Ed.D. in Disability and Equity in Education

National Louis University's doctoral program in disability and equity in education (Ed.D.) is designed for individuals interested in exploring the historical, political, social, cultural, pedagogical and philosophical values, beliefs and processes that have constructed disability in education. Social equity and justice require action and social action requires leaders who are critically reflective, future-oriented thinkers willing to take risks and accept responsibilities for enacting the vision of a just society. Students in NLU’s Ed.D. - Disability and Equity in Education program have that vision. At the heart of the Ed.D. - Disability and Equity in Education is a commitment to working actively and strategically toward social justice and equity in schools, communities, policy, politics, and practice.

Consider getting your Ed.D. - Disability and Equity in Education at NLU if you:

• Are interested in exploring Disability Studies and the historical, political, social, cultural, pedagogical and philosophical values and beliefs and processes that have constructed disability in education
• Have a master's degree
• Want to study at a well-established teaching institution
• Are looking for small classes and a flexible schedule that fits your lifestyle
• Want to work in higher education, community or policy positions

Why NLU for Ed.D. - Disability and Equity in Education

National Louis University is one of four universities in North America providing opportunity to study Disability Studies within the context of Education. NLU is a leader in the field. The university founded the Second City Disability Studies in Education Conference in 2001. Since then, the DSE conference has become an international conference that brings scholars from all over the world (e.g., Australia, Belgium, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, etc.) and from all parts of the U.S. The DSE conference serves as a catalyst for grappling with some of the challenges of reframing disability from a perspective of individual deficit to an understanding of disability as a result of an inflexible social system. NLU has a nationally and internationally recognized and accomplished faculty in Disability Studies in Education who provide a supportive environment for young scholars and provide students opportunities for professional involvement beyond the university.

Learn within a collaborative environment

At NLU, the small classes provide you with a sense of teamwork during your studies, as well as a network of professionals that will remain intact long after graduation. The research courses are interdisciplinary, drawing students from several doctoral programs and provide Ed.D. - Disability and Equity in Education students opportunities to learn and grow by experiencing various educational perspectives.

What You Will Learn

• How to become activists for equity in schools, communities, policy and practice
• How to affect social change through research and teaching
• How to combine theory and practice to create a viable learning community
• An in-depth understanding of the historical, political, social, cultural and philosophical values, beliefs and processes that have shaped the disability in education field

Career Outlook

The Disability and Equity in Education program prepares individuals for roles in higher education, research, community leadership or public policy analysis. A recent U.S. Department of Education sponsored study¹ found that there is a growing shortage of higher education faculty who are prepared to teach the students who will provide services to students with disabilities. NLU's Disability and Equity in Education program offers the possibility for students to prepare for such careers through teaching or co-teaching in master's and bachelor's programs and other supervised research opportunities.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must meet NLU's general admission requirements. Refer to the appropriate application checklist available online at www.nl.edu/applyonline