Special Education and Disability Studies Programs
REDEFINE WHAT'S
POSSIBLE FOR
EVERY LEARNER
Empower, Advocate & Lead in Inclusive Education
Earn an advanced degree in Special Education and Disability Studies
The Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) within the George Washington University prepares scholar-leaders to work in clinical settings, schools, and communities to to support individuals with disabilities and advance inclusive education.
Our programs provide the expertise needed to promote equity, collaborate with families in culturally responsive ways, and implement strength-based, evidence-based interventions. Through a comprehensive curriculum, you'll explore assessment, intervention, teaching strategies, policy, and advocacy—gaining a holistic understanding of the field.
The high-touch programs incorporate personalized mentorship and hands-on internships, ensuring every graduate develops the knowledge and skills to create meaningful change for individuals of all abilities.
Get the Inside Scoop
Complete the form below to learn more about degree requirements, course descriptions, tuition, and more.
Explore Our SEDS Programs to Find the One that Matches Your Career Goals
- Master's in Special Education
Online1- or 2-year Synchronous Cohort Experience
Prepare for Special Education Teaching Licensure
(K-6, 7-12; in DC and partner states of the interstate compact agreement)Develop knowledge and skills to infuse social justice ethics, culturally responsive practices, strength-based strategies, and disability rights lenses into your teaching and educational experiences. Develop a professional portfolio and be prepared to sit for the SPED Praxis and Grade Level PLT exams.
- Master's in Early Childhood Special Education
Hybrid (Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)Prepare for initial licensure in Early Childhood Education with an Endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education (PK-3rd grade; in DC)
Become a change agent and improve outcomes for all young children (ages 3-8), including those with or at-risk for disabilities. Learn how to provide developmentally appropriate instruction and individualized interventions.
- Master's in Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Hybrid (Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)Prepare for Teacher Licensure in Special Education - Emotional Disturbance (ED), Learning Disability (LD), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
This program is designed to train educators who are able to address a full continuum of needs of culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional students.
- Master's in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services
OnlineAccredited by the Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Career Development and Transition (CEC/DCDT) - 1 of only 5 Programs in the US with this Prestigious National Certification
Prepare for DCDT Transition Specialist Certification
Become an advocate for at-risk youth and youth with disabilities, empowering them to make successful life transitions through high school to post-secondary education, employment, and independent adulthood. Develop expertise in the design and implementation of transition planning and programming.
- Doctorate (EdD) in Special Education
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)This doctoral program is designed to support the development of researchers, educators, and scholar leaders as they acquire knowledge in the fields of cognitive psychology and the developmental sciences in an effort to meaningfully translate that knowledge to the most pressing issues in special education today.
- Secondary Transition Leadership Graduate Certificate
OnlineAccredited by the Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Career Development and Transition (CEC/DCDT) - 1 of only 5 Programs in the US with this Prestigious National Certification
Prepare for DCDT Transition Specialist Certification
This 12-credit certificate is designed for secondary transition professionals who are committed to helping students with diverse abilities transition into adulthood and postsecondary opportunities. With our unique focus on social justice, you will explore the legal and ethical considerations of transition planning.
Learn more about the Transition Leadership Grad Certificate >
Accredited
GW's Special Education program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children and accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
GRE is Not Required
The GSEHD Admissions team completes a wholistic review, considering extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
No Application Fee
There’s no risk to applying to GSEHD, only reward! So what are you waiting for? Apply today!
Funding Available
Explore opportunities for GW, GSEHD, and external scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options.
New: Save 20% with Federal Service Scholarship
If you are a current U.S. federal civilian employee or a federal employee/contractor affected by the 2025 federal workforce reductions, you may be eligible for GSEHD's Federal Service Scholarship, which provides a 20% tuition discount.
- Eligible program: EdD in Special Education
- Deadline: Apply for Fall 2025 enrollment by June 1
- Additional limitations may apply
Leading Faculty
Our programs are led by a dedicated team of experts with extensive experience in special education and disability studies. Learn from scholars and practitioners who are at the forefront of research and practice and provide real-world insights and diverse perspectives.
Mission-Driven Education
Develop philosophical and practical expertise to promote inclusion and advance equitable opportunities for all learners.
Access Washington, D.C. & Unparalleled Opportunity
Take advantage of our unique location in the heart of our nation’s capital, with access to opportunities in government and private organizations, as well as urban and suburban public, charter, and private schools.
The lessons taught in this program should be the golden standard for any education program not just for special education. This program is the training grounds where expert teachers are made. Thank you so much to my professors for your expertise and training.
RENISE TOWEH (MA '21)
Your Future in Educational Leadership
There is a critical nationwide shortage of special education teachers and experts. Graduates of this program are highly sought after for post-program employment, as well as demonstrate teacher-retention rates many times higher than the national average. Potential positions include:
- K-12 Special Education Teacher
- Developmental Behavior Specialist
- Special Education Curriculum Developer
- Special Education Department Coordinator/Chair
- IEP Team Leader/Coordinator
- Instructional Coach / Administrator
- Policy Researcher/Advocate
- Researcher/Faculty in Higher Education
- Educational Consultant
- Career Counselor
- Case Manager
- Job Development Specialist
- Transition specialist
- Compliance Coordinator
100%
Hire Rate Following Graduation
