Intervention Design Ph.D. Program
The purpose of the Ph.D. program in educational studies is to prepare the next generation of special education leaders. These scholars focus on intervention design, and they learn to design and develop cognitively enhanced intensive interventions for students with disabilities. The training includes learning how to conduct research and evaluate research evidence so that scholars can learn to identify what works for children and schools. Scholars are also trained to prepare special education teachers to use effective evidence-based interventions.
Meet Our Scholars
Brad Czaplewski
Katherine Ericson
Areas of Interest: Teaching students with visual impairments, and performance review and professional development for teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs).
Goals: Learn more about evidence-based practices in special education from professors and colleagues, build research skills, and collaborate with others to improve educational outcomes for students with visual impairments. After completing this Ph.D. program, she hopes to serve as a faculty member at a university, leading a personnel preparation program for TVIs.
Melinda Henson
Kristen Job
Ashley Struebing
George Toman
Areas of Interest: High-quality professional development, special education law/ethics, special education teacher efficacy
Goals: Play an integral part in closing the research-to-practice gap. His plans after this Ph.D. program are to be in a position where he can help schools integrate research-based practices effectively, serve as a "bridge" between researchers and schools, and support future special educators on their professional journey to serve their students.
Kendall Willems-Cygan
Areas of Interest: Autism, early literacy skills, executive function, learning disabilities, and developmental psychology.
Goals: Complete her own manuscript(s) for publication and create an intervention to help young children with ASD. After finishing the Ph.D. program, she would like to teach alongside doing her research.
Faculty
Application to this program
Visit the Office of Graduate Studies website and submit the following:
- Online application
- Transcripts
- TOEFL scores (International students only) (Institution code = 6877; Department code = 77)
- Financial Resource Certification (International students only)
You must also enter or upload the following:
- Resume/vita
- Statement of purpose/ goals
- Prerequisite courses
- GRE scores (Institution code = 6877; Department code = 0620)
- Names and contact information for three references of your choosing. (The system will automatically email the specified people and request that each upload the recommendation.)
References should be able to write letters attesting to the applicant’s academic ability to successfully complete graduate school. These references likely hold a master's or more advanced degree, and should not have any family connection to the applicant. - Assistantship / Fellowship Application (optional)
- Writing Sample (Required)
- Advisor Support Agreement (Required)