A Ph.D. takes an average of five years to earn. There are differences among programs, and it is important for the candidate to know what he wants to do after earning the degree before he starts working on it. For instance, a candidate who wants to be in the classroom might opt for a different program than someone who wants to do research on autism.
Online Ph.D. programs provide the flexibility a candidate with a full-time job and family may need. Online programs don't require the candidate to move across the country or even to another state. Another factor to consider when choosing between online and on campus is learning style. Candidates who need to have interaction with others probably should opt for on campus over online. Some schools that offer online programs include Capella, Walden and North Central universities. A plethora of colleges and universities throughout the country offer a Ph.D. in special education.
The University of Maryland program is representative of several doctoral programs throughout the country. Their Department of Special Education offers a Ph.D. which is designed to prepare students to conduct research and prepare future teachers in special education. Upon graduation, students are ready to become faculty at research universities or to take leadership positions in education agencies, policy organizations or the federal government. The program at Maryland has three goals: to prepare scholars and researchers in the special education field; to prepare teacher educators in special education; and to prepare leaders, advocates and policy writers who will make an impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families. In addition to the required coursework, students can concentrate on specific areas, such as behavior disorders or secondary and transition services.
Costs for Ph.D. programs vary, depending on the institution. For instance, at the University of Iowa, tuition and fees are $7,000 for residents and $21,305 for out-of-staters; adding in books and living expenses, the bottom line for a year is $23,221 for in-state, $36,825 for the out-of-staters. At Columbia University in New York City, those costs add up to a minimum of $26,000. In contrast, the entire program at online Walden University is $59,920.
The average salary for a teacher with a Ph.D. in special education is $76,000. In contrast, a teacher with a bachelor's degree in special education averages $56,000.