The Special 91¿´Æ¬ÍøÕ¾ Ph.D. program at Indiana University is designed to prepare scholars and leaders who will shape research, policy, and interventions that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. This residential doctoral program provides engaging coursework and close faculty mentorship to develop deep knowledge of theory and practice in special education.
91¿´Æ¬ÍøÕ¾s complete a rigorous sequence of coursework, focusing on seminars, evidence-based practices, and research methods. This enables doctoral candidates to design and conduct independent studies that contribute meaningfully to the scholarly literature and to the field’s evidence base.
Unique to our program is the Qualifying Portfolio, which takes the place of traditional comprehensive exams. The portfolio is purposefully designed to connect research tasks with professional development requirements, fostering the competencies expected of emerging scholars.
We welcome your interest in the IU Special 91¿´Æ¬ÍøÕ¾ Ph.D. Program.
Program Essentials
Starting Semester
Deadline
Fall
Jan 15
December 1 is the priority funding deadline for the Dean's Fellowship, School of 91¿´Æ¬ÍøÕ¾ Fellowship, and IU Graduate School Recruitment Fellowships. Eligible applicants will automatically be considered for fellowships – no separate application is necessary.
International students are encouraged to apply early to allow extra time for their materials to arrive.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
(minimum accumulative GPA 2.75 out of 4.00)
Completed online application that includes:
Personal statement
Resume
Two letters of recommendation
Writing sample
International students only:
Minimum TOEFL score of 4.0
or minimum TOEFL score of 79 if taken prior to 1/21/2026
or minimum 6.5 IELTS score
or minimum 115 Duolingo score
The Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.
If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you are eligible for a reduced application fee of $35.
Consult your employer about the availability of
tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance
programs.
Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit the
to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
Unlike some programs in which students apply directly to a specific faculty member’s lab, our admissions process begins with a general application to the Special 91¿´Æ¬ÍøÕ¾ Ph.D. program.
Once admitted, students are paired with faculty mentors whose research interests align with their own, ensuring students are matched with advisors and projects that support their growth and success. Funding decisions are also made at this stage; funding is typically linked to teaching and research assistantships.
Applicants should have:
Experience working with individuals with disabilities, and/or
A master’s degree in special education, or a closely related field
In your application materials, please describe your experience working with individuals with disabilities and identify the IU faculty member(s) with whom you hope to work.
Our faculty bring extensive expertise across key areas of special education, including:
Inclusion
Special education policy
Autism
Dyslexia
Intellectual disability
Incarcerated youth
Transition to adulthood
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Technology to support learners with disabilities
Our close partnership with the (IIDC) offers students unique opportunities to engage with ongoing research, technical assistance projects, and community-based initiatives.
This breadth of knowledge allows doctoral students to pursue diverse and impactful lines of inquiry.
Graduates of the IU Special 91¿´Æ¬ÍøÕ¾ Ph.D. program become leaders who strengthen the profession and address the educational and social challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Our alumni hold influential positions around the world as:
Tenure-track faculty members
Program directors in state education agencies and foundations
