The Program

To address the quality of personnel who teach children with EBD (Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities), teacher shortages, and the inadequate numbers of newly prepared teachers who teach children with EBD, The George Washington University’s Department of Teacher Preparation and Special Education (DTPSE) has developed a new 18-credit graduate certificate in teaching students with EBD. The program is based on course work that has been offered through the GSEHD master’s program in Special Education for Teaching Children with EBD (CEBD). Specific learning objectives for this certificate program include the following:

• Understanding the nature and needs of students with EBD
• Examining the complexities of the interpersonal relationships between teachers and students 
• Learning how to assess students with EBD
• Gaining experiences developing educational and behavioral programs for students with EBD
• Learning how to connect theory with practice and apply these connections to the classroom

The program of study for the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Students with EBD is an open enrollment program offered on campus (D.C.) and on our off-campus sites.

Credit Hours: 18 Credits | Program of Study

Program Outcome

The graduate certificate in Teaching Students with EBD is designed for any professional who wants to work with this population effectively, who currently is in the field with this population, and/or those individuals who wish to stay abreast of the most current practices and developments for this population. The certificate would fulfill the need for providing the unique knowledge and skill training necessary to work with students with EBD.

Admission into the certificate program does NOT require the completion of the Praxis I, Graduate Record examination (GRE), and/or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). All other admission criteria established by the University, the School, and the program must be met by applicants. Some student applicants may use the certificate to expand their current expertise in special education and/or as a transitional step into our master’s program in Special Education for Children with EBD.   

Tuition Support Information

Fellowships and stipends may be available. Please ask a faculty member about specific funding opportunities for this program. Also check with your school agency/organization for tuition reimbursement.

Contact Information

For more information about the program, faculties and admission requirements, please contact Dr. Elisabeth Rice at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 202-994-1535.