About the course

The Ph.D. program in the Department of Special Education and Multiple Abilities (SPEMA) is non-categorical, suiting the interests of the student and the expertise of the faculty. The student?s plan of studies (POS) committee, including the committee chair (usually the student?s advisor), will determine, with the student, a sequence of learning experiences that fit the match of interests with expertise. Before acceptance to the program, the department sees if a student?s interest matches faculty expertise in that particular area. Once accepted, the student works with the POS committee if interests change. Our intent is to produce top scholars, which is best achieved by fostering the student?s interests. Furthermore, our philosophy is that doctoral students and faculty often learn together, therefore, many interests in the special-education field can be accommodated in SPEMA. The doctoral program prepares researchers and future university faculty in the following subfields of exceptionalities:

　　Autism spectrum disorders

　　Behavior disorders and prevention

　　Early childhood special education/early intervention

　　Gifted and talented

　　Non-categorical special education

　　Severe disabilities

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Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 8 Semester(s)Fees: US$121,000

Intake	Location
Spring (January), 2021	Tuscaloosa
Spring (January), 2024	Tuscaloosa
Summer (May), 2024	Tuscaloosa
Summer (May), 2024	Tuscaloosa
Fall (August), 2024	Tuscaloosa
Spring (January), 2025	Tuscaloosa
Summer (May), 2025	Tuscaloosa
Summer (May), 2025	Tuscaloosa
Fall (August), 2025	Tuscaloosa
Spring (January), 2026	Tuscaloosa
Summer (May), 2026	Tuscaloosa
Summer (May), 2026	Tuscaloosa

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of Alabama

The SPEMA Department requires a GRE score of 300 or above, an accomplished scholarly record at the master’s level, a demonstrated commitment to a scholarly career in special education, and a successful interview with faculty members. Upload the following documents in Manage Documents: Statement of Purpose Resume Contact information for recommenders Unofficial transcripts (University of Alabama transcripts not required) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT). International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The minimum score for admission to a degree program or for non-degree admission is 6.5. The applicant must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 overall, 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program, or 3.0 for a completed graduate degree program.

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 79.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of Alabama. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　601st / 1250

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