California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) offer a unique Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education that prepares graduates to be leaders in the field as university faculty engaging in teacher education and research, or as researchers or administrators in federal, state, or local education agencies or research organizations. Our Joint Doctoral Program, which has existed since 1970, leads to the degree of Ph.D. in Special Education. The program combines the resources and expertise of UCLA and CSULA faculty and provides in-depth coursework in special education, human development, educational research, and other areas relevant to a student's career goals.
Program Overview
- Students admitted into the program begin their doctoral study at CSULA while working closely with special education faculty in research and teaching activities, and taking small seminars on special education and related topics.
- In the second year, students move to UCLA and participate in an ongoing research practicum with a faculty advisor and take in-depth courses in research methods and in substantive areas in human studies and psychology. While at UCLA, students maintain contact with the CSULA coordinator and faculty, and faculty from both CSULA and UCLA oversee and score their written doctoral examination, supervise research, and serve on their dissertation committee.
The course work and experiences included in this program directly address the goal of preparing professionals who can assume leadership positions in teacher education and research in special education. A series of seminars provide breadth of knowledge in special education across disability areas. Other courses provide in-depth study of teacher education issues as well as practicum experiences in which experienced faculty provide mentoring for students as they assume instructional roles in the university classroom and supervise the classroom teaching of credential candidates. Seminars or independent studies provide candidates with depth of knowledge in specialization areas such as learning disabilities, autism, or law and policy, among others. Faculty also provides mentoring that involves candidates in faculty-sponsored research or other projects.
Candidates complete statistics and research methodology courses at CSULA and UCLA. Coinciding with this coursework, they participate in research practicum experiences. Candidates take further courses at UCLA to acquire depth and breadth of knowledge in human development and psychology related to education, including courses on typical and atypical development. Courses in a cognate area outside of education are taken at either campus and complete the candidates' multidisciplinary training at the doctoral level. In total, students must complete a minimum of 19 courses at CSULA and UCLA. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of their class performance, professional commitment, participation in research and teaching practicums, a second year research project, a comprehensive written examination, and a doctoral dissertation.
- Demonstrate knowledge of children with disabilities, including students who attend high poverty low performing schools.
- Demonstrate knowledge of research-based interventions and effective practices that improve outcomes for children with disabilities, including students who attend high poverty low performing schools.
- Demonstrate knowledge of applicable laws and policies related to children with disabilities and the ability to provide advocacy to improve their outcomes..
- Demonstrate the ability to teach prospective teachers research-based interventions and effective practices that improve outcomes for children with disabilities, including students who attend high poverty low performing schools.
- Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate, propose, conduct, write up, and/or disseminate research on interventions, practices, and policies intended to improve outcomes of children with disabilities, including students who attend high poverty low performing schools.
Information Sessions
Tuesday, Sept. 17 @ 4pm
Wednesday, Oct. 16 @ 4pm
Thursday, Nov. 14 @ 5pm
Friday, Dec. 6 @ 2 pm
Admission Procedures
- Contact the Joint Doctoral Coordinator at Cal State LA and/or attend an Informational Meeting
Note: GRE is being waived for the Fall 2021 application cycle, APPLY NOW for Fall 2025 - Deadline is January 15, 2025 - Submit California State University, Los Angeles application
- Apply to the University online at:
https://www2.calstate.edu/apply - Submit official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate study
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Apply to the University online at:
- Applicants may be asked to participate in an oral interview with the Joint Doctoral Committee members.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate upper division and 3.4 graduate grade point average
- A master’s degree in Special Education or a related field
- Minimum of three years of professional experience with individuals with disabilities
- Demonstration of potential for successful completion of doctoral research
Program Faculty
Dr. Lois Weinberg
Office: King Hall C1065A
Phone: (323) 343-4399
Fax: (323) 343-5605
E-mail: lweinbe@calstatela.edu