Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health and Inclusive Education (SHIE) Ph.D.

Program Overview

UVM's PhD in SHIE prepares highly trained experts with cutting-edge interdisciplinary methodological skills that address critical issues to enhance educational equity and inclusive education to promote the social, emotional, and behavioral health of children, youth, and adults (birth to age 21) impacted by adversity such as trauma, maltreatment, poverty, racism, and other forms of marginalization. 

SHIE graduates will be highly skilled in conducting meaningful research and prepare resilient educators and leaders to ensure the social, emotional and behavioral health of future generations.

Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Approach

Drawing on the disciplines, frameworks and research modalities of special education, social work, and public health, doctoral scholars will engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, training, and methodological rigor in advancing equity and inclusive education. Scholars will participate in applied research teams working to develop and test programs and practices in school and community settings. 

We place intentional emphasis on scholarship and activity that supports collaboration within the cohort and among our core faculty’s professional networks. Scholars will engage in in-person seminars, online learning, and professional conferences that support their success within the program while completing courses and fieldwork that prepares them to conduct rigorous and meaningful research.

View Coursework and Degree Requirements

Fulfilling a Critical Need

The American Association for Employment in Education indicates the need for specially trained practitioners in special education and social, emotional, and behavioral health exceeds the supply of specialists. The recent pandemic exacerbated longstanding shortages in university faculty with expertise in inclusive education. The overall result is diminished school capacity which challenges the wellbeing of children, youth, and their families that falls disproportionately on students of color and students with disabilities.

SHIE Scholar Spotlight

“I love building relationships with kids, especially the ones having a tough time. Building a relationship with a student who is experiencing many feelings means knowing that whenever they come to my classroom, they are safe, appreciated and valued—and we are learning something.” – SHIE Scholar Emily West Geary

Meet Our Internationally Recognized Core Faculty

Associate Professor Shana Haines, PhD

Faculty Profile

Dr. Haines' research focuses on improving meaningful family, school, and community collaborations in order to increase well-being and belongingness, especially for historically marginalized students and families.

Associate Professor Justin Garwood, PhD

Faculty Profile

Dr. Garwood's research and teaching focuses on students with and at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) across three specific areas: (1) pre-service preparation and teachers use of relationship-based pedagogy, (2) academic interventions, and (3) classroom management.

Green and Gold Professor Bernice Garnett, ScD

Faculty Profile

Dr. Garnett is a public health prevention scientist interested in childhood obesity, bullying, discrimination and harassment, youth health disparities, food access and food security, community based participatory research, school climate and restorative justice.

Associate Professor Colby Kervick, EdD

Faculty Profile

Dr. Kervick is deeply committed to preparing future teachers who holistically support the academic and social-emotional needs of children through fostering inclusive, equitable and accessible learning environments.

Professor Jessica Strolin-Goltzman, PhD

Faculty Profile

Dr. Strolin-Goltzman is an implementation scholar focusing on interventions to improve the resilience and social and emotional wellbeing of children, youth, and families across child welfare, mental health, and school settings, with specific expertise in trauma-informed practices.

Funding and Scholarships

Learn more about our funding and scholarships for doctoral students.

Information Sessions (Online)

Sign up for an information session to meet our faculty and learn more about the program.

Contact Us

Our co-directors would be happy to answer any questions you have about the program:

• Email Dr. Justin Garwood
• Email Dr. Shana Haines

You are also welcome to reach out to our Office of Graduate Student and Program Support.

How to Apply

• Review the Admissions Requirements before you submit an application.
• Final deadline for submitting an application is February 15.

Apply Now

Admissions

We welcome applications from professionals in education and related fields (e.g., social work, counseling, mental health) who have experience working with students with disabilities in applied settings. Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify at least one core faculty member as a potential advisor and explain the fit between yourself and the faculty member’s research interests. You are welcome to reach out to Dr. Garwood or Dr. Haines for more information.

Application reviews begin on December 1st. The final deadline for submitting an application is February 15.

Apply Now

Requirements for Admission and Retention of Students

To be admitted, applicants must have the following:

• Master’s degree in special education or a related field (e.g., social work, counseling, school psychology);
• Two years of professional experience (special education teacher, social worker, behavior interventionist or related role);
• Three letters of recommendation indicating excellence regarding potential for leadership and research;
• Personal statement with a clear articulation of career goals as special education faculty or related discipline;
• Writing sample providing evidence of excellent skills in scholarly writing, a commitment to social change and justice for students with SEBH needs, and the potential to conduct independent research.

Selection Process

Core faculty will use a common rating scale to evaluate applicants’ application materials. We will then conduct virtual interviews with top contenders. Applications are due to UVM by February 15 of each year, with notification made by mid-April.

Outcomes

SHIE doctoral students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of practices and research related to culturally responsive family-school-community partnership aimed at supporting educational equity, inclusion, and social-emotional-behavioral health (SEBH).
• Contribute to active research-practice partnerships and the reciprocal translation of applied, community-engaged research.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in psycho-educational and relationship-based interventions with children and youth with and at risk for emotional-behavioral disorders.
• Apply knowledge, skills, and methodological expertise to design, implement, evaluate, and disseminate theoretically-informed, applied and evidenced-based school and community practices that promote the SEBH of children and youth.
• Design and deliver effective education to pre-service and in-service practitioners.