Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Become an Advocate for Positive Change

Graduate students in the Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (EBD) program gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become highly qualified special educators working with a diverse population of students with learning, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

Graduates of the program will be eligible for teacher licensure in K-12 Special Education - Emotional Disturbance (ED), Learning Disability (LD), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID).

A Professional Development School (PDS) model is emphasized in the program, blending theory and practice of learning to teach, so that concepts learned in a university classroom can be applied the next day to work with students with challenging behaviors in their full-time, clinical internship in a therapeutic school setting. Read more about the role of a special education professional in meeting the needs of every learner >

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How to Apply

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Nationally Recognized & Accredited
With 20+ years of experience training exemplary educators, the EBD program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children and accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Accommodating
Classes are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals and for internship experiences. Program can be completed as a part-time or full-time student.

Leading Faculty
Faculty are experts in developmental and educational psychology, behavioral interventions, and special education. They are nationally recognized educators and clinicians with experience leading innovative work in research and practice across education and health sectors.

Unique to the the DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area, our location gives students access to urban or suburban; public, charter, or private schools. This allows students to examine, compare, and contrast schools with widely different student populations, structures, and demographics.

Students complete a two-semester clinical internship at a regional partner school or at their place of employment. University faculty and staff provide supervision and individualized feedback on the teaching process as well as weekly seminars that provide a forum for professional growth and peer-driven emotional support.

Program at a Glance

Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities

Special Education and Disability Studies

Hybrid
(Foggy Bottom Campus + Online Courses)

Spring, Summer, Fall

Our Mission

The mission of the Programs for Teaching Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities (EBD) is first and foremost to prepare psychoeducators of the highest caliber. While this may seem to be a simplistic and generic training statement, we are committed to an organized framework of beliefs that we feel exemplify best practice.

The mission is a difficult one in the face of the challenges in today’s schools. The continuum of behaviors that students present can range from externalized explosions to internalized silence. Our program emphasizes a therapeutic approach to develop sensitivity to the complex issues concerning students who present many conflicts within themselves, their families, and society.

Our mission also guides our dedication to embracing diversity among our graduate student population. We believe that age, gender, culture, race, sexual orientation, and ethnic differences among our graduate students enhance learning.

Finally, our mission encourages research, scholarship, and leadership activities so that graduates become advocates for this population beyond the school.

Curriculum

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 36 credits in required courses, successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination, and completion of the relevant teacher licensure assessments (see below).

Code	Title
Required
SPED 6200	Foundations of Reading Instruction
SPED 6201	Overview of Legal Issues in Educating Students with Disabilities
SPED 6202	Researching Current Trends in Special Education
SPED 6203	Research and Practice of Diagnostic Reading for Students with Disabilities
SPED 6204	Analysis of Personalized Teaching for Professionals Working with Students with Disabilities
SPED 6233	Culturally Responsive Curriculum in Special Education
SPED 6238	Issues in Educating Individuals with Learning, Emotional, and Intellectual Disabilities
SPED 6260	Developmental Assessment in Special Education
SPED 6288	Understanding the Characteristics and Needs of Students with Disabilities
SPED 6290	Affective Development and Behavior Management for Teaching Students with Disabilities
SPED 6990	Practicum in Teaching Students with Disabilities
SPED 6991	Internship in Teaching Students with Disabilities
Additional Requirements:
Successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination.
Completion of the relevant teacher licensure assessments (i.e., PRAXIS) required by the District of Columbia Educator Licensure Services Office

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be eligible for teacher licensure in K-12 Special Education - Noncategorical, Emotional Disturbance (ED), Learning Disabilities (LD), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID).

Students will learn to:

Provide focused strength-based instruction and individualized interventions to support students' learning and behavioral challenges.
Use research-based strategies to support students’ academic and socio-emotional growth.
Be strong advocates for the students and families they serve.

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 teachinfo@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: Bachelor's Degree
Resume
Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
Statement of Purpose
One Letter of Recommendation

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.

View more details about requirements

Applications are now being accepted for Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Application Timeline	Spring	Summer	Fall
Priority Deadline	Aug 1	Nov 1	Nov 1
Round 1 Deadline	Sept 15	Dec 15	Dec 15
Round 2 Deadline	Nov 1	Jan 15	Jan 15
Round 3 Deadline	Dec 15	March 1	March 1
Round 4 Deadline	N/A	May 1	May 1
Round 5 Deadline	N/A	N/A	June 15
Round 6 Deadline	N/A	N/A	Aug 1

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at teachinfo@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

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.

Students admitted to the Master's in Special Education for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities program for the Spring 2025 start term are eligible for a minimum guaranteed scholarship of $12,000 (over the whole program; a minimum of 6 credits required per semester). It is possible to be awarded additional scholarships. Students must meet eligibility criteria for GSEHD Scholarships in order to qualify.

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 EBD program is $1,235 per credit hour.

This program requires 36 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

View the current fee chart

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

My experience at GSEHD has deepened my understanding of how to teach the whole child. I can immediately apply strategies from my professors in my current classroom of 9^th and 11^th graders. Our professors are kind, loving, and understanding.

BENEKA MEGGINSON ('23)
Master's in Special Education for Children with EBD

Career Outlook

Graduates of this program are highly sought after for post-program employment, as well as demonstrate teacher-retention rates many times higher than the national average.

Within this field, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job growth of 4% over the next ten years¹ with better screening and identification of various disabilities in children increasing the demand for special education services. In addition, children with disabilities are being identified earlier and enrolled into special education programs.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Special Education Teachers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm (visited September 08, 2022).

Special Education Career Opportunities

young tutor assists middle school student on computer - Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik

In addition to becoming highly effective Special Education Teachers, our graduates are prepared to take on other critical roles in the education of students with disabilities, including: