FORM A

 

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

PH.D. PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

The PhD program in the Department of Special Education prepares doctoral candidates for faculty positions in higher education with specializations in early childhood special education, mild to moderate disabilities, or severe disabilities. The PhD program of study focuses on designing and conducting scientifically-based research in special education, effectively preparing special education teacher candidates, and providing service to the profession and community.

Our mission is to prepare doctoral candidates to develop and disseminate knowledge that will improve the education of students with disabilities through research, teaching, and service. To effectively prepare new leaders for roles in higher education, the PhD program is competency and field-based; focused on diverse faculty roles and responsibilities; and transcends scientifically-based research into effective practice.

 

EARLY ADMISSIONS FOR ENROLLMENT BEGINNING SUMMER OR FALL SEMESTER

The Department of Special Education offers qualified applicants early admission to its PhD. Program for enrollment beginning summer or fall semester. Students seeking early admission may submit their completed application materials at any time during the calendar year. Students who do not seek early admission must complete their application materials by the third Friday in March in order to be considered for admission to the following summer or fall semester. Contact Patty Davis, Academic Advisor in the Department of Special Education (801-581-4764 or pdavis@ed.utah.edu) for more information on admission timelines.

 

STUDENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR DOCTORAL STUDIES

 

Full-time PhD students in the Department of Special Education are provided a financial package that includes:

 

  • $20,000 annual stipend provided through a Leadership Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. (To be eligible, a PhD student must agree to work 50% time or less outside of doctoral studies and be employed in the field of disability for a period of time following graduation.)
  • full tuition waiver from the University of Utah
  • opportunities for research and teaching assistantships.

 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

 

Each applicant admissions file must include:

  • Cover letter of intent to pursue doctoral study in special education
  • Professional position statement (1000 words or less) that includes rationale for pursuing the PhD in special education, discussion of primary area of interest (early childhood special education, mild/moderate disabilities, or severe disabilities) and career goals in higher education.
  • Application for Admission to the PhD Program in the Department of Special Education (Form B) and professional resume.
  • Three recommendations from outside evaluators. Each outside evaluator must complete and submit the Department of Special Education recommendation form (Form C).
  • University of Utah Graduate School Application for Admission to the Graduate School.
  • Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • Official copy of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical/writing subtests). Applicant GRE test scores must be within the past five years.

 

NOTE: International students are also required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). However, international students whose native language is English should check with International Admissions (801-581-3091) about requirements for taking the TOEFL-iBT. This test is internet-based and has an oral component to it.

 

The following minimum scores are required for the TOEFL iBT:

Reading 22 (preferred score = 25)
Listening 22 (preferred score = 25)
Speaking 23 (preferred score = 25)
Writing 23 (preferred score = 25)

 

Therefore, the minimum total score is 90 and the preferred total score is 100.

 

Personal Interview with Faculty in the Department of Special Education

  • Each PhD program applicant is required to participate in personal interviews with the Chair of the Department of Special Education and a faculty member with expertise in the applicant's primary area of interest. These interviews must be scheduled prior to the Admissions Committee's review of the candidate's completed admissions file.

 

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

 

The PhD Program Admissions Committee will review the following information in evaluating a candidate's qualifications for admission:

 

  • Content, clarity, and organization of applicant's letter of intent, application for admissions form (Form B), professional position statement, and professional resume.

 

  • Graduate Record Examination scores: General Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical/writing).

NOTE: International students are also required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). However, international students whose native language is English should check with International Admissions (801-581-3091) about requirements for taking the TOEFL-iBT. This test is internet-based and has an oral component to it.

 

The following minimum scores are required for the TOEFL iBT:

Reading 22 (preferred score = 25)
Listening 22 (preferred score = 25)
Speaking 23 (preferred score = 25)
Writing 23 (preferred score = 25)

 

Therefore, the minimum total score is 90 and the preferred total score is 100.

 

  • Faculty recommendations from personal interview with applicant.

 

  • Undergraduate GPA: 3.00 or above is required.

 

  • Graduate GPA: 3.00 or above is required; 3.50 or above is recommended.

 

  • Masters degree is required for admission to the PhD program unless applicant is applying for admission to the combined MS/PhD program.

 

  • Recommendations from three outside reviewers as completed on Department of Special Education Recommendation Form (Form B)