Ed.D. in Special Education

Earn your doctoral degree in three years or less!

  • TOTAL COST

    $24,810
  • NEXT START DATE

    Aug 18, 2025
  • COMPLETION TIME

    36 Months
  • AVG. SALARY PREMIUM

  • SEMESTER CREDITS

    64

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Become an Impactful Leader in Special Education

Spearhead academic and developmental success for pre-K-12 students with disabilities through relevant, innovative and evidence-based intervention and instruction. The Ed.D. in Special Education at American College of Education (ACE) deepens your knowledge in areas including but not limited to strategies, technologies, instructional approaches and evaluation practices, all grounded in the latest research. You can customize your program with a focus of study or follow a general track.

Additionally, this program prepares you to develop positive relationships with stakeholders and cultivate learning environments that make students with disabilities feel respected and valued. You’ll be equipped as a leader in curriculum development, pedagogy and policy. Additionally, you’ll conduct in-depth research that contributes to identifying, understanding and promoting the resources needed for exceptional learners to reach their full potential.

Note: This program is not designed to lead to licensure. If you’re interested in a shorter, licensure-based pathway, you can explore our Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Special Education program. 


Why ACE?

Low-Cost, High Quality

You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $10,000. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.

Quality You Expect

We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.¹ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

Flexibility You Need

Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

1Source: Student Right to Know


Tuition

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Total Cost Ed.D. in Special Education

Total Tuition

64 semester credits x $306 per credit

$19,584

Fees

$100 Application Fee
$150 Conferral Fee
$1200 Dissertation Fee
(6 Courses X $200 per Course)
$3776 Technology and Library Fee
(64 Semester Credits X $59 per Credit)

$5,226

Total Program Cost

$24,810

Find a plan that fits your budget.

When We Say Low Cost, We Mean It

$24,810
Walden University Peay State University
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University of Phoenix
Grand Canyon University

Source: Internal Research Completed March 2025


Program Details

Majors

Focus of Study

  • Curriculum and Instruction

  • Early Childhood Education

  • General Track

  • Higher Education

  • Instructional Leadership

  • Instructional Technology

  • Leadership

  • Literacy

  • Public Health Education

  • STEM Education

  • Second Language Instruction

  • Public and Nonprofit Leadership


Start Dates

With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.

August 18, 2025 Term

Aug 15, 2025

Application Due

Aug 15, 2025

Payment Due

Aug 18, 2025

Term Start

Aug 22, 2025

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Sep 21, 2025

Term End

September 08, 2025 Term

September 29, 2025 Term

November 10, 2025 Term

January 12, 2026 Term

January 26, 2026 Term

February 23, 2026 Term

April 13, 2026 Term

May 25, 2026 Term


Courses

Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

LEAD6001

Introduction to Advanced Studies

1 Semester Credits

LEAD6011

Leadership as a Reflective Practice

1 Semester Credits

LEAD6021

Leadership Seminar

1 Semester Credits

SPED6003

Strategies and Methods for Reading Intervention

3 Semester Credits

SPED6013

Assistive Technology for Exceptional Learners

3 Semester Credits

SPED6023

Differentiated Instruction for Exceptional Learners

3 Semester Credits

SPED6043

Assessment and Evaluation for Exceptional Learners

3 Semester Credits

SPED6063

Building Family and Professional Partnerships

3 Semester Credits

SPED6073

Exploring the Autism Spectrum

3 Semester Credits


Admission Requirements

ACE General Admission Requirements

Program Admission Requirements

International Transcript Requirements

English as a Second Language Applicants

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