Department of Educational Leadership
Transforming Education Starts From Within
Gain the foundational skills to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing our education system today at the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) within the George Washington University. Our wide array of programs prepares educators, administrators, researchers, and policymakers to become leaders in their respective fields. Integrate theory with practice and learn how to meet the ever-evolving academic, technological, and developmental needs of students of all ages, all while transforming education across innovative learning environments.
Find the program that Matches Your Career Goals
Master's Degrees
- Assessment, Testing, and Measurement in Education
This 15-month program is designed for individuals who are entering or advancing in positions associated with assessment, testing, and measurement in diverse settings.
Not Currently Accepting Applications
- Educational Leadership and Administration *
- Off-Campus or Online -
This 30-credit hour program prepares future leaders among school faculty, plus those who aim to take on leadership roles within a school or school district, including department chairs, curriculum specialists, assistant principals and more.
- Educational Technology Leadership
- Online -
Gain skills to lead the strategy and implementation of teaching and learning systems using emerging educational technologies.
- Education Policy Studies
Analyze the political, social and organizational environments affecting education policy and learn to develop policy options, analyze their potential, implement them effectively, and then evaluate their impact.
- Experiential Jewish Education
The only program of its kind in the country will teach you pedagogical approaches to Jewish Education in experiential settings. Students may specialize in Jewish cultural arts, Jewish social justice and community engagement, or Israel education.
Not Currently Accepting Applications
- Higher Education Administration
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. Deepen your expertise by selecting a focus in: Administration, Policy and Finance, International Education, Social Justice, or Student Affairs.
- International Education
This program is designed for those interested in training, adult learning, and development in diverse settings that require international understanding.
- Israel Education
The program combines several diverse fields, among them Israel studies, philosophy of education, curriculum development and pedagogy, educational leadership, and theories and practices of working with people.
- Museum Education
Prepare to meet the interests of the public in museums and other lifelong learning environments, while gaining experience in many of the world’s leading galleries.
Joint/Dual Degrees
- Juris Doctorate / Master's in Education Policy
Students who enroll full-time can complete both degrees in four years.
- Juris Doctorate / Master's in Higher Education Administration
Hone analytical skills that examine the intersection between legal, social, political, and institutional factors that shape the administrative landscape.
- Master's in Business Administration / Master's in Higher Education Administration
To respond to current challenges for higher education administrators, policy makers, and consultants, GW has established dual degrees in which you are able to hone analytical skills that examine the intersection between business, technology, social, political, economic, and institutional factors that shape higher education administration, policies and their underlying conditions.
- Master's in Educational Technology Leadership + Grad Certificate
Enhance your resume sooner by earning a grad certificate after completion of 12 credit hours, in advance of the master's degree. Choose between the GC in Educational Technology Leadership or Instructional Design.
Graduate Certificates
- Assessment, Testing, and Measurement in Education
The 12-credit program offers some of the nation's premier graduate training in psychometric and statistical methods.
Not Currently Accepting Applications
- Educational Technology Leadership
- Online -
Build on your foundational skills as an educator, instructional supervisor, or a similar background and develop the knowledge and skills needed to effectively integrate technology into your classroom.
- Incorporating International Perspectives in Education
This certificate will strengthen your understanding of internationalization as it relates to school systems and the development of K-12 curriculum.
- Instructional Design
- Online -
Prepare to lead instructional design from the beginning stages of defining your organization’s learning needs to determining the appropriate instructional format to designing materials and implementing them.
- Israel Education
Designed to combine academic study in the fields of education and Israel studies at GW, this certificate enhances the content knowledge and pedagogical methods of Israel educators in a variety of settings.
Doctoral Degrees
- Educational Leadership and Administration (EdD)
- Online -
The doctoral program offers a premier degree preparing candidates to achieve high-level success in a K-12 school setting.
- Higher Education Administration (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.
- PhD in Education: Education Policy Concentration
Students develop expertise in examining and assessing education problems and their interaction with their broader social environments.
- PhD in Education: Comparative and International Education Concentration
Research education as a means of developing individuals, communities, nations, and the world, as well as the institutions that support educational improvement and the common good.
Specialist Degrees
- Education Specialist in Educational Leadership and Administration *
- Off-Campus or Online -
Gain the skills and real-world experience to meet the needs of diverse learning communities as a PK-12 leader who understands curriculum design, instructional excellence, motivation and support of classroom professionals, and the broader community. Completion of this degree may also prepare qualified candidates for principal or administrator licensure.
- Education Specialist in Special Education Leadership
Combine licensure coursework in educational leadership and administration with knowledge and skills to support students with disabilities in PreK-12 settings.
Post-Master's Certificates
- Educational Leadership and Administration *
- Off-Campus or Online -
Designed for students who hold an earned master’s degree in education and desire to pursue positions in PK-12 leadership. Further your leadership abilities in education with the holistic understanding of curriculum design, motivation, and innovative instruction gained through this accelerated program.
The GW Advantage
Access Washington, D.C.
Our unique location in the policymaking capital of the world, combined with GW’s vast connections, offer unparalleled opportunities for research, hands-on experience and careers with prestigious government and private organizations and diverse school systems.
Leading Faculty
Learn directly from nationally recognized educators and researchers who share their expertise and experience leading innovative research and practice through the ever changing education sectors.
Dual Degree Opportunities
GW provides the opportunity to combine a master’s in higher education administration with a JD from GW Law or an MBA from GW Business School.
You May Be Eligible
Learn more about benefits that may apply to you, depending on the program you choose >
No Application Fees
GRE is Not Required
Scholarships Available
Let's connect
- Department Faculty & Staff
Dr. Jihae ChaAssistant Professor, International Education and International Affairs
Dr. Jennifer ClaytonInterim Academic Dean; Professor, Educational Leadership and Administration
(202) 994-0757
Dr. Benjamin M. JacobsProgram Director, Israel Education; Research Associate Professor, Experiential Jewish Education
(202) 994-2518
Dr. Arielle LevitesExecutive Director, Collaborative for Applied Studies in Jewish Education (CASJE); Associate Research Professor, Educational Leadership
(215) 779-5545
Dr. Natalie B. MilmanAssociate Dean, Office of Student Life; Professor, Educational Technology Leadership
(202) 994-1884
Celia Pena-GomezProgram Coordinator: IEP, HEA, Visiting Scholars
Dr. Bernhard StreitwieserAssociate Professor, International Education and International Affairs
Dr. Dwayne Kwaysee WrightAssistant Professor, Higher Education Administration; Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
Stephanie Spar
Director of Admissions
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gwu [dot] edu (askcounseling[at]gwu[dot]edu) | 202-994-9283
