PhD in Special Education and Teaching (PhD)

Tuition is Tuition for full-time enrollment is $13,080 per academic year for online study with a 9-month period of enrollment..

Students complete coursework and a dissertation focused on improving educational outcomes for learners with special needs. The programme includes two weekend residencies and 100% online classes to support working professionals. Candidates engage in research and practice that addresses inclusive education and individualized instruction. The degree prepares educators to lead in special education settings and policy development.

Focus areas include Special Education, Autism, Dyslexia Endorsement (K-12), English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Reading, Higher Education: Teaching and Learning.

The programme requires 60 credits, distributed across coursework, dissertation research, and two required residencies. Students complete all coursework online with a focus on applied research in special education contexts.

Graduates pursue roles as special education leaders, instructional specialists, and educational consultants in public and private school systems.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA from a regionally accredited institution. A writing sample of 750 to 1500 words, three letters of recommendation, and a resume with at least three years of relevant experience are required. Non-U.S. applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 79 or IELTS of 6.5.

The programme totals about 60 credit hours. Online with two weekend residencies; full-time, three-year duration; starts in Fall or Spring. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 87% of applicants.

Brenau University brings together a Historic Gainesville Campus, Downtown Gainesville Campus, Gainesville East Campus, North Atlanta Campus and online study options. Its Gainesville address places the university in Gainesville, Georgia, while the Norcross location extends its reach toward the Atlanta area. Students can experience a multi-campus structure and choose a learning format that fits their goals and schedules.

More than 145 years of educating students has produced a university organized around four academic colleges: the Jacobs College of Business and Media, Carole Ann Daniel College of Education, College of Fine Arts & Humanities, and Ivester College of Health Sciences. Coursework is career-focused, with small classes and dedicated professors. The university lists a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and its programs include fields such as occupational therapy, dance, education and marketing.

International students should expect a community-oriented study environment where connections with professors are part of the academic experience. Brenau also offers financial aid counseling for undergraduate and graduate students, with guidance on available assistance and college costs. Its flexible campus and online approach may be useful for students comparing in-person study in Georgia with programs that can fit different routines. The university enrolled 2,451 students and conferred 614 degrees during the 2024-2025 academic year.