Federal Service Scholarship
Federal Service Scholarship
Save 20% on Tuition
GW’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) is offering a scholarship for 20% off tuition for current and recently displaced federal professionals and contractors applying to select programs for the Fall 2025 semester.
As the U.S. federal workforce faces reductions, this initiative reflects GSEHD’s commitment to supporting career transitions and equipping professionals with the skills needed for long-term success in education and human development work settings.
Explore Eligible Programs
Scholarship applies to on-campus course delivery only*
- Curriculum & Instruction (Master's)
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
Select concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary Education, or Reading and Literacy
Develop skills to lead the design, implementation, research and evaluation of curriculum and instruction
- Education Policy Studies (Master's)
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
Our interdisciplinary program goes beyond textbooks, offering engaging, hands-on research and analysis experiences that build the skills needed for designing, implementing, advocating for, and impacting educational policies.
- Elementary Education (Master's)
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom)
Prepare for Licensure in Teaching Elementary School
(Grades 1-6; in DC and partner states of the interstate compact agreement)1- or 2-year Intensive Program
(Full-Time: Complete in 1 Year; Part-Time: Complete in 2 Years)Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Students complete field work/internships in diverse local schools
- Higher Education Administration (Master's or EdD)
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening/weekends to accommodate working professionals)
Master's:
Deepen your expertise by selecting a focus in: Administration, Policy and Finance, International Education, Social Justice, or Student Affairs.
Become immersed in innovative work to ensure that colleges are using inclusive and multicultural student affairs practices focused on promoting social justice, civic engagement, and equity.
Learn more about the Master's in HEA >
Doctorate (EdD):
Designed for working professionals, the research-focused program prepares senior leadership and executive management decision-makers for a variety of diverse, high-level positions in higher education.
- International Education (Master's)
On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
Develop skills to improve educational systems and increase access to quality education around the world.
Deepen your expertise in critical areas of the field, including International Education Development, International Higher Education, and Global Education.
- Organizational Leadership & Learning (Master's)
Scholarship eligible for on-campus course delivery only
Through a skills-based curriculum, develop skills to lead individuals, teams, and organizations—maximizing performance, fostering growth, and inspiring success in today’s dynamic workplace.
- Rehabilitation Counseling (Master's)
Scholarship eligible for on-campus course delivery only (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
Prepare to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), or licensed professional counselor
Ranked 3rd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Learn more about the Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling >
- Individualized Program (Master's)
Scholarship eligible for on-campus course delivery only
Our unique "design your own degree program" allows you to develop a program of study that prepares you for new and emerging fields in education and human development.
- Human & Organizational Learning (EdD) (*Hybrid)
Hybrid Executive Format: Includes three required in-person, on-campus residencies and synchronous online Saturday classes. Other synchronous and asynchronous activities may be assigned as per each class syllabus.
With an interdisciplinary approach, the program equips students with the critical thinking, research, and practical skills needed to address complex challenges and implement sustainable change initiatives.
Student cohorts consist of working professionals in primarily mid- or senior-level roles, bringing diverse backgrounds in business, education, engineering, psychology, technology, and more.
- Special Education (EdD)
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.
Applicant Eligibility
The scholarship is available to federal civilian employees and contractors who have been laid off since January 1, 2025, as well as current federal employees.
- This award is not stackable with other GSEHD scholarships.
- Previously admitted/enrolled GSEHD students are not eligible for this discount.
- GW employees receiving employee tuition benefits are not eligible for GSEHD scholarships.
- Awardees must not have outstanding financial obligations to the University.
- Active-duty military personnel and U.S. Public Health Service members are not eligible for this specific scholarship program but may qualify for military education benefits or other GW scholarships.
- Scholarships are typically multi-year, renewable awards.
Learn More & Apply
Qualified applicants must complete an admissions application for fall 2025 enrollment by June 1, 2025, including proof of federal civil service employment or affected status. Please upload this documentation as part of the resume required in your application.
To learn more, contact GSEHD Admissions at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.
If you know which program you're interested in, a program-specific Admissions Coach is here to help you explore academic options and answer any questions you have.
Ready to take the next step in your academic journey? Visit our "How to Apply" page for a simple, step-by-step guide to applying.
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 and external scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options. (Exclusions may apply. See details >)
Convenient Schedule
Each program is designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, with classes scheduled in evenings or weekends.
Attend a GSEHD Admissions Event
If you'd like more information about this initiative, the admissions process and program offerings, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming virtual info sessions. The sessions are smaller in size with an allotted time for Q&A.
View All Upcoming Admissions Events
*Info sessions are scheduled periodically. If there's not an upcoming session, consider attending an Ask Me Session, Campus Tour, or other GSEHD Admissions event to learn more.