The Ohio State University
Special Education at The Ohio State University
As a doctoral student in special education you will use research to help improve the lives of children, youth and adults with disabilities as you prepare to become a leader in the field. The full-time PhD program in special education at The Ohio State University is designed to prepare leaders in research, teaching and service. In our accreditated program, you will develop competencies in conducting applied research, writing for publication, advanced applied behavior analysis, college teaching and service to the profession and community.
The PhD program in Special Education is designed to prepare leaders in research, teaching and service for faculty positions in colleges and universities and for other positions in behavioral clinics or agencies in the communities. In our accredited program, you will develop competencies in conducting research, writing for scholarly publications, using advanced applied behavior analysis and college/university teaching. Doctoral students will obtain a range of expertise in research paradigms and use this knowledge to help improve the educational and social lives of children, youth and adults with disabilities in societies. Our committed faculty will work closely with candidates to prepare them for their future professional careers.
The Ohio State University Faculty
Carly Gilson, PhD
Matthew Brock, PhD
Matthew Brock, PhD
Dr. Carly B. Gilson is an Associate Professor of Special
Education in the Department of Educational Studies in the College of Education and Human
Ecology at OSU and will serve as the lead for OSU. Dr. Gilson has expertise in research on
preparing students and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for integrated
Dr. Carly B. Gilson is an Associate Professor of Special
Education in the Department of Educational Studies in the College of Education and Human
Ecology at OSU and will serve as the lead for OSU. Dr. Gilson has expertise in research on
preparing students and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for integrated employment and inclusive higher education. She has co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications related to transition support for students with IDD, their families, and educators in K-12 and higher education, and her scholarship has supported the development of an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with IDD, Aggie ACHIEVE at Texas
A&M University. Dr. Gilson led a model demonstration grant from the U.S. Department of
Education Transition Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities, and she received the
AAIDD Early Career Award (2023).
Matthew Brock, PhD
Matthew Brock, PhD
Matthew Brock, PhD
Dr. Matthew Brock is an Associate Professor of Special
Education in the Department of Educational Studies at OSU. His research focuses on students
with high-intensity disabilities including students with intellectual disability, autism, or multiple disabilities. Within the discipline of special education for students with severe disabilitie
Dr. Matthew Brock is an Associate Professor of Special
Education in the Department of Educational Studies at OSU. His research focuses on students
with high-intensity disabilities including students with intellectual disability, autism, or multiple disabilities. Within the discipline of special education for students with severe disabilities, his research focuses on (1) inclusion and peer-mediated intervention, and (2) preparing teachers and paraprofessionals to implement evidence-based practices. Dr. Brock has co-authored 54 peer-reviewed
journal articles, 9 book chapters, and one book. His work has been funded by over $6.6 million in grants and contracts from IES, NIH, OSEP, and the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Brock has received multiple research awards from the most prominent professional organizations in special education, including the Distinguished Early Career Research Award from CEC.