PhD In Special Education/ABA Specialization

The PhD program in Special Education/ABA is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board.

Program Mission

The mission of the Ph.D. program in special education and applied behavior analysis is to prepare leadership personnel for positions in special education whose research, professional practice, and teaching are guided by the philosophical, scientific, and technological principles of applied behavior analysis.

Program Objectives

Program objectives: Students are required to:

1. Complete and pass core courses in applied behavior analysis and behavioral research methods
2. Complete a set of noncredit-earning requirements relevant to professional research, teaching, and professional practice roles in behavior analysis and special education (e.g., publications, presentations, course development).
3. Complete and pass a written and oral candidacy examination in selected areas of applied behavior analysis and special education.
4. Complete a dissertation whose questions and methods are based on a behavior-analytic approach to problems or issues.

Training Model, Curriculum, Graduation Requirements

The PhD program consists of 60 credit hours of coursework (beyond the master’s degree) that includes doctoral core courses, research courses, special education courses, specialization courses, supervised field experience, and dissertation research. The program provides multiple opportunities for students to gain practical experience in conceptualizing, planning, conducting, and disseminating applied research in special education under the close guidance and assistance of a faculty mentor. For example, noncredit requirements include helping to mentor an MA student completing a thesis, collaborate in systematically evaluating the effectiveness of a strategy or aspect of post-secondary instruction on student performance, and presenting the results of research projects at a conference and/or in manuscripts submitted for publication as appropriate. After completing the course requirements, students complete a candidacy exam, and then a dissertation. Depending on areas of interest, students have access to a range of opportunities working directly with individuals from early childhood through adult with a range of mild to severe learning needs in a variety of settings (e.g., public and private schools, hospitals and clinics, home and clinic-based services).

See the PhD program curriculum sheet at the following link.

https://ehe.osu.edu/graduate/special-education/special-education-phd

BCBA Exam Pass Rate (2021): 85.71%

The following link from the graduate school handbook provides information about graduation requirements.

https://gradsch.osu.edu/handbook/7-13-doctoral-summary-phd-degree-graduation-requirements

Requirements for Admission Applicants are required to submit the following: 3 letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a statement of intent, and a curriculum vita/resume. GRE scores are not required.

See the application checklist and requirements for admission.

Application Deadline: December 1

Faculty and Resources Program Faculty: https://ehe.osu.edu/graduate/special-education

Resources for Graduate Students: https://ehe.osu.edu/current-graduate-students

Administrative policies and procedures

Graduate School Handbook: https://gradsch.osu.edu/handbook

View PhD Program Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis Outcomes Assessment Data

Contact

Please contact Dr. Sheila Morgan (morgan.651@osu.edu) if you have questions about the master’s degree program in Special Education, ABA specialization or the BCBA credential.