PhD Specialization in Special Education

The Educational Psychology doctoral program with an emphasis in Special Education (SPED) at Baylor University is a full-time, research-intensive program designed to prepare future scholars, educators, and leaders in special education and disability-related fields. Our doctoral program offers rigorous, research-focused coursework grounded in the latest evidence and methodologies. Students gain advanced skills in research design, statistics, grant writing, and college teaching, with a strong emphasis on special education. Faculty-led, externally funded projects provide hands-on experience in grant management and collaborative research. Students also conduct original research, present at state/national/international conferences, and publish in top-tier journals.

This innovative and interdisciplinary specialization is designed to equip students for future research, teaching, and leadership roles across academic, clinical, and community settings. Doctoral students benefit from hands-on research experience through externally funded faculty projects, opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national conferences. They also have the opportunity to engage in research and service through the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing.

PhD Admission Information

PhD Financial Assistance Information

Special Education Specialization PhD Courses:

Community and Family Partnerships in Implementation Research
Transition to Adulthood for Students with Disabilities
Current Issues in Faith and Disability Studies
Research and Practice in Inclusion and Access to the General Curriculum
Historical and Contemporary Issues and Trends in Special Education
Seminar in Special Education, Disability, and Leadership

Special Education PhD Faculty

Bree Jimenez, PhD

Department Chair Professor

Bree Jimenez, PhD

Department Chair Professor

Dr. Jimenez’ research focuses on general curriculum access and assessment for students with intellectual disability and autism. Specifically, her research focuses on math, science, and STEM instruction for students with moderate to severe intellectual disability and autism.

Mack D. Burke, PhD

Professor

Mack D. Burke, PhD

Professor

Dr. Burke teaches graduate coursework in positive behavioral support and single-subject research methods. He regularly provides technical assistance on school-wide positive behavior support and evidence-based social and behavioral practices to school districts.

Erik W. Carter, PhD, FAIDD

Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities Executive Director, Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing

Erik W. Carter, PhD, FAIDD

Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities Executive Director, Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing

Dr. Carter’s research and writing focus on principle-driven and research-based strategies for promoting full participation, relationships, and valued roles for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Deidre Gilley, PhD

Assistant Professor

Deidre Gilley, PhD

Assistant Professor

Dr. Gilley’s research focuses on targeting in-school predictors of post-secondary outcomes for individuals with IDD, primarily using mixed-methods and single-case design to identify and validate evidence-based practices to support general curriculum access in mathematics. She also researches the instructional emphasis and incorporation of self-determination.

Gospel Y. Kim, PhD, BCBA-D

Assistant Professor

Gospel Y. Kim, PhD, BCBA-D

Assistant Professor

Dr. Kim’s research focuses on disseminating and implementing evidence-based interventions in community settings to support young autistic children and their families.

Tracey N. Sulak, PhD

Clinical Associate Professor

Tracey N. Sulak, PhD

Clinical Associate Professor

Dr. Sulak’s primary research interests involve the impact of environment on educational outcomes across the lifespan, and much of her research is funded by internal and external grants. She also focuses on broadening participation in STEM, and she has received National Science Foundation funding to provide opportunities for local K-12 students to develop talent in STEM.