CSULA/UCLA Joint Doctoral Program in 

Special Education

Program Overview

California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) offer a unique Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education that prepares graduates to be leaders in the field as university faculty engaging in teacher education and research, or as researchers or administrators in federal, state, or local education agencies or research organizations. Our Joint Doctoral Program, which has existed since 1970, leads to the degree of Ph.D. in Special Education. The program combines the resources and expertise of UCLA and CSULA faculty and provides in-depth coursework in special education, psychological studies, educational research, and other areas relevant to a student's career goals.

Students admitted into the program begin their doctoral study at CSULA while working closely with special education faculty in research and teaching activities, and taking small seminars on special education and related topics. In the second year, students move to UCLA and participate in an ongoing research practicum with a faculty advisor and take in-depth courses in research methods and in substantive areas in psychological studies. While at UCLA, students maintain contact with the CSULA coordinator and faculty, and faculty from both CSULA and UCLA oversee and score their written doctoral examination, supervise research, and serve on their dissertation committee.

Course Work

The course work and experiences included in this program directly address the goal of preparing professionals who can assume leadership positions in teacher education and research in special education. A series of seminars provide breadth of knowledge in special education across disability areas. Other courses provide in-depth study of teacher education issues as well as a practica experience in which experienced faculty provide mentoring for students as they assume instructional roles in the university classroom. Seminars or independent studies provide candidates with depth of knowledge in specialization areas such as learning disabilities, autism, or law and policy, among others. Faculty also provides mentoring that involves candidates in faculty-sponsored research or other projects.

Candidates complete statistics and research methodology courses at CSULA and UCLA. Coinciding with this coursework, they participate in Research Practica experiences. Candidates take further courses at UCLA to acquire depth and breadth of knowledge in psychological studies in education, including courses on typical and atypical development. Courses in a cognate area outside of education are taken at either campus and complete the candidates' multidisciplinary training at the doctoral level. In total, students must complete a minimum of 19 courses at CSULA and UCLA. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of their class performance, professional commitment, participation in research and teaching practica, a comprehensive written examination, and a doctoral dissertation.

 Contact the Joint Doctoral Coordinator at CSULA and/or attend an Informational Meeting

1. Submit California State University, Los Angeles application
   
2. Apply to the University online at: http://www.csumentor.com
   • Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate study
   • Submit official GRE scores
3. Submit CSULA Division of Special Education & Counseling doctoral application. Applications are due in February for fall admission. Please submit the following materials to the Program Coordinator:
   • Application form and statement of intent
   • Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate study
   • Three letters of recommendation Current GRE Scores
4. Applicants may be asked to participate in an oral interview with the Joint Doctoral committee members.
   
   

• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate upper division and 3.5 graduate grade point average    
• Minimum 297 GRE combined verbal and quantitative scores (or 1,000 on previous version of GRE)
• 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

Special Funding available

CSULA Coordinator
Dr. Lois Weinberg
lweinbe@calstatela.edu
(323) 343-4399  

Charter College of Education                        
Division of Special Education & Counseling                    
King Hall C1064                           
(323) 343-4400