Director of Special Education
Develop into an innovative scholar-practitioner who can effect change and advocate for students with special needs.
Make A Real Difference
Grow upon your past knowledge and skills and prepare for your future in an administrative position in a Pre-K–12 setting. A director of special education specialization at USD will help you become a reflective leader and skilled educator whose practices and decisions draw upon the best available theory, research and experiential wisdom. Reflective decision-making engages administrators in cycles of thought and action based upon theoretical, ethical and professional knowledge. Our program is a great fit for classroom instructors seeking post-secondary education. Our expert professors will offer mentorship as you design an individualized plan of study that emphasizes the administrative context and meanings that are most important to you.
Learn how to advocate for and impact a population with diverse needs by obtaining your director of special education specialization at USD.
Degrees & Offerings
Educational Administration and Leadership: Director of Special Education (Ed.D.)
DoctorateMake a real difference working in administration, developing curriculum or taking on leadership roles to help shape policies for students requiring special needs. The 62 credit hour program includes a wide range of electives in cognitive/learning disabilities, behavior disorders and early childhood special education coursework, preparing you to take on leadership roles that allow you to shape policies and improve the educational system.
Learn more about the educational administration and leadership program
Educational Administration and Leadership: Director of Special Education (Ed.S.)
SpecialistThe (Ed.S.) with the director of special education specialization prepares educational leaders to supervise, administer and coordinate programs for students requiring special needs. The 62 credit hour program includes a wide range of electives in cognitive/learning disabilities and behavior disorders to early childhood special education coursework taking on leadership roles can allow you to shape policies and improve the system from within.
Learn more about the educational administration and leadership program
Program Details
Graduate
College
Department
Contact
Departments & Facilities
Educational Leadership
Preparing education leaders to be effective educational administrators.
Discounted Tuition for South Dakota Teachers and Vocational Instructors
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
