University of Maryland, College Park

PhD in Special Education (EDSP)

College Park, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Applications currently open

About PhD in Special Education (EDSP)

Applications for the Aug 2027 intake close on Mar 15, 2027. The tuition fee is 36,100 USD per year.

The PhD in Special Education is a doctoral program for students who want to become experts in special education. It's a PhD degree that usually takes several years to complete and offers main advantages like advanced knowledge of special education and research skills.

The curriculum includes subjects like special education research, teaching methods, and disability studies. Students develop skills like research, assessment, and program development. The program also includes hands-on components like practicum and internships.

Graduates can pursue careers like Special Education Professor, Researcher, Disability Specialist, Inclusive Education Consultant, or Education Policy Analyst. They can work in industries like education, healthcare, or non-profit organizations.

About University of Maryland, College Park

The University of Maryland, College Park is a large, research-intensive public university that combines rigorous academics with abundant opportunities for internships and industry collaboration. Located near Washington, D.C., UMD offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs across fields such as engineering, business, public policy, arts and sciences. The campus fosters innovation through interdisciplinary research centers and strong ties to government and private-sector partners.

UMD supports international students with comprehensive services that include orientation, academic advising, career counseling and language assistance. Students can engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty, participate in student organizations and access a wide range of experiential learning options. The university’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, sustainability and technology provides practical pathways to professional development and real-world impact.

Proximity to the nation’s capital expands internship and networking possibilities, while active student life and numerous clubs help build community. UMD’s combination of academic excellence, research opportunities and strategic location makes it an attractive choice for students seeking a rigorous education with strong career prospects and global connections.

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 5.5-6.0. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

Duolingo

English Test · fastest & cheapest

85–95

Take the Duolingo Test We earn a referral credit
TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
CEFR level
B1/B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

PhD in Special Education (EDSP): Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for PhD in Special Education (EDSP)?
Tuition: USD 36,100 per year. Application fee: USD 80. Service fee: USD 100.
What are the entry requirements for PhD in Special Education (EDSP)?
Entry requirements include: Education: Bachelor's Degree; Academic performance: Grade B-A (60-70%, GPA 2.5-3); English: IELTS 5.5-6.0; Age: 18-40.
How long is the PhD in Special Education (EDSP) program?
The program duration is 5 year.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2027-03-15.
Is PhD in Special Education (EDSP) available online?
This is an on-campus program at University of Maryland, College Park in College Park.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

Edit Program

Related Blog Posts

Show More Blog Posts →

Takes about 15 minutes

Complete your profile to unlock

Direct application links unlock once your profile is at least 80% complete. You're currently at 0%. It only takes a minute.