The Department of Special Education offers a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree with a concentration in Learning Disabilities & Behavior Disorders (LD/BD). This program focuses substantial coursework and research in the areas of reading and math disabilities as well as school-based behaviors.
Students will learn about trends and effective interventions used for individuals with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. In addition, students have the opportunity to explore courses in at least two other areas of Special Education, research methods, professional coursework, and courses outside the department of Special Education.
Students are encouraged to become involved in research projects under the direction of faculty in the Department of Special Education. Students generally complete the doctoral degree in four years of full-time study. The doctoral degree in Special Education prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings including higher education, leadership roles in schools and districts, and further research into the practices and interventions that effectively treat learning disabilities.
Faculty
 Marcia Barnes, Ph.D.ProfessorH. E. Hartfelder/The Southland Corporation Regents Chair in Human Resource Development Serves as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and conducts research on learning disabilities in reading comprehension and mathematics. |
 Diane Pedrotty Bryant, Ph.D.ProfessorMollie Villeret Davis Professor in Learning Disabilities Researches instructional strategies and assistive technology adaptations for students with learning disabilities, specifically in Mathematics. |
 Nathan Clemens, Ph.D.Associate ProfessorFellow of Mollie Villeret Davis Professor in Learning Disabilities Works to enhance teachers’ ability to make data-based decisions, and improve interventions for students with reading difficulties. |
 Christian T. Doabler, Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorFocuses on the instructional design and efficacy testing of early mathematics and science interventions for at-risk learners. |
 Sarah Powell, Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorDevelops and tests interventions for students with mathematics difficulties, emphasizing word-problem solving, mathematics writing, and the vocabulary within math. |
 Jessica Toste, Ph.D.Assistant ProfessorResearch interests include students with learning disabilities and effective reading interventions, with a focus on motivation as a determinant of success. |
 Sharon VaughnExecutive Director, The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational RiskManuel J. Justiz Endowed Chair in Math, Science, and Technology in Teacher Education Investigates effective interventions for a diverse group of students with reading difficulties and students who are English language learners. |
Handbook
Mailing Address
College of Education
1912 Speedway, Stop D5000
Austin, Texas 78712
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Phone
(512) 471-3223
College of Education
1912 Speedway, Stop D5000
Austin, Texas 78712
View Map
Phone
(512) 471-3223
© College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin 2017