Capella University Introduces PhD Specialization in Special Education Leadership
Capella University, an accredited,* online university based in Minneapolis, Minn., announced a new PhD in Education specialization in Special Education Leadership. Capella’s new specialization is being launched at a time when the need for special education services is growing because of better identification of special needs, educational reform, and legislative mandates. In addition, impending retirements are resulting in a growing need for qualified candidates in nearly all areas of educational administration.
“Many students in our Leadership in Educational Administration PhD specialization currently work in special education and have expressed strong interest in a leadership specialization focused on special education,” said Harry McLenighan, PhD, dean of Capella’s School of Education. “Special education administrators need many of the same leadership skills as other K-12 administrators. However, they also need a deep awareness of the regulations, instructional strategies, resources, and collaborative relationships that are unique to special education. This specialization is designed to provide that focus, as well as offer opportunities to share insights on best practices and contribute to the field of special education through doctoral research.”
There is a real need for a leadership specialization focused on special education, according to Pamela Potter, president of the National Association of Pupil Services Administrators and special education director for the Loudonville-Perrysville, Ohio, school district. “The current preparatory program for a career in special education administration is a patchwork quilt at best,” said Potter. “A PhD focused on special education would be an efficient and effective way to prepare for the actual job that must be done. If I were starting my career again, this is the direction I would take without a doubt.” Capella’s curriculum for the Special Education Leadership specialization has been designed to adhere to standards developed by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
In addition to the PhD in Education specialization in Special Education Leadership, Capella is also introducing a new psychology specialization aimed at the education market. The Master of Science in Psychology – Evaluation, Research, and Measurement specialization, offered through Capella’s Harold Abel School of Psychology, is designed to address the need for professionals skilled in using quantitative and qualitative data for planning and decision-making purposes.
Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for both these specializations. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), option 3, or e-mail info@capella.edu. Review of these specializations is pending in the following states: AZ, FL, GA, KY, WA, and WI.
About Capella University
Founded in 1993, Capella University is an accredited,* online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, human services, public safety, and psychology, and bachelor’s degree programs in business, information technology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella offers 89 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 16 certificate programs. The online university currently serves more than 19,000 students from all 50 states and 56 countries. It is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ:CPLA), headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).
*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), http://www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), www.capella.edu.