Ph.D. in Special Education
Applications Are Currently Closed
Thank you for your interest in our program! Applications for the current cycle are now closed and will reopen on September 1, 2026, for a Fall 2027 start.
What you can earn
Duration
Credits earned
Format
Time commitment
Upcoming deadline
Our graduates are leaders and change agents
The Special Education Doctoral Program is more than a traditional Ph.D. It's a transformative journey designed to create special education leaders who bring systemic change to educational and community settings. With a strong focus on inclusive education, we will prepare you with the skills, knowledge and relationships needed to drive structural and systemic change.
You'll craft a tailored program of study, blending advanced coursework in special education with diverse perspectives from outside disciplines. Our apprenticeship-style model combines face-to-face learning with real-world experiences, ensuring you're ready for impactful roles in research, teaching and service.
- Program commitments
- We are a community that values the range of strengths, interests, and career goals that lead one to pursue a Ph.D. in special education
- We approach our work with a spirit of inquiry and collaboration, leading to differentiated experiences with each student
- We view doctoral graduates as leaders and change agents, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and relationships for advancing structural change
- Faculty specialization
Our faculty specialize in the following areas:
- Research methodologies in special education (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, single case design)
- Teacher education and ongoing professional learning of special educators
- Intersectional issues of and approaches to addressing educational (in)justice
- Early intervention and early childhood
- Critical and disability studies perspectives on inclusive education
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Literacy and reading instruction for individuals with disabilities
- Mathematics learning disabilities (dyscalculia)
- Positive behavior interventions and supports, social emotional learning, and multi-tiered systems of support
- Supporting learners with disabilities in inclusive settings
Curriculum
Overview
Our program is designed to be both flexible and comprehensive. While most students complete their Ph.D. in 4-5 years, we understand that each academic journey is unique. You'll work closely with advisors to tailor your program, focusing on areas of research specialization that align with your goals and interests.
Within the first year of study, each student enrolls in the Educational Inquiry series with other first-year doctoral students across the College of Education. This helps you learn more about research traditions in educational research.
Special education doctoral students also enroll in a seminar which supports your:
- Understanding of the historical and theoretical background of special education
- Writing of a literature review related to a topic of interest
- Constructing of a research design
Admission requirements and process
Overview
As one of the top-rated doctoral programs in the U.S., we have more applicants than we can admit. Please pay close attention to all admission requirements. We also strongly encourage you to contact individual faculty members whose work aligns with your interests. Finding a fit with an advisor is critical to the admissions process.
To meet the individualized needs of students and advisors, our acceptance rate may vary. We generally accept annual cohorts of roughly 5-8 students.
Materials
- Application Fee
A $90.00 application fee is required and must be paid by credit card through the online application system.
Fee Waiver: The Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee waivers to qualified applicants. Application fee waiver requests must be made at least seven (7) days before your program’s application deadline to allow time for review. Who is eligible? Application fee waivers are available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented applicants who demonstrate financial need or hardship.
- Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
A bachelor’s degree is required for admission to the program. Your degree may be in progress at the time of application, but it must be completed before the program begins.
- Unofficial Transcript(s) (Minimum 3.0 GPA)
You must submit unofficial transcript(s) with your application from every college or university where you earned academic credit. The UW Graduate School requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 in your most recent 90 graded quarter credits (60 semester credits). GPA is only one part of the application review.
Applications are reviewed holistically, and we encourage you to apply even if your GPA is below 3.0. You do not need to take additional coursework to raise your GPA. Instead, focus on submitting a strong goal statement that explains your interests and how the program aligns with your professional or personal goals, along with strong letters of recommendation. You are also welcome to provide context for a GPA below 3.0.
If you are currently enrolled in a college or university and have not yet graduated, please upload a transcript showing your most recently completed term. A final transcript confirming completion of your degree will be required before the program begins, if admitted.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required.
During the online application process, you will be prompted to add your recommenders. Once added, your recommenders will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters electronically.
For all applicants, we recommend choosing individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths, skills, and potential for success in graduate study. Letters may be submitted by professional supervisors, academic faculty, or others who can speak to your qualifications.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A current academic and professional resume or CV is required. This document should summarize your education, professional experience, and relevant accomplishments. Include degrees earned, work experience, and any applicable awards, publications, presentations, or other achievements.
Be sure to highlight qualifications and skills that are relevant to the program to which you are applying.
Review your document carefully to ensure it is clear, well-organized, and free of errors.
- Statement of Purpose
Your statement should describe your goals, relevant experiences, future plans, and how your specific program aligns with your interests and needs.
In your statement, address the following:
- Why you are applying to this specific program
- Your academic and professional goals
- Areas of interest or topics you wish to explore within the field
- How your interest in the field developed and how you have engaged with it
- Experiences that have prepared you for graduate study
- Skills or strengths that will support your success (e.g., technical skills, research experience, or other relevant abilities)
- Examples of initiative, problem-solving, collaboration, and commitment to your goals
Format: Doctoral statements are typically 3–5 pages. Statements must be double-spaced with 1-inch margins and use a 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri). Citations are not required unless you reference specific evidence in your writing.
Admissions committees review your statement alongside other application materials to assess how well your goals align with the program.
- Writing Sample (optional)
For applicants who would like to include a writing sample, please email the sample to edinfo@uw.edu
Doctoral applicants must submit one sample of scholarly writing. This sample should represent your strongest graduate-level writing and analytical skills.
Common examples include a research paper, article, thesis, literature review, or similar academic work from a previous program. If you do not have an existing sample, you may submit a newly developed piece such as a research paper, literature review, book review, or report.
We recommend submitting a sample of 10–12 pages. If your document exceeds this length, the review committee may only read a portion of it. You are welcome to submit an excerpt that fits within the suggested page range. Only one sample will be reviewed by the admissions committee.
The writing sample must be written solely by you. If the writing sample has multiple authors, clearly indicate which sections you contributed to.
Format: While there is no strict format requirement, we recommend double-spaced text, 1-inch margins, and a 12-point font.
- Personal History Statement (Optional)
While optional, submitting a personal history statement can strengthen your application by providing additional context about your background and experiences.
This statement should describe your intellectual growth and development, including influences both within and beyond your academic experiences. You may address:
- Your personal history, family background, or other influences on your development
- How your life experiences have shaped your interests, career plans, and future goals
Statements should be no more than two pages. We recommend using double-spaced text and a clear, legible 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri).
Submitting
Program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, sex or other identity.
- Gather all required documents
- Visit the Graduate School website
- Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
- Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
- Pay the nonrefundable $90 application fee
- You may request a fee waiver during the application process
- Submit your application
When completing your application, you will select the following options for the Program Selection:
- Select your application type
- Select 'Graduate'
- Narrow Your Search
- Select 'By Degree'
- Select 'Doctoral'
- Select your Program:
- Education - Seattle (PhD - Special Education - General Special Education)
Next Steps
International
We value and welcome applications from all people, including international students! If you are applying from outside the United States, there are additional requirements and application materials.
- Prior degree requirements
- At minimum, you must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree (a four-year degree from an institution of recognized standing)
- Evaluation of your degree will be based on:
- The national system of education in the foreign country
- The type of institution
- The field of study and level of studies completed
- Transcripts
- If a transcript is in English, you can upload the transcript in the online application.
- If the degree is on a separate certificate, you will need to upload this as well. An evaluation from a 3rd party is not needed for this.
- All transcripts and degree conferral documents that are in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translation and must be in the same format as the original(s).
- English language proficiency
English language proficiency (ELP) is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Each prospective graduate student indicates on the graduate application whether or not the student is a native speaker of English.
Learn more about the full policy: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements
- Financial ability
If you apply and are offered admission to UW, you will need to submit a statement of financial ability.
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
We are a tuition-based program. Estimated tuition rates are based on your residency:
- Washington state residents: $20,736 per year.
- Out-of-state students: $37,464 per year
Estimates are subject to change and may differ due to course load and summer quarter enrollment. Estimates include building fees, technology fees, U-Pass, etc. Additional program-specific fees are not included in this estimate.
View the UW tuition dashboard →
Visit the Office of Planning & Budgeting →
Funding & Scholarships
Currently, nearly all students seeking funding are supported throughout their program. Our special education program and associated research centers strive to fund each student throughout their program. Funding is contingent upon various factors including levels of funding, student prior experience (e.g., practical experience as a former teacher or therapist), enrollment status as a full-time student, and student performance.
Frequently asked questions
- Are students funded throughout the program?
Currently, nearly all students seeking funding are supported throughout their program. Our special education program and associated research centers strive to fund each student throughout their program. Funding is contingent upon various factors including levels of funding, student prior experience (e.g., practical experience as a former teacher or therapist), enrollment status as a full-time student, and student performance.
- What should I consider when looking to study at UW?
Your primary consideration should be specialization and fit with a potential advisor based on your research interests and career goals. We strongly encourage you to review the faculties’ areas of specialization, read faculty bios, and contact individual faculty about your interests in pursuing a special education doctoral degree at UW.
- What specific supports and affinity spaces are in place for international students, students of color and/or disabled students?
There are a number of supports and affinity spaces for graduate students within and beyond the College of Education. These include (among others):
- Associated Students of the College of Education
- Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity
- Disability Resources for Students
- The D Center
- Indigenous Wellness Research Institute
- Intellectual House
- Latino Center for Health
- Native Organization of Indigenous Scholars
- Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion
- Q Center
- SACNAS
- Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center
- Washington Institute for the Study of Inequality and Race
- Women of Color Collective
- Women’s Center
- Writing Center
- What is it like living in Seattle?
Seattle is a city of self-starters who believe that anything is possible when we work together. We’re adventurous and entrepreneurial, caffeinated and connected. This global hub for innovation is an international epicenter for turning ideas into actions, and the UW is at the heart of it. Whether you’re into art or food, history or tech, city living or the outdoors, there’s a community for you here.
- Can I visit?
We hold a virtual interview process for applicants with competitive applications. You are welcome to schedule a visit on your own - please let us know if you are planning to come! The College of Education also holds annual Admitted Student Day in the spring. Once applicants are admitted, advisors may apply for funds to support student visits. If you have been admitted and are interested in visiting, we encourage you to speak with your advisor about applying for student visit funds.
- How competitive is the admissions process?
As one of the top-rated doctoral programs in the U.S., we have more applicants than we can admit. Please review admission requirements. Beyond the application requirements, finding a fit with an advisor or advisor(s) is critical to the admissions process. Again, we strongly encourage you to contact individual faculty members whose work aligns with your interests.
- How many students are accepted on an annual basis?
To meet the individualized needs of students and advisors, our acceptance rates vary. We generally accept annual cohorts of roughly 5-8 students.
- How often are students admitted into the program?
Our application deadline is usually in January of each year for incoming autumn quarter cohort.
- Can this program be completed at a distance or online?
No. The doctoral program is designed for face-to-face coursework and experiences. Such an apprenticeship model is critical for doctoral preparation in the areas of research, teaching, and service.
- What kind of careers do alumni have?
Graduates of the Ph.D. program in Special Education go on to a range of careers locally, nationally, and internationally. Graduates go on to careers as faculty members, researchers, or leaders in school districts, state agencies, or educational businesses.
