Special Education and Disability Studies Programs
REDEFINE WHAT'S
POSSIBLE FOR
EVERY LEARNER
Empower, Advocate & Lead in Inclusive Education
Empower, Advocate & Lead in Inclusive Education
Earn an advanced degree in Special Education and Disability Studies
At the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD), our Special Education programs prepare scholar-leaders to make a meaningful impact in schools, clinical settings, and communities. Grounded in inclusive values and driven by evidence-based practices, our programs equip you with the tools to advocate for individuals with disabilities, implement strength-based interventions, and collaborate with families in culturally responsive ways. Whether your goal is to lead, teach, or support, you’ll graduate ready to advance equity and inclusion for learners of all abilities.
The GW Advantage
Hands-On Experience in Washington, D.C.
Take advantage of our unique location and partnerships in the heart of our nation’s capital. Gain real-world experience through internships and fieldwork in urban and suburban schools, government agencies, and private organizations.
Holistic, Equity-Focused Curriculum
Build a comprehensive understanding of special education by exploring assessment, intervention, teaching strategies, advocacy, and policy—through the lens of inclusion and social justice.
Mission-Driven and Impact-Oriented
Develop philosophical and practical expertise to promote inclusion and advance equitable opportunities for all learners.
Mentorship from Leading Faculty
Learn from renowned scholars and practitioners who bring extensive field experience, cutting-edge research, and personalized guidance to your educational journey.
Explore Our SEDS Programs to Find the One that Matches Your Career Goals
- Master's in Special Education (Non-Licensure)
Online
1- or 2-year Synchronous Cohort Experience
30 Credits
Prepare to lead, advocate, and innovate beyond traditional PreK-12 classroom roles. With no fieldwork requirements, this program is ideal for those who already hold a teaching license or are pursuing careers that don’t require one.
See if the Master's in Special Education (Non-Licensure Track) is right for you >
- 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.
- Education Specialist (EdS) in Special Education Leadership
Online
Prepare for PreK-12 Administrative Licensure
Designed for experienced and aspiring leaders, this 30-credit program equips special educators pursuing PreK-12 administrative licensure and educational leaders seeking to champion students with disabilities with the advanced skills to drive systemic change, advocate for inclusive education, and make a lasting impact on student success.
The EdS in Special Education Leadership is sequenced in two phases. First, students apply to and complete the Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in Educational Leadership & Administration, which fulfills the coursework requirements to apply for administrative licensure.* Upon completion, they may apply to the EdS program, where the 18 credits from the PMC are combined with 12 additional credits in special education to fulfill the EdS degree requirements.
*Returning students who previously completed the PMC in ELA within the last five years should apply directly to the EdS in Special Education Leadership.
- Graduate Certificate in Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health
Online
12 credits (Complete as a stand-alone certificate or apply the credit hours toward the Master's in Special Education)
Learn to replace outdated discipline with inclusive, research-based strategies that support whole-child development and foster positive, culturally responsive learning environments.
- Graduate Certificate in the Science of Reading
Online
12 credits (Complete as a stand-alone certificate or apply the credit hours toward the Master's in Special Education)
Develop the pedagogical expertise to deliver effective, evidence-based reading instruction rooted in the science of how students learn to read.
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.
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 Special Education
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
- Compliance Coordinator
100%
Hire Rate Following Graduation
