Program Overview

The Exceptional Learning Ph.D. (ELPhD) program focuses on the characteristics, strengths, and educational needs of individuals and groups whose learning potential and opportunities for success are frequently unrealized. Exceptional populations include people for whom social, economic, and physical characteristics may serve as a barrier to development and learning.

The ELPhD program offers robust academic preparation of professionals who serve their communities, public school systems, institutions of higher education, and nontraditional educational environments. Our graduates are leaders who work across local, regional, national, and international platforms to effect positive change in diverse populations of exceptional learners and educational contexts, addressing barriers to learning, primarily through research and service activities.

The ELPhD curriculum is organized around three areas of knowledge development-core, concentration, and research. Core knowledge includes an orientation to the program, theory, foundations for understanding exceptional populations, program planning and evaluation, and technology. Concentration knowledge helps students to deepen and hone their specific interests. The innovative research sequence grounds students in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

Applied Behavior Analysis prepares professionals who can develop and deliver behavioral interventions and supports for individuals within educational and habilitative settings.

There are two ABA tracks:

• School-Aged Children and Adult Populations prepares professionals who will implement and provide empirical support for behavioral interventions for a range of populations and pursue board certification as a behavior analyst. The ABAS course sequence is approved by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).(Track leader – Dr. Krystal Kennedy)
• Young Children and Families prepares professionals to provide support and interventions to young, at-risk children and families with emphasis on building relationships and advocating for children and families. (Track Leader – Dr. Jane Baker)