A collaborative doctoral program between Cal State LA and UCLA preparing leaders in research, teaching, policy, and practice to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Applications Due: January 15, 2027
| Degree | Ph.D. in Special Education |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Joint Doctoral Program with UCLA |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2027 |
| Program Start | Fall |
| Location | Cal State LA and UCLA |
| Minimum Degree Required | Master's degree in Special Education or related field |
| Experience Required | Minimum of three years of professional experience with individuals with disabilities |
| Program Coordinator | Lois Weinberg, Ph.D. |
Program Requirements
Year 1 at Cal State LA: Coursework includes foundations of research in special education, special education law and policy, special education preparation, and other special education and disability topics.
Year 2 at UCLA: Ongoing research project with faculty advisor, in-depth courses in research methods, and other theoretical frameworks.
Year 3+ Dissertation and Research: Conduct original research aligned with your interests and career goals.
Admissions
The Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds who are committed to improving interventions, services, and outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Contact the Joint Doctoral Coordinator at Cal State LA and/or attend an Informational Meeting
- Submit California State University, Los Angeles application
- Apply to the University online.
- Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate study
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Applicants may be asked to participate in an oral interview with the Joint Doctoral Committee members.
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate upper division and 3.4 graduate grade point average
- A master’s degree in Special Education or a related field
- Minimum of three years of professional experience with individuals with disabilities
- Demonstration of potential for successful completion of doctoral research
Information Session Dates
Tuesday, September 15 at 4 pm
Wednesday, October 14 at 4 pm
Thursday, November 12 at 4 pm
Email Lois Weinberg for the information session zoom link
Building Expertise, Transforming Lives
Lead Change in Special Education
The Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education prepares students to become leaders, scholars, teacher educators, and advocates who improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Through advanced study, research, and practice, students gain the skills to address complex challenges in special education, support high-need schools, prepare future teachers, and advance policies and practices that create more equitable learning opportunities.
Make a lasting impact — on students, families, schools, and the future of special education.
Learning Outcomes
Through the Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education program, students develop advanced knowledge and skills in the following areas:
Students gain a deep understanding of children with disabilities, including students served in high-poverty and historically low performing schools.
Students learn to identify, apply, and teach evidence-based interventions and practices that improve outcomes for children with disabilities across diverse educational settings.
Students develop knowledge of applicable laws, policies, and systems affecting children with disabilities, along with the advocacy skills needed to promote equity and improve educational outcomes.
Students demonstrate the ability to teach prospective teachers how to use research-based interventions and effective practices that support children with disabilities, including those in high-need schools.
Students demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate, propose, conduct, write, and disseminate research on interventions, practices, and policies designed to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.
Contact
Department of Special Education and Counseling
King Hall D3072
323-343-4400