Female PhD In Advanced Education Studies Special Education Graduate In Her Classroom Smiling At The Camera

Ph.D. in Advanced Educational Studies – Special Educ.

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Doctor of Philosophy Advanced Educational Studies: Special Education

Overview
What You Will Study
Careers
Benefits
Military

Build on Your Hard-Earned Ed.D. Credits and Walk Away with a New Ph.D. Credential

Completing your Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) was an enormous achievement, and your desire to keep exploring the full scope of the field may be leading you toward a new academic challenge. Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Advanced Educational Studies – Special Education is designed for educators who want to pursue advanced research, deepen their expertise, and contribute meaningful scholarship to the special education community through a dissertation-focused program.

By entering with a conferred doctoral degree, you may be able to transfer up to 39 previously earned credits into the program. With only 60 total credit hours required, you could potentially be just 21 credit hours away from adding a Ph.D. to your accomplishments and continuing your work in the service of exceptional learners.

What Will You Study in Liberty University’s Advanced Ph.D. in Special Education?

  • A biblical perspective on decision-making within the field of education
  • Advanced practices in designing and conducting original research
  • Educational theories within the field for professional and academic practice
  • Pedagogical concepts and approaches based upon research and knowledge of the discipline
  • Theories and evidence-based practices that inform leadership, research, and teacher preparation in special education

By focusing your research and dissertation on special education, you will study the unique needs of students with all forms of learning disabilities. You will also study best practices in curriculum and program development for children with behavioral disorders, special needs, and those who excel and need more challenging programs. Understanding these topics in special education is vital for effectively serving your school administration at the local, state, or national level.

Potential Career Opportunities for Ph.D. in Advanced Studies in Special Education Graduates

  • Educational consultant
  • Educational researcher
  • K-12 special education director
  • University administrator
  • University professor

Benefits of Pursuing Your Ph.D. in Advanced Educational Studies with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • Most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors. As a nonprofit university, Liberty continues to strive to keep costs low for our students!
  • Our Ph.D. online allows you to potentially transfer in up to 39 credit hours so you can turn your Ed.D. into a Ph.D.
  • Completing your Ph.D. with an integrated dissertation gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $375/credit hour. Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

60

Credit Hours

SACSCOC

Class Type

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 39 credits

Next Start Dates: March 23, 2026
May 18, 2026 | June 29, 2026