Doctoral Degree ProgramsDoctoral programs in Educational Specialties prepare students 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.
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 three doctoral programs, each offering 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. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly investigate which of the degrees best fits their professional goals. Master's degrees are required of all candidates for doctoral degrees. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available to full-time graduate students in the EDS Department. 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 are used during degree progression. Doctoral students must also familiarize themselves with official university forms and notices, available on the web site of the Graduate School.
Doctoral Degree Programs include:
Doctoral Degrees in Literacy StudiesDoctoral study in Literacy Studies explores the linguistic, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of literacy development and instruction from the preschool years through adulthood. Students engage in in-depth exploration of significant historical and contemporary research in literacy and related fields while developing their 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 StudiesDoctoral programs in special education and disability studies focus on issues of disability as they apply to schools and to human service agencies. Students may focus broadly across disability areas and age ranges, or they may focus more narrowly. 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
Doctoral applicants may wish to investigate Lead-RR (Leader) Nevada. This is a federally funded leadership doctoral program in special education. Lead-RR Nevada will prepare eight leaders for higher education and local 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.
Doctoral Degrees in Educational SpecialtiesDoctoral degrees in Educational Specialties have two distinct areas of emphasis depending on the candidates professional interests and goals.
Equity and Diversity in Educational SettingsThis 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. Students may focus their study entirely within this area, or they may develop a program of study that focuses on inclusive pedagogy in combination with a content area (e.g., mathematics, science, or social studies).
Language, Literacy, and CultureThis emphasis is interdisciplinary and focuses on the interconnectedness between language, literacy, and culture and emphasizes that pedagogy and scholarship in education should be designed to meet the needs of all students by preparing them effectively to live and work in a democratic and pluralistic society. The program is designed for individuals interested in the intersection of first and second language acquisition, TESOL, bilingual education, literacy, and multicultural education. |
Advisement and Application Materials
EDS Forms and Policies for Doctoral Program ProgressionSee other important forms: Graduate School
Doctoral Mid-Program Review (PDF)
EDS Provisional Plan Form (Word)
Doctoral Comprehensive Exam Guidelines (PDF)
EDS Dissertation Proposal Approval Form (Word)
|
| Return to the top of the page |