PhD in Special Education - Disability Studies and Policy in Syracuse United States | Syracuse University

The Special Education Ph.D. program explores key challenges in inclusive education, equipping graduates to champion full inclusion through policy and academic leadership.

Housed in the Department of Teaching & Leadership, this program encourages broad perspectives on educational challenges while offering specialized study. Students choose between two focus areas: Inclusive Educational Studies or Disability Studies and Policy, collaborating with faculty on innovative research in inclusion and policy. The program also provides chances to lead professional development workshops and partner with professors on research, instruction, and funding proposals.

With a distinguished history in special education, Syracuse University maintains national and global recognition as a pioneer. The institution was instrumental in addressing educational requirements for students with disabilities, pioneering assessment methods and teaching approaches for diverse learners. Today, Syracuse scholars carry forward this vital mission of advancing disability rights.

This specialization offers rigorous training in both policy analysis and transformative special education approaches. Disability Studies examines societal perceptions of disability through cultural, historical, and philosophical lenses. The concentration empowers students to identify and dismantle obstacles preventing full societal participation for individuals with disabilities. True to Syracuse's innovative spirit, this program leads the way in reimagining disability accommodation. Course offerings may cover:

Contemporary Challenges in Disability and Inclusion
Disability Policy Frameworks
Disability in Media and Culture
National Policy Implementation in Special Education
Intersections of Gender, Disability and Sexuality
Race and Disability Perspectives