Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership | GSEHD

Lead the Way in Creating an Equitable and Inclusive Education System

We're excited to announce our newest program, Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership, that combines the core components of GSEHD's esteemed and accredited Educational Leadership and Administration and Special Education doctoral programs. If you're a special educator seeking educational administration licensure, or an educational leader looking to develop critical skills to lead as an advocate for students with disabilities, this program is ideal to help you meet your career goals. Designed for aspiring leaders, you will gain advanced skills and knowledge needed to drive change, advocate for inclusive education, and make a lasting impact on students with special needs.

With the first cohort starting courses in 2025, request information now to join a community of passionate educators dedicated to excellence and innovation, and step into a role where your leadership can truly make a difference.

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How to Apply

Upcoming Info Sessions

Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Through internships, team-based projects, engagement with current special educators and educational leaders, and individual assignments, students will gain hands-on experiences in schools and opportunities to reflect and think critically about those experiences as they connect research and theory to practice.

Collaborative Research
Students have a unique opportunity to work alongside SEDS faculty, who are nationally recognized researchers in the field, on funded research projects, resulting in a wide range of experiential learning outcomes, such as presenting at conferences and co-authoring research publications.

Convenient Schedule
Courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, and for internship experiences.

Students learn from faculty who are engaged in both research and practice in the fields of special education and disability studies, as well as educational leadership and administration. Faculty members have a fervent commitment to student learning and development, along with rigorous expectations of students to advocate for and equitably serve all students.

Program at a Glance

Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership

Special Education &
Disability Studies

-Online
-Main Campus

Fall 2025

Our Mission

The mission of the doctoral program in the Department of Special Education and Disability Studies Department (SEDS) is to prepare scholars and leaders who can translate and determine the appropriate application of research at the school, local, and federal levels for people with disabilities. In other words, scholars draw from findings in developmental science, disability studies, and intervention research practices to develop and implement equitable, inclusive practices for students and adults with disabilities. Our mission is to prepare doctoral candidates for leadership roles in special education and related fields with a strong foundation in developmental science and strength-based, inclusive pedagogy.

Curriculum

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 12 SEDS (SPED) credits and 18 ELA (EDUC) credits. Included in the 30 hours is 3 credits of internship experience, as well as sustained internships embedded within each of the ELA administrative licensure courses, in accordance with CAEP requirements.

Code	Title
Required
Special Education (12 credits)
SPED 8352	Disability and Public Policy
SPED 8304	Research and Trends in Special Education
SPED 8306	Advanced Study in Developmental Science and Variance I: The Early Years
SPED 8310	Advanced Study in Developmental Science and Variance II: The Later Years
Educational Leadership & Administration (15 credits)
EDUC 6232	Supervision of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
EDUC 6234	Foundations of Educational Leadership
EDUC 6236	School Law and Policy
EDUC 6240	Instructional Leadership for School Improvement
EDUC 6246	School Finance and Resource Allocation for Education Leaders
Internship (3 credits)
EDUC 6287	Internship: Administration
Comprehensive Examination
Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required.

Program Outcomes

The program will not lead to special education licensure, but will provide the student the necessary coursework to apply for a state educational administrator license.

Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in universities, systems, programs, and academic settings serving children and families from diverse backgrounds.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the developmental sciences and developmental processes as they relate to typical and atypical child and adolescent development.
Understand and appropriately use knowledge, data, and evidence to inform decision making and research.
Translate research findings into practical knowledge, policy development, and strategies for developmental and educational interventions and future studies.
Design and lead learning for school improvement.
Make decisions about and manage necessary operations and allocate resources for school improvement and change.
Build and foster a collaborative school community.
Understand the social, legal, and political context of education and their communities and use these systems to advocate for change.
Describe and demonstrate visionary and ethical leadership.
Innovate to lead change in their school environments and in larger educational organizations.
Promote and demonstrate equity, engagement, and excellence in education.
Appraise and demonstrate theoretical and practical aspects of instructional and operational leadership.
Analyze and demonstrate building capacity of self and the learning community.

Apply Now

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >

To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

Apply Now

Schedule Consultation with Admissions Counselor

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

Prerequisite: Master's Degree and at least one year of experience in education
Resume
Statement of Purpose
2 Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
Interview with a special education faculty member

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.

View more details about requirements

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2024. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Application Timeline	Fall 2024
Priority Deadline	Nov 1
Round 1 Deadline	Dec 15
Round 2 Deadline	Jan 16
Round 3 Deadline	March 1
Round 4 Deadline	May 1
Round 5 Deadline	June 15
Round 6 Deadline	Aug 1

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about scholarships, grants & financial aid

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the off-campus EdS in SpEd Leadership program is $970 per credit hour.

The tuition rate* for the online EdS in SpEd Leadership program is $1,000 per credit hour.

This program requires 30 credits.

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

Career Outlook

Graduates are prepared to have an impact through leadership in academic settings, research communities, policy institutions, and advocacy organizations. You will become a leader, innovator, and change agent in the field of special education. Roles typically involve leadership, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of both educational theory and special education practices.

Special Education Leadership Career Opportunities

professional female writes on white board as she leads small team working group (photo credit: Freepik)

An Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Special Education Leadership can open doors to various advanced career opportunities in the field of special education. Here are some potential career paths:

Special Education Administrator: Oversee special education programs within schools or districts, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, managing staff, and developing policies.

Director of Special Education: Lead and coordinate special education services at the district or state level, focusing on program development, budgeting, and policy implementation.

Special Education Coordinator: Work at the school or district level to support special education teachers, facilitate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and ensure that students receive appropriate services.

Instructional Coach for Special Education: Provide professional development and support to special education teachers, helping them implement effective teaching strategies and interventions.

Consultant: Offer expertise to schools, districts, or educational agencies on best practices in special education, program evaluation, and compliance with federal and state regulations.

University Faculty: Teach courses and conduct research in special education and educational leadership at the college or university level.

Educational Diagnostician: Assess students’ educational needs, develop IEPs, and work with teachers and parents to support students' learning.

Policy Analyst: Work with government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations to develop and analyze policies affecting special education.

Program Director for Nonprofit Organizations: Lead initiatives focused on supporting individuals with disabilities, including program development, advocacy, and community outreach.

Behavior Specialist: Develop and implement behavior intervention plans for students with challenging behaviors, working closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals.

Potential Employment Settings