Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership
Lead the Way in Creating an Equitable and Inclusive Education System
GSEHD is proud to introduce the Education Specialist (EdS) in Special Education Leadership—an innovative program that merges the strengths of our nationally recognized and accredited Educational Leadership and Administration and Special Education and Disability Studies programs.
Designed for experienced and aspiring leaders, this program equips special educators pursuing PreK-12 administrative licensure and educational leaders seeking to champion students with disabilities with the advanced skills to drive systemic change, advocate for inclusive education, and make a lasting impact on student success.
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.
Through internships, collaborative projects, engagement with current professionals, and individual assignments, students gain hands-on experience in schools and critically reflect on these experiences to bridge theory and practice.
Degree:
Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership
Department:
Special Education &
Disability Studies
Course Delivery:
Online (Synchronous/Asynchronous Courses)
Program Entry:
Fall
- Our Mission
The mission of the Ed.S in Special Education Leadership is to prepare leaders with deep expertise in PreK-12 leadership strategies and special education policy and practice. Faculty prepare graduates in best practices to administer federally-mandated special education programs and related services to ensure provision of free and appropriate public education for all students with disabilities. Graduates are knowledgable about special education law and legal compliance, and also deeply committed to ethical principles of equity, access, and inclusion for all students with disabilities.
- Curriculum
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 18 Educational Leadership and Administration (EDUC) credits* and 12 Special Education and Disability Studies (SPED) credits.
*The ELA program is a DC approved, nationally recognized and CAEP accredited leadership preparation program. The ELA courses embed sustained internships hours in leadership/administrative experiences within the five core courses. Additional hours and leadership experiences are fulfilled by students during the field-based EDUC 6287 Internship: Administration course.
Code Title Required Core Courses in Educational Leadership & Administration (18 credits) EDUC 6232 Supervision of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment EDUC 6234 Foundations of K-12 Educational Leadership EDUC 6236 School Law and Policy EDUC 6240 Instructional Leadership for School Improvement EDUC 6246 School Finance and Resource Management for School Leaders EDUC 6287 Internship: Administration (taken for 3 credits) Track 1: For students with a special education background or degree (12 credits) 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 SPED 8352 Disability and Public Policy Track 2: For students without a special education background or degree (12 credits) SPED 6201 Overview of Legal Issues in Educating Students with Disabilities SPED 6202 Researching Current Trends in Special Education SPED 6240 Family Support and Collaboration in Special Education SPED 6290 Affective Development and Behavior Management for Teaching Students with Disabilities - Licensure
The EdS in Special Education Leadership is sequenced in two phases. First, students complete the Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in Educational Leadership & Administration, which fulfills the coursework requirements to apply for PreK-12 administrative certification/licensure. Learn more below. Upon completion of the PMC, students may apply to the EdS in Special Education Leadership and transfer the 18 PMC credits into the EdS degree (defined by GSEHD policy). The additional 12 earned credits of the Special Education EdS will then fulfill the 30 credit hour degree requirements.
The Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration program includes courses and internship experiences designed to meet the academic requirements for administrative certification/licensure in the District of Columbia (DC). Though our alumni have successfully applied and met the requirements for certification/licensure in DC, many have also met the requirements for other interstate compact agreement partner states, such as Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. If alumni plan to practice outside of Washington, D.C., where our university is located, they should consult the licensing board in the relevant state to determine the applicable requirements. For your convenience, GW provides you with general professional licensure disclosure and State / local board contact details for your state specific research.
- 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
The EdS in Special Education Leadership is sequenced in two phases. First, students apply to and complete the Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in Educational Leadership & Administration, which fulfills the coursework requirements to apply for administrative licensure.* Upon completion, they may apply to the EdS program, where the 18 credits from the PMC are combined with 12 additional credits in special education to fulfill the EdS degree requirements.
*Returning students who previously completed the PMC in ELA within the last five years should apply directly to the EdS in Special Education Leadership.
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 [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]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 an ELA and/or SEDS faculty member
*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.
Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2025. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Application Timeline Fall Priority Deadline Nov 1 Round 1 Deadline Dec 15 Round 2 Deadline Jan 15 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 teachinfo
gwu [dot] edu (teachinfo[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.
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.
New: Save 30% with the Educator Scholarship
New students interested in the EdS in Special Education Leadership will first apply to the PMC in ELA, which may also qualify admitted students with at least one year of teaching experience to save 30% off tuition with GW's new PreK-12 Educator Scholarship.*
*Limitations may apply. The discounted rate applies to the PMC in ELA courses only. Learn more >
Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and designated location of admission. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.
For this program, you will first apply to the Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership & Administration and pay the associated fees listed below. After completing the certificate, you will then apply to the EdS in Special Education Leadership, and applicable fees will be charged for the remaining credits.
The Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership Administration program requires 18 credits.
- The tuition rate* for the off-campus Post-Master's Certificate in ELA program is $1,000 per credit hour.
- The tuition rate* for the online Post-Master's Certificate in ELA program is $1,030 per credit hour.
The EdS in Special Education Leadership program requires an additional 12 credits.
- The tuition rate* for the EdS in Special Education Leadership is $1,000 per credit hour.
Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc.
*Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026
Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >
Career Outlook
Graduates of the EdS in Special Education Leadership program are equipped to lead with impact across PreK–12 schools, districts, programs that serve students with diverse learning needs, and education-focused organizations. With a strong foundation in both special education and educational administration, you’ll be prepared to shape policy, advance inclusive practices, and drive systemic change for equity in education.
Your professional reach and career opportunities are further enhanced by your completion of the Post-Master’s Certificate in ELA and the academic preparation required for certification/licensure in Administration.
- Special Education Leadership Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared to have an impact through leadership in academic settings, research communities, policy institutions, and advocacy organizations. Here are some potential career paths:
School Principal or Assistant Principal: Provide overall leadership and management for a school, including supervising staff, setting academic goals, and fostering a safe, inclusive learning environment while ensuring compliance with special education regulations.
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.
Director of Student Services: Oversee a range of student support programs, including special education, counseling, health services, and behavioral interventions. This role focuses on creating systems that promote student well-being and academic success, ensuring that all students—including those with disabilities—receive equitable access to services and supports.
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
Assistant Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies
Department Chair and Associate Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies