Master's in Special Education (Non-Licensure Track)

Master's in Special Education - Non-Licensure Track

Transform Special Education Through Leadership, Policy, and Practice

Every learner deserves to belong and thrive. At GSEHD, we believe special educators can be powerful agents of change—empowering students, challenging societal barriers, and leading efforts to build more inclusive communities. Our online Master’s in Special Education (non-licensure track) builds on this philosophy, equipping educators and professionals to lead, advocate, and innovate beyond traditional PreK-12 classroom roles.

With no fieldwork requirements, this 30-credit program is ideal for those who already hold a teaching license or are pursuing careers that don’t require one—including international students working to advance inclusive education policy and practice in their home countries.

Everything we teach is grounded in real-world research, policy, and best practice evidence. Rather than focusing solely on teacher preparation, our dynamic program deepens expertise in special education case law and federal legislation—highlighting how policy is implemented to drive systemic, equitable change for students of all abilities, both locally and globally. In addition, graduates gain a deep understanding of how personalized teaching and learning promotes educational equity and benefits students of all abilities.

Graduates of this program may also be able to pursue teacher licensure from their individual states, depending on state requirements. Individuals interested in pursuing an alternative path toward licensure should work closely with their state to understanding if and how this program meets state requirements.

The cutting-edge, non-licensure track emphasizes:

  • social justice and disability rights lenses
  • culturally responsive practices
  • evidence-, strength-, relationship-based approaches
  • community-centered leadership
  • policy development

The curriculum is grounded in the principles of:

  • culturally sustaining approaches
  • disability studies
  • personalized learning
  • legislative frameworks
  • the application of research to practice

 

 

Master's in Special Education (Non-Licensure Track)


Join a Supportive Community
In this one- or two-year synchronous program, each cohort quickly becomes a supportive professional learning community—building strong connections with peers and dedicated faculty.

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Accessible & Accommodating
Courses are fully online and scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate working professionals anywhere in the world.

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Gain Knowledge in Disability Advocacy
& Policy
Already have teaching experience or a license—or planning to lead from outside the classroom? The non-licensure track is ideal for those looking to deepen their impact through policy, advocacy, program development, or leadership roles, in the U.S. or internationally.

 

 

The GW Advantage

Whether on-campus or online, a GW education offers a distinctive, high-impact experience. Our online courses mirror the rigor and engagement of the classroom, while offering the flexibility of distance learning. You'll learn from nationally recognized scholar-practitioner faculty who bring real-world insight and diverse perspectives. With personalized mentorship and a high-touch learning environment, you’ll gain the skills to advance your career—and transform the educational experiences of your students.

 

 

 

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 Program at a Glance

Degree Awarded:

Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Special Education

Department:

Special Education and Disability Studies

Course Delivery:

Online

Program Entry:

Spring, Fall

Our Mission

The Special Education Program is committed to preparing knowledgeable, effective, and ethical education professionals to serve diverse students with disabilities and their families, other education professionals, and local and state education leaders. The program aims to prepare special education professionals with expertise in special education policy, research-based practices, family engagement strategies, and disability-related support services. Our graduates develop deep understandings of special education policy and its implementation, child and adolescent development and individual differences, and related support services that respond to the multidimensional strengths and needs of students identified  with disabilities, their families, and the educators and related personnel who serve them. Program graduates leave with critical knowledge, skills, and dispositions to support the improvement and implementation of disability-related education and support services from a variety of professional positions.

Curriculum
 

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits in required courses and successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination.

Required
SPED 6200Foundations of Reading Instruction
SPED 6201Overview of Legal Issues in Educating Students with Disabilities
SPED 6202Researching Current Trends in Special Education
SPED 6204Analysis of Personalized Teaching for Professionals Working with Students with Disabilities
SPED 6210Universal Design for Learning and Assessment
SPED 6233Culturally Responsive Curriculum in Special Education
SPED 6260Developmental Assessment in Special Education
SPED 6288Understanding the Characteristics and Needs of Students with Disabilities
SPED 6290Affective Development and Behavior Management for Teaching Students with Disabilities
Additional Requirements
Successful completion of the comprehensive examination.
Optional
Completion of the relevant teacher licensure assessments (i.e., PRAXIS) required by the District of Columbia Educator Licensure Services Office
Program Outcomes

As a graduate of GW’s Master’s in Special Education program, you will be prepared to support the policy and practice of special education and related services utilizing skills that span expert knowledge, advocacy, practice, and collaboration, including:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and assess disability public policy, special education law, and its implementation to support and advocate for equitable access to inclusive education opportunities for students identified with disabilities.
  • Identify and assess effective instructional approaches, culturally sustaining social-emotional and behavioral interventions, and professional collaboration approaches to support disability-related education that is responsive to the dynamic strengths, needs, and individual differences of students identified with disabilities.
  • Demonstrate reflective skills about themselves, special education theory and policy, diverse strengths and needs of students identified with disabilities, and effective approaches to collaboration with colleagues, families, schools, and communities to support evidence-based and justice-focused special education. 
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 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 or determine which track is best for your career goals, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at teachinfoatgwu [dot] edu (teachinfo[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.

Application coming soon!Schedule Consultation with Admissions Coach  

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: Bachelor's Degree
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities

*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 TimelineFall 2025Spring 2026Summer 2026
Priority DeadlineMay 1Aug 1TBA
Round 1 DeadlineJune 15Sept 15TBA
Round 2 DeadlineAug 1Nov 1TBA
Round 3 DeadlineN/ADec 15TBA

 

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at teachinfoatgwu [dot] edu (teachinfo[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.

 

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 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.

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 Master's in Special Education 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.

*Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

View the current fee chart   

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

 

Master's in Special Education (Non-Licensure Track)
Master's in Experiential Jewish Education  - female assists young boy with painting a Star of David

The lessons taught in this program should be the golden standard for any education program not just for special education. This program is the training grounds where expert teachers are made. Thank you so much to my Professors for your expertise and training.

RENISE TOWEH (MA '21)

 

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 Career Outlook

This program is not designed for initial licensure or classroom teaching roles. Instead, it supports experienced educators and professionals who want to broaden their impact in special education through leadership, coordination, and advocacy. Graduates may pursue roles such as:

  • Special Education Policy Advocate
  • Program Coordinator or Director
  • Inclusion or Equity Consultant
  • Special Education Advisor
  • Education Consultant (State or District-Level)

  

100%

Hire Rate Following Graduation

 

 

Special Education Faculty

Dr. Doran Gresham headshot
Dr. Doran Gresham

Assistant Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

(202) 994-1509
Dr. Karen Ihrig headshot
Dr. Karen Ihrig

Assistant Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

(202) 994-5986
Dr. Elisabeth Kutscher headshot
Dr. Elisabeth Kutscher

Assistant Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

Dr. Elisabeth Rice headshot
Dr. Elisabeth Rice

Associate Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

(202) 994-1535
Dr. Beth Tuckwiller headshot
Dr. Beth Tuckwiller

Department Chair and Associate Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies

(202) 994-9860

 

 

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