The Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV) is one of the few law programs that actually provides specialized training in special education law. The program at UNLV allows students to pursue and receive two doctorate degrees, one in law (J.D.) and one in education (Ph.D.). The Ph.D. program has three areas of emphasis, one of which is special education. The J.D. program requires the completion of 80 credit hours while the Ph.D. program requires 54 to 63 hours, if pursued jointly. Courses pertaining specifically to special education include studies in developmental disabilities and at-risk children, autism, gifted and talented education, learning disabilities, mental retardation and emotional disturbances. Students also complete core education and law courses as part of the program.
William S. Boyd School of Law
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
4505 Maryland Pkwy
Las Vegas, NV 89154
702-895-3011
www.unlv.edu
The Arlene Kanter Law School at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, offers students an opportunity to pursue the J.D. degree in conjunction with a master of science degree in the field of education. Students who pursue the joint-degree program can obtain an additional certificate in disability studies. Both degree programs can usually be completed in a total of three years. The program in disability studies approaches disability issues from historical, philosophical and legal standpoints.
Syracuse University College of Law
E.I. White Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244-1030
315-443-4213
www.law.syr.edu/
Wrightslaw is a special education advocacy program offered for parents, educators and legal professionals. Wrightslaw was founded by Peter Wright, a lawyer who specializes in helping children with disabilities and special needs, and his wife, Pam Wright, a child and family psychotherapist. Wrightslaw offers special seminars and training programs that might best be categorized as "crash courses" in the field of special education law. Wrightslaw has been providing these types of services since 1993. Wrightslaw is not open to the general public. It works only with professionals in the field. Seminars and training topics include individualized education programs (IEPs), taking a more active role in the management of your child's special education, special education law and advocacy training and a seminar updating professionals on the changes that have recently taken place in the field.
www.wrightslaw.com