Graduate School of Education and Human Development

ELEVATE YOUR

IMPACT

In Education, Leadership, Counseling & Policy

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See what makes GW and our grad programs in education and human development the best fit for you.

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Raise High

It’s a saying engrained at the George Washington University. It means always striving to do your best, helping others, and aiming to change the world. At the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD), we’re focused on building scholar-practitioners who aim to connect practice with action. We’re here to elevate and amplify your voice, while giving you the tools to elevate and amplify others.

At GSEHD, you’ll find yourself amongst a diverse community of students who are committed to changing the lives of others through education, leadership, counseling, and policy. Our community of dedicated, lifelong learners define who we are today and what the nation and world can become.

GW Announces Lionel C. Howard as GSEHD Interim Dean

Lionel Howard, GSEHD academic dean and professor, has broad administrative leadership experience in the school and is a leading applied developmental psychologist.

Meet Dr. Howard

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Ready to take your career to the next level?

Fall 2025 deadlines are quickly approaching. There's no application fee, and the GRE isn't required for admission.

Apply to GSEHD Today

GSEHD Receives $2.4 Million Grant to Launch Forum on Democracy and Education

The goal of the initiative, supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, is to bring together educators, policymakers and scholars to strengthen democratic values in education.

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Mental Health and Wellness in Education

Learn 4 strategies educators can use to support mental health and wellness—for both their students and themselves

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Get the Inside Scoop

Join us in-person or online to learn more about financial aid, the admissions process, and more.

EdFix: A Podcast About the Promise and Practice of Education

Join Dr. Michael Feuer and top experts in the field as they take on some of education's most complex issues.

Listen to the latest episode: Who Should Run America’s Schools? The Federal-State Tug of War

Museum Change Agents | Making the World a Better Place

Celebrate the transformative impact of the GW Museum Education Program over its 50 year history with this collection of personal anecdotes and professional insights from alumni on the diverse ways they have tackled pressing issues in the field.

Order your copy today

Find the Program that Matches Your Career Goals

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Counseling & Human Development

Address diverse and critical concerns within the field of counseling. Our programs prepare students to become practitioners in an expansive range of specialties, including school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and career and workforce development.

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Teacher Preparation & Curriculum Design

The curricular and pedagogical tools used in our nation’s schools are the foundation for educational and societal transformation. We offer the highest level of training for individuals preparing for a career in K-12 teaching, as well as for professionals aiming to become specialists in curriculum design.

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Educational Leadership & Policy

Our programs in education policy, leadership, and administration equip alumni to solve problems, implement new policy, and drive change for good in ways that reform and transform communities worldwide. Students integrate theory with practice to become successful leaders in their fields.

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Human and Organizational Leadership & Learning

Advance your leadership skills to effectively lead change and sustainably manage organizations of all types. Students work closely with faculty to learn theoretical applications, new research, and best practices in order to facilitate organizational growth.

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Special Education & Disability Studies

Students in our special education programs are expertly trained to meet the diverse needs of youth with, or at-risk for, disabilities. Faculty offer mentorship to help students gain the knowledge and skills to make a lasting difference in schools and communities.

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PhD in Education - Research Emphasis

Scholars make a direct impact on society and confront the most complex issues in the field of education, including evolving technology, leadership, policy, and more. Take a multi-disciplinary approach while honing your skills in a specific concentration.

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Confront Complex Issues

Make an impact on society and drive progress. Our graduate programs foster exceptional leadership skills, empowering educators, administrators, counselors, researchers, and more to make a difference in their respective disciplines.

GSEHD Research is Transforming Lives

Every day, researchers at GSEHD take on some of the world’s toughest challenges, delivering real-world impact and insights through their relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deeper understanding of our world. From empowering people with disabilities, to building trustworthy AI systems, much of their work is made possible through vital federal investments.

Discover the Impact of Federally-Funded Research at GW

Turn Passion into Practice and Possibility

At GSEHD, we build and use rigorous methods to investigate important questions. Our faculty and students leverage their interests, knowledge, and analytical skills to improve education and advance social progress.

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Better Lives for People with Disabilities

The Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education prepares professionals to work with people with disabilities to reach their employment goals and better integrate into society.

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AI in Education

As AI tools like ChatGPT are changing daily aspects of our lives, Educational Technology Leadership faculty are leading the way in guiding educators on how to incorporate these tools into the classroom, as well as discussing hot topics such as ethics and potential implications.

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Navigating Life's Challenges

GSEHD’s Community Counseling Services Center provides confidential, low-cost counseling services and clinical screenings to community members and students in the DMV area. The centers are clinical training facilities for graduate-level counseling students, working under faculty supervision.

See How GSEHD is Making A Difference

Being a part of GSEHD has been one of the best decisions I have made. I now feel well prepared to serve the community while providing services to families and children in the DC area. Completing my education here has taught me to be independent, confident, and resilient. Thank you to GSEHD, my professors, peers, and family for your guidance and support!

Tatyana Suares (MA '20)
Clinical Mental Health Counseling