Ed.D. in Special Education

  • Course Information
  • Prerequisites
  • Cost Calculator

Course Information

Total Cost *
$24,810
Next Start Date
Apr 13, 2026
Completion Time
36 Months
Semester Credits
64

Prerequisites

Degree Type
Master's
Minimum GPA
3.0

Cost Calculator

Transfer Credits
Total Cost *

Become an Impactful Leader in Special Education

Spearhead academic and developmental success for pre-K-12 students with disabilities through relevant, innovative and evidence-based intervention and instruction. The Ed.D. in Special Education at American College of Education (ACE) deepens your knowledge in areas including but not limited to strategies, technologies, instructional approaches and evaluation practices, all grounded in the latest research. You can customize your program with a focus of study or follow a general track.

Additionally, this program prepares you to develop positive relationships with stakeholders and cultivate learning environments that make students with disabilities feel respected and valued. You’ll be equipped as a leader in curriculum development, pedagogy and policy. Additionally, you’ll conduct in-depth research that contributes to identifying, understanding and promoting the resources needed for exceptional learners to reach their full potential.

Note: This program is not designed to lead to licensure. If you’re interested in a shorter, licensure-based pathway, you can explore our Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Special Education program. 

Program Details

The Ed.D. in Special Education provides an advanced degree specifically targeting research, theory, and best practices in the special education field. A student completes coursework focused on developmentally appropriate practice, advocacy, and research, and scholarship. Students complete a final dissertation at the end of their program. This degree is not designed for licensure and is best suited for individuals who seek to work as a leader or scholar-practitioner in this field. The focus of study allows a student to select a concentration that will support their professional goals. Students will engage in scholarly research throughout the coursework to support their final dissertation. 

Start Dates

With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it's best for you.
April 13, 2026 Term
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+
Apr 10, 2026
Payment Due
Apr 10, 2026
Application Due
Apr 13, 2026
Term Start
Apr 17, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
May 17, 2026
Term End
May 25, 2026 Term
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+
May 22, 2026
Application Due
May 22, 2026
Payment Due
May 25, 2026
Term Start
May 29, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Jun 28, 2026
Term End
June 15, 2026 Term
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+
Jun 12, 2026
Payment Due
Jun 12, 2026
Application Due
Jun 15, 2026
Term Start
Jun 19, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Aug 02, 2026
Term End
July 13, 2026 Term
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+
Jul 10, 2026
Application Due
Jul 10, 2026
Payment Due
Jul 13, 2026
Term Start
Jul 17, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Aug 16, 2026
Term End

Tuition

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Total Cost of Ed.D. in Special Education

credit

Total Tuition

semester credit x $ per credit
$

Fees

$
Total Program Cost
$
Find a plan that fits your budget.
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Return on Your Investment

Continuing your education is a big decision that involves an investment of your time and money. We recognize that, which is why we're committed to ensuring you experience a positive return on that investment.

You only pay the cost it takes for us to deliver your education, nothing more. By keeping our tuition low, we’ve helped our students see a $19.20 return in future higher earnings for every $1 they invested in their ACE education.1

How to Pay for College

Because of our low tuition and total program cost, 87% of our students graduate debt-free.2 Popular payment options include paying by course, paying by month or paying in full. Visit our payment options page to learn more.

$17,515
Average competitor total cost2
$9,655
Average ACE total cost*
When we say low cost, we mean it

The proof is in the numbers. ACE’s commitment to keeping tuition and fees low means our price is a fraction of the cost of other comparable programs.

Why ACE?

Low-Cost, High Quality

You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master's degrees at a total average cost of $10,000*. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.

Tuition & ROI
$1.2M
in
scholarships

Quality You Expect

We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.3 Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

Success Stories
85%
graduation
rate3

Flexibility You Need

Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

Support Services
24/7
student support
services

See How ACE Stacks Up

Graduation and Satisfaction Rates

ACE Graduates with No Debt² vs. Master’s Degree Holders from Private, For-Profit Institutions⁴

87%
31%

ACE vs. Comparison Group for Better Than Expected Overall Student Satisfaction or Higher²

86%
82%
Stay Within Your Budget

Because we don’t have a physical campus, our students don’t need to pay infrastructure or facility fees. We also keep our operational costs low by not participating in Title IV federal funding. We pass all these savings along to our students.

Network Across the Globe

Due to our engaging online format, you’ll connect and learn from industry peers worldwide. And even though you’re learning online, you won’t feel alone thanks to student discussion boards and online forums.

Gain Today’s In-Demand Skills

Learn strategies and skills you can apply immediately and leverage for future career advancement. Employers of ACE graduates report a 96% satisfaction rate,3 while 98% of our students felt their professional skills were stronger after graduation.3

Learn From Custom-Built Curriculum

Every course is created by our in-house curriculum and production team working in tandem with our academic leaders. Plus, all courses follow a consistent structure. No outdated coursework, no surprises.

Student Success Stories

Picture of Jazzmyne Townsend
Alumni
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
Jazzmyne Townsend
Read Jazzmyne's story »

Admission Requirements

ACE General Admission Requirements
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+
  • Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement and payment agreement.
  • Submit the nonrefundable application fee. *
  • Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program. **
  • Secure electronic transcripts can be mailed to [email protected].


*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.

**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements
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+
  • Master's or doctoral level
  • Minimum grade point average 2.50 on a 4.00 scale for full admission
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average 2.00 on a 4.00 scale for provisional admission
  • Applicants must achieve and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their program


International Transcript Requirements
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+

All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.

  • Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through a NACES-recommended agency.
  • Texas applicants for licensure programs may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency.
  • International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.
English as a Second Language Applicants
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+

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:

  1. Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
  2. Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
  3. The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening and Writing.
  4. The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification.
  5. The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
  6. Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit a minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C).

1Lightcast Study

2Internal research conducted November 2025

3Student Right to Know

4Education Data Initiative accessed on January 28, 2026

Let's Get Started

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