University of Missouri, Columbia

PhD in Special Education

Columbia, MO, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Tuition 20% below the typical PhD
  • Applications currently open

About PhD in Special Education

Tuition fees for PhD in Special Education are 23,140 USD per year; the application deadline for the Aug 2027 intake is Feb 1, 2027.

The PhD in Special Education at the University of Missouri, Columbia is for students who hold a Master's degree and want to advance their knowledge in special education. This 3-5 year PhD program helps students develop expertise in teaching and research.

The curriculum covers topics such as instructional strategies, disability studies, and educational research methods. Students also gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and research projects, developing skills in data analysis, academic writing, and public speaking.

Graduates can pursue careers as Special Education Professors, Education Researchers, Disability Support Specialists, Inclusive Education Consultants, or Policy Analysts, working in schools, universities, government agencies, or private organizations.

About University of Missouri, Columbia

The University of Missouri, Columbia, commonly known as Mizzou, is a major public research university with deep roots dating back to 1839. As the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System, Mizzou serves a large and diverse student body of over 31,000 learners, including a substantial international population. The campus combines a rich academic tradition with extensive research activity, modern facilities, and a broad portfolio of programs designed to prepare students for leadership in many fields.

Mizzou offers hundreds of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across disciplines such as journalism, agriculture, engineering, health sciences, and business, supported by over 300 distinct academic offerings. The university is known for experiential learning through research projects, internships, clinical placements, and community partnerships. International students benefit from comprehensive orientation services, academic advising, and career resources that link classroom learning to professional pathways.

Columbia provides a welcoming college town atmosphere with affordable living, cultural venues, and strong athletic traditions that foster campus community. State-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and industry collaborations support student innovation and employability. For students seeking a large research-intensive university with extensive program choices, vibrant campus life, and strong career support, Mizzou combines academic excellence with practical opportunities for global and local impact.

This program's tuition is 20% below the typical PhD in the United States.

Median tuition for that cohort is 29,040 USD, across 2,339 programs on Global Admissions.

Compare United States PhD programs

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

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TOEFL iBT
46–59
PTE Academic
42–49
CEFR level
B1/B2
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Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

PhD in Special Education: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for PhD in Special Education?
Tuition: USD 23,140 per year. Application fee: USD 105. Service fee: USD 100.
What are the entry requirements for PhD in Special Education?
Entry requirements include: Education: Master's Degree; Academic performance: Grade B-A (60-70%, GPA 2.5-3); English: IELTS 5.5-6.0; Age: 18-45.
How long is the PhD in Special Education program?
The program duration is 4 year.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2027-02-01.
Is PhD in Special Education available online?
This is an on-campus program at University of Missouri, Columbia in Columbia, MO.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

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