Program of
Study

Core Courses (30 credits which includes 12 dissertation credits)

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General Culture (3 Credits)

EDUC 800 (3) Ways of Knowing 

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Research Methods (15 Credits)

EDRS 810 (3) Problems and Methods in Education Research

EDRS 811 (3) Quantitative Methods in Educational Research

EDRS 812 (3) Qualitative Methods in Educational Research

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EDRS 822 (3)  Advanced Applications of Qualitative Methods

EDRS 823 (3) Advanced Research Methods in Single Subject / Case Design

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Primary Specialization (18-24 Credits): SPECIAL EDUCATION

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1. EDSE 841 Evaluat Intervention Research (3)

2. EDSE 843 Lead Change Sped & Disab Pol (3)

3. EDSE 845 Personnel Prep Program in SPED (3)

4. EDSE 846 Assess Eval Instrumnt in SPED (3)

5. EDSE 847 Policy-driven Initiatives SPED  (3)

6. EDSE 885 Writing Grants (3)

7. EDUC 994 Advanced Internship in Education

8. EDUC 897 Independent Study

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Secondary Specialization (12-18 Credits): RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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1. EDUC 897 Independent Studies (3)

2. EDRS 836 Narrative Inquiry (3)

3. EDRS 833 Participatory Action Research (3)

4. EDUC 895 Qualitative Methods Capstone Project

 

4. Dissertation Proposal and Research (12 Credits)

Upon successful completion of all coursework (with the exception of an advanced research methods course) and comprehensive portfolio assessment, students are advanced to candidacy and enroll in EDUC 998. 

 

EDUC 998 (3) Doctoral Dissertation Proposal

EDUC 999 (9) Doctoral Dissertation Research

 

PROPOSED DATE FOR COMPREHENSIVE PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT:

Fall 2023

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PROGRAM RATIONALE

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My goal when I complete this program is to be qualified as a special education instructor and researcher in higher education. I have a desire to participate in qualitative research that examines the perceptions of disability on care and treatment for students and families in BIPOC and underrepresented, often marginalized communities, and single case studies that observe the behavior of students receiving various academic and behavioral interventions in the formal RtI process. 

 

The classes that I have chosen in order to meet my goal are requirements of my primary specialization, Special Education, including EDSE 846, Assessing Evaluation Instruments in Sped, and EDSE 841Evaluating Intervention Research. These courses have exposed me to research studies evaluating interventions and the validity and reliability of those studies. Also courses in my secondary specialization of Research Methods include EDRS 897 Decolonizing Methodologies, EDRS 836 Narrative Inquiry, and EDRS 823 Advanced Research Methods in Single Subject/Case Design. These courses have exposed me to the characteristics and requirements of practicing anti-racist research and have enhanced my perspective of what giving voice to underrepresented research participants can look like, and be conducted and presented honorably for marginalized and traumatized communities. These courses have helped to prepare me for a career as a qualitative researcher practicing anti-racist and decolonial methods. 

Additionally, fulfilling my obligations through the ASPIRE fellowship will enrich the learning I have been exposed to throughout my coursework. Specifically, the ASPIRE fellowship will provide me with knowledge about effective research-based interventions for students with high-incidence disabilities through a series of special topics seminars, coursework, and local/national conferences and internship experiences. As future faculty, ASPIRE, and the requisite coursework, will adequately prepare me to teach, research, and provide service that exemplifies the unique skill set necessary for the profession.