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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 6204 Analysis of Personalized Teaching for Professionals Working with Students with Disabilities SPED 6210 Universal Design for Learning and Assessment SPED 6233 Culturally Responsive Curriculum in Special Education 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 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.
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 teachinfo
gwu [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 Timeline Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Summer 2026 Priority Deadline May 1 Aug 1 TBA Round 1 Deadline June 15 Sept 15 TBA Round 2 Deadline Aug 1 Nov 1 TBA Round 3 Deadline N/A Dec 15 TBA 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.
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
Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >
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
Assistant Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies
Department Chair and Associate Professor, Special Education and Disability Studies