The Ph.D. at TTU focuses on the characteristics, strengths, and educational needs of individuals and groups whose learning potential and opportunities for success are frequently unrealized. Exceptional and at-risk populations include people for whom social, economic, and physical characteristics may serve as a barrier to development and learning. The Ph.D. will prepare leaders to work in schools, agencies, and universities to effect positive change in populations of diverse and at-risk learners, addressing social, economic, and physical characteristics that may serve as barriers to learning, primarily through research and service activities. The program core develops an understanding of the characteristics of these populations. The research core provides a strong emphasis on research techniques and applications. Four concentrations allow you to focus on specific interests:

Applied Behavior Analysis prepares professionals who can develop and deliver behavioral interventions and supports for individuals within educational and habilitative settings. There are two strands with ABA: one focused on young children and their families (YCF) and one focused on school-aged children and adult populations (ABAS). (Concentration leader – Dr. Dean Richey)

Literacy prepares professionals to deal with literacy issues related to diverse and at-risk populations of all ages. (Concentration leader – Dr. Deborah Setliff)

Program Planning and Evaluation prepares professionals for leadership roles in program assessment and quality enhancement. (Concentration leader – Dr. Barry Stein)

STEM Education builds the capacity of innovative educational leaders to advance new ideas and to design/implement strategic innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. (Concentration leader – Dr. Holly Anthony)

Admission requirements

Graduate school forms

College of Education

Exceptional Learning Ph.D.

P.O. Box 5116 Cookeville, TN 38505

Phone: (931) 372-3177

Questions, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Guidelines_2012-2013.pdf