The Special Education doctoral program at Michigan State University is grounded in research across a variety of methodological traditions and theoretical orientations. Students are mentored by nationally and internationally renowned faculty members, each a former special education teacher or service provider, who possess a deep understanding of educational challenges in real-world contexts.
Faculty members are widely recognized for their commitment to and expertise in classroom and community-based interventions that translate theory into effective interventions. They work in partnership with teachers, behavior technicians, and interventionists, locally, and throughout the state, country, and world to answer challenging and important problems.
Students admitted to the Special Education doctoral program can pursue a cognate-or area of interest- of their choosing for both their research and their courses. Students can elect to pursue any cognate they wish, including, but not limited to, applied behavior analysis, language and literacy, mathematics, and technology.
Apprenticeship Opportunities
By the Numbers
Source: 2026 Best Graduate Schools: Special Education
Doctoral students conduct research alongside faculty members working in the areas of:
– literacy,
– mathematics,
– applied behavior analysis,
– autism,
– assessment,
– technology,
– bullying and victimization
According to alum Kimberly Woblers: "[MSU] Special education faculty get research or personnel preparation grants that support students as research assistants or fellows."