Students laughing and smiling during class.

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.S.)

Specialist with Specialization
  Vermillion Main Campus

The (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

View Admissions Requirements

View Curriculum

Educational Administration and Leadership: Director of Special Education (Ed.D.)

Doctorate with Specialization
  Vermillion Main Campus

Make 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

View Admissions Requirements

View Curriculum

Program Details

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Department

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Graduate Admissions

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in educational leadership.
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Educational Leadership

Preparing education leaders to be effective school administrators.

A woman teaching a class of children.

Discounted Tuition for South Dakota Teachers and Vocational Instructors

If you live in South Dakota, be sure and take advantage of the 50% reduced tuition program for currently contracted elementary/secondary teachers and vocational instructors.


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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. 
GA (Resident*)
Resident or WRGP
Online
Non-Resident
Tuition (1 cr.)
180.3
340.15
470.45
654.05
GAF Fee (1 cr.)
55.3
55.3
0
55.3
Total

More About Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the program or department. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs page for more information.

* Graduate Assistant (GA) rates are available for resident, non-resident and online students.

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