Ed.D. in Special Education
Earn your doctoral degree in three years or less!
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TOTAL COST
$24,810
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NEXT START DATE
Aug 18, 2025
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COMPLETION TIME
36 Months†
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AVG. SALARY PREMIUM
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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 |
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Total Tuition 64 semester credits x $306 per credit |
$19,584 |
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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 |
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Total Program Cost |
$24,810 |
Find a plan that fits your budget.
When We Say Low Cost, We Mean It

Walden University Peay State University
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Source: Internal Research Completed March 2025
Program Details
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
The Ed.D. in Special Education provides an advanced degree specifically targeting research, theory, and best practices in the special education field. A student completes coursework focused on developmentally appropriate practice, advocacy, and research, and scholarship. Students complete a final dissertation at the end of their program. This degree is not designed for licensure and is best suited for individuals who seek to work as a leader or scholar-practitioner in this field. The focus of study allows a student to select a concentration that will support their professional goals. Students will engage in scholarly research throughout the coursework to support their final dissertation.
Program Outcomes
- Design general and specialized curricula to increase access and meet the learning needs and developmental growth of students with exceptionalities. (AO3)
- Analyze seminal and current research, pedagogical principles, and assistive technology to support the use of best practices in the special education classroom. (AO1)
- Design assessments that minimize bias, support individual student needs, and utilize results for instructional and placement decisions. (AO3)
- Construct models to support positive collaborative relationships with stakeholders to improve programs, services, and outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities and their families. (AO2)
- Examine current trends, technologies, laws, and policies in special education and the role that they play in safeguarding the rights of students with exceptionalities. (AO4)
- Implement an inclusive learning environment that uses responsive pedagogical approaches to effectively support learners in reaching their full potential. (A03)
- Demonstrate growth as a professional and leader in special education by applying emerging instructional technologies, engaging in research, and contributing to innovative practices that promote education and support learners. (AO5)
- Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership. (AO5)
- Demonstrate competence in the application of multiple research methods. (AO1)
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 |
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LEAD6011 |
Leadership as a Reflective Practice |
1 Semester Credits |
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LEAD6021 |
Leadership Seminar |
1 Semester Credits |
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SPED6003 |
Strategies and Methods for Reading Intervention |
3 Semester Credits |
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SPED6013 |
Assistive Technology for Exceptional Learners |
3 Semester Credits |
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SPED6023 |
Differentiated Instruction for Exceptional Learners |
3 Semester Credits |
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SPED6033 |
Trends and Issues in Special Education |
3 Semester Credits |
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SPED6043 |
Assessment and Evaluation for Exceptional Learners |
3 Semester Credits |
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SPED6063 |
Building Family and Professional Partnerships |
3 Semester Credits |
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SPED6073 |
Exploring the Autism Spectrum |
3 Semester Credits |
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