• Special Education and Disability Studies
• Educational Specialties (two areas of emphasis)
  
  

Doctoral Degrees in Literacy Studies

As a doctoral student in Literacy Studies, you will explore the linguistic, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of literacy development and instruction from the preschool years through adulthood. You will engage in in-depth exploration of significant historical and contemporary research in literacy and related fields while developing your own more focused research study. An advisement and application manual for the literacy studies program is also available. More information

Doctoral Degrees in Special Education and Disability Studies

In your doctoral program in special education and disability studies you will focus on issues of disability as they apply to schools and to human service agencies. You may focus broadly across disability areas and age ranges, or you may narrow your study in a specific area. Courses are available in the categorical areas of learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, mental retardation and severe multiple disabilities, autism, and early childhood special education. Cross-categorical courses are also offered, as well as special topics courses related to key contemporary issues in special education. More information

See what other doctoral students in special education are doing in Lead-RR (Leader) Nevada. This is a federally funded leadership doctoral program in special education. Lead-RR Nevada is preparing eight leaders for higher education and school/agency leadership positions. These future leaders will be uniquely qualified to prepare quality special education teachers to meet the demands of teaching in the 21 st century, contribute to the knowledge base of the field through empirical research, and begin their careers through competencies developed during coursework and internships/fieldwork. The focus of this program is to develop doctorate level leadership personnel who are able to provide immediate maximum impact on the training of new personnel and improve teacher quality. Lead-RR Nevada provides financial support to doctoral students who are preparing for careers in higher education and state and local administrative positions. For more information contact: Tammy Abernathy.

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Doctoral Degrees in Educational Specialties

Doctoral study in Educational Specialties gives you two distinct areas of emphasis depending on your professional interests and goals.

Equity and Diversity in Educational Settings

This emphasis involves advanced study of theory, research, and K-12 applications related to teaching diverse learners, with particular attention to culture, exceptionality, gender, and language. You may focus your study entirely within this area, or you may develop a program of study that focuses on inclusive pedagogy in combination with a content area (e.g., mathematics, science, or social studies).

 More information

Language, Literacy, and Culture

This emphasis is interdisciplinary and focuses on the interconnectedness between language, literacy, and culture. The foundation for the program is pedagogy and scholarship designed to meet the needs of all children and youth by preparing them effectively to live and work in a democratic and pluralistic society. The program is for you if you are interested in the intersection of first and second language acquisition, TESOL, bilingual education, literacy, and multicultural education.

More information

Advisement and Application Materials

Application and Policy Manual for Doctoral Programs

 

EDS Forms and Policies for Doctoral Program Progression

Doctoral Mid-Program Review (PDF)

EDS Provisional Plan Form (Word)

Doctoral Comprehensive Exam Guidelines (PDF)

EDS Dissertation Proposal Approval Form (Word)

See other important forms: Graduate School