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 (EdS) in Special Education Leadership, that combines the core components of GSEHD's esteemed and accredited Educational Leadership and Administration and Special Education and Disability Studies 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
- Our Mission
The mission of the Ed.S in Special Education Leadership is to prepare leaders with deep expertise in 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 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 Core Courses in Educational Leadership & Administration (18 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 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 designed as a dual-degree pathway that enables students to earn a post-master's certificate with leadership endorsement and an education specialist degree. Students first apply to and complete* the Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in Educational Leadership & Administration, an 18-credit accredited program that fulfills the credentialing requirements for leadership endorsement. Upon completion, students submit a streamlined application to the EdS program, where they complete 12 additional credits in special education to reach the required 30 credits for the EdS degree.
*Returning students who previously completed the PMC in ELA within the last five years should apply directly to the EdS in Special Education Leadership.
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. In the event that alumni plan to practice outside of DC, the location of our university’s campus, please consult with the local licensing board in the state any plan to practice may be envisioned to establish the requirements. For your convenience, GW provides you with general professional licensure disclosure and State / local board contact details to begin/conclude 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 designed as a dual-degree pathway. Students first apply to and complete the Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in Educational Leadership & Administration.* 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 educationgwu [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 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.


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 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
-
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
-
- 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