Special education is a facet of teaching that focuses on delivering an appropriate education to children who struggle with mental, physical, emotional, or social delays. Special education teachers often must complete professional training and receive certification in both teaching and special education to work with students who have special needs.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.