Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership
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.
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.
The GW Advantage
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.
Degree:
Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership
Department:
Special Education &
Disability Studies
Course Delivery:
-Online
-Main Campus
Program Entry:
Fall 2025
- Our Mission
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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
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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.
Course List 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
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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.
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Translate research findings into practical knowledge, policy development, and strategies for developmental and educational interventions and future studies.
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Design and lead learning for school improvement.
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Make decisions about and manage necessary operations and allocate resources for school improvement and change.
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Build and foster a collaborative school community.
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Understand the social, legal, and political context of education and their communities and use these systems to advocate for change.
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Describe and demonstrate visionary and ethical leadership.
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Innovate to lead change in their school environments and in larger educational organizations.
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Promote and demonstrate equity, engagement, and excellence in education.
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Appraise and demonstrate theoretical and practical aspects of instructional and operational leadership.
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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.
Tuition & Financial Aid
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.
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
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
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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
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- Universities or Colleges
- PreK-12 Educational Settings
- Policy Think Tanks
- Research Organizations, Centers, and Institutes
Associate Dean for Research and External Relations; Director of Accreditation; Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies
Assistant Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies
Department Chair and Associate Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies