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School of Education - George Mason University

The PhD in Education Program is individualized, interdisciplinary, and experiential. Students may opt to specialize in special education (SPED) or incorporate coursework within a self-defined interdisciplinary program of study.

Have questions? Attend an information session or contact the specialization representative, Anna Evmenova.

About the Specialization

The Special Education Specialization prepares leaders in research, teacher preparation, and policy related to disability and special education.

What Will You Learn?

The specialization features coursework and applied experiences that enable you to:

  • Become proficient in evaluating and conducting rigorous research in the field of special education
  • Learn how to effectively communicate research findings to a broad array of audiences, including translating research to practice
  • Understand historical and contemporary perspectives in special education leadership, policy, and teacher preparation
  • Acquire and apply specialized knowledge specific to your interests related to disability and the field of special education

Our Graduates

Alexandra Reed, PhD 2022 

  • Dissertation Title: “You Just Know When You Feel It” A Participatory Inquiry Exploring Inclusion 
  • Dissertation Chairs: Dr. Grace Francis 
  • Employment on Graduation: Mason Life Program Academic Coordinator, George Mason University 

Jaime Day, PhD 2022 

  • Dissertation Title: Alternative Route Programs and Special Education Teacher Preparation: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Sarah Nagro 
  • Awards: Gerald Wallace Doctoral Dissertation Excellence in Special Education Award 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, University of Missouri 

Ashley Stride, PhD 2022 

  • Dissertation Title: Examining Authority use of Power in the Education System: An Arts-Informed Narrative Inquiry Toward a Liberatory Way of Being for Marginalized Students 
  • Dissertation Chairs: Dr. Grace Francis & Dr. Anya Evmenova 

Stacie Brady, PhD 2021 

  • Dissertation Title: Morphological Forms in the Writing of Middle School Students with Disabilities 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Linda Mason 
  • Employment on Graduation: Post-doctoral Training, George Mason University 

Rachel Hamberger, PhD 2021  

  • Dissertation Title: Parent Coaching in Natural Communication Opportunities Through Bug-in-Ear Technology 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Anya Evmenova 
  • Employment on Graduation: Special Education Teacher& Instructional Team Leader; Hanover Hills Elementary School 

Kelly Liu, PhD 2021 

  • Dissertation Title: Vocabulary Instruction for Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities and English Learners With Learning Disabilities: An Observation Study 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Sheri Berkeley 
  • Employment on Graduation: Special Education Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools; Adjunct Professor, George Mason University 

Anna Macedonia, PhD 2021 

  • Dissertation Title: Education Leadership Preparation and Special Education: A Multiple Case Study of Female Beginning School Based-Administrators 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Margaret Weiss 

Carlos Lavin, PhD 2020 

  • Dissertation Title: Testimonios of Undocumented Latinx Students with Disabilities: Finding a Way Forward 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Grace Francis 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, College of Charleston 

Asma Alzahrani, PhD 2019 

  • Dissertation Title: Preservice Special Education Teachers' Understanding of Evidence-Based Practices for Teaching Nonverbal or Low Verbal Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Frederick Brigham 

Kevin Good, PhD 2019 

  • Dissertation Title: The Pen or the Cursor: A Single-Subject Comparison of a Paper-Based Graphic Organizer and a Computer-Based Graphic Organizer to Support the Persuasive Writing of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders or Mild Autism 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Anya Evmenova 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, University of Mary Washington 

Darren Ritson, PhD 2019  

  • Dissertation Title: Game-Based Learning and Science Classrooms: How a Content-Based Video Game Can Support Students with Emotional Behavioral Disabilities in a Public Day High School Earth Science Classroom  
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Anya Evmenova  
  • Employment on Graduation: Special Education Teacher, Prince William County Public Schools; Adjunct Professor, George Mason University 

Meghan Betz, PhD 2018 

  • Dissertation Title: Professional Development with Optional Components for Educators of English Language Learners: A Mixed-Methods Study of Educators' Changes in Knowledge and Experiences 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Sheri Berkeley 
  • Employment on Graduation: Director, Time to Talk; Adjunct Professor, George Mason University 

Kelly Brady, PhD 2018 

  • Dissertation Title: Using Web-Based Graphic Organizer Instruction with Embedded Self-Regulated Learning Strategies and Additional Brainstorming Supports to Improve the Planning and Persuasive Writing of Secondary Students with Complex Intellectual Profiles 
  • Dissertation Chairs: Dr. Anya Evmenova & Dr. Kelley Regan 
  • Employment on Graduation: Out-of-School Support Manager, Fairfax County Public Schools 

Rachel Hammer, PhD 2018 

  • Dissertation Title: Virtual Manipulatives with Technology-Based Graphic Organizers (VM+TBGO): A Combined Mathematics Intervention to Support Secondary Students With Learning Disabilities to Solve Proportion Word Problems 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Kelley Regan 
  • Award: Gerald Wallace Doctoral Dissertation Excellence in Special Education Award 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, Towson University 

Leigh Ann Kurz, PhD 2018 

  • Dissertation Title: Literacy Integrated with Kindergarten Science: An Investigation of Impacts of Kindergarten Students Including Those At-risk for Learning Disabilities 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Sheri Berkeley 
  • Awards: Gerald Wallace Doctoral Dissertation Excellence in Special Education Award 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, Susquehanna University of Pennsylvania 

Nichole MacVittie, PhD 2018 

  • Dissertation Title: Guided Self-Reflection with Video and Changes in Teacher Instructional Behaviors 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Kelley Regan 
  • Employment on Graduation: Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Denver Public Schools, Colorado 

Shalu Rana, PhD 2018 

  • Dissertation Title: The Impact of a Computer-Based Graphic Organizer with Embedded Technology Features on the Personal Narrative Writing of Upper Elementary Students with High-Incidence Disabilities  
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Anya Evmenova  
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistive Technology Specialist, DC Public Schools; Adjunct Professor, George Mason University 

Donna Sacco, PhD 2018 

  • Dissertation Title: Special Educators' Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Instructional Practices for Students Who are Dually Identified as English Learners with Specific Learning Disabilities 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Sheri Berkeley 
  • Employment on Graduation: Product Development & Technical Assistance Support, National Center on Intensive Intervention and PROGRESS Center, American Institutes for Research 

Details

Each student in the PhD in Education Program is mentored by faculty in the development of their own personalized program of study that fosters their ability to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of significant theories, developments, and practices in one's chosen area of study
  • Understand, utilize, and interpret basic principles, ethical practice, and methodologies of educational research design and data analysis
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing to a variety of professional audiences

Supported professional experiences and internships beyond required coursework support mastery of these competencies, including:

  • Attending and/or presenting your scholarly work at professional conferences to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners
  • University teaching and/or co-teaching experiences in professional areas of expertise
  • Supervising pre-service teachers
  • Writing, editing, and reviewing for scholarly journals
  • Research apprenticeships and assistantships
  • Supported independent research in an area of professional interest
  • Internships unique to the individual’s area of study
  • Building a professional portfolio

The PhD in Education is awarded after the successful completion of:

  • Coursework
  • A comprehensive portfolio assessment
  • A written dissertation
  • An oral dissertation defense

Why This Program?

Are you ready to expand your impact in the field of education?

A PhD in Education from GMU can help you reach that goal! Our accomplished faculty can help you leverage your existing expertise in the field of education and deepen your toolkit of professional knowledge and skills that will take your career to the next level of influence. 
 
Our graduates have attained consequential professional positions such as:

  • Academic faculty at post-secondary institutions
  • Leadership and research positions in federal and state government, post-secondary institutions, research organizations, and non-government agencies
  • Analysts and consultants with private companies, political advocacy groups, education or research think tanks, and professional associations
  • School, district, and statewide leadership positions in major preK-12 school districts, technical assistance centers, and other informal educational agencies
  • Curriculum and instructional materials developers

Our flexible student-centered program structure allows each student to design a personalized, interdisciplinary program of study that helps them to become outstanding educational researchers, practitioners, and leaders in their respective fields. Our faculty have strengths in:

Theoretical & Applied Research

  • Choose from a wide range of advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods coursework options
  • Have the opportunity to gain research experience on projects funded by federal agencies, including the Institute for Education Sciences and the National Science Foundation 

Advanced Teacher Preparation

  • Choose from a wide range of teaching and teacher preparation coursework and internship options, including opportunities to co-teach university courses with faculty and supervise teacher internships
  • Receive advanced training in online teaching and learning

Education Leadership & Policy

  • Choose from a wide range of coursework and internship opportunities in leadership and policy fields, both national and international
  • Have unique opportunities for experiential learning due to proximity to Washington DC and several of the largest school systems in the country

Movement & Sport Sciences

  • Choose an intensive Kinesiology program with opportunities for experiential learning in state-of-the-art movement labs.
  • Or, create a custom program of study in fields related to movement and sport sciences, including teaching in physical education and sport management

How Can I Learn More?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions and Answer Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Attend an Information Session

The PhD in Education Program periodically conducts information sessions to acquaint applicants with our program and the admissions process. Information sessions include an overview of the PhD in Education Program followed by breakout sessions with faculty who can answer questions about professional specialization areas. Scheduled sessions are listed at the top of this page.