Special Education and Disability Studies Programs
Earn a doctorate, master's degree, or certificate in
Special Education & Disability Studies
Your career in changing lives starts at GW
The Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) within the George Washington University prepares scholar-leaders to work within clinical settings, schools, and communities to meet the diverse needs of those with disabilities.
Our programs equip students with the expertise to promote inclusion and equity for all learners, engage in culturally responsive collaboration with families, and implement strength-based and evidence-based interventions. The comprehensive curriculum covers a range of topics, from assessment, intervention, and teaching strategies to policy and advocacy, providing you with a holistic understanding of the field.
GSEHD's high touch programs allow each graduate student to benefit from high quality mentorship and internships to gain the knowledge and skills they need to make a difference for people with diverse abilities.
Learn more about the focus area that fits your career goals:
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Complete the form below to learn more about degree requirements, course descriptions, tuition, and more.
Why GSEHD at GW?
Access Washington, D.C.
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.
Gain Credentials
GSEHD prepares you for licensure in supporting children with learning, emotional, or behavioral challenges through various stages of development.
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.
Programs at a Glance
Master's in Special Education
- Online -
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
Become a change agent and improve outcomes for all young children (ages 3-8), including those with or at-risk for disabilities. Successful completion of the program prepares you for initial licensure in early childhood education with an endorsement in early childhood special education (PreK through 3rd grade) in D.C.
Master's in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services
- Online -
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.
Master's in Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
This program is designed to train educators who are able to address a full continuum of needs of culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional students. Graduates are eligible for teacher licensure in Special Education - Emotional Disturbance (ED), Learning Disability (LD), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID).
EdD in Special Education
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
- Online -
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.
Programs at a Glance
Master's in Special Education
- Online -
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
Become a change agent and improve outcomes for all young children (ages 3-8), including those with or at-risk for disabilities. Successful completion of the program prepares you for initial licensure in early childhood education with an endorsement in early childhood special education (PreK through 3rd grade) in D.C.
Master's in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services
- Online -
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.
Master's in Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
This program is designed to train educators who are able to address a full continuum of needs of culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional students. Graduates are eligible for teacher licensure in Special Education - Emotional Disturbance (ED), Learning Disability (LD), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID).
EdD in Special Education
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
- Online -
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.
You May Be Eligible
No Application Fee
GRE is Not Required
Scholarships Available
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)
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