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Special Education

Graduate School of Education and Human Development

Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Location(s): Foggy Bottom - Main Campus

Program Overview

More than 10 percent of school-age children have diagnosed disabilities requiring special education services. An estimated 25 percent are at-risk for academic or social difficulties requiring early intervention and related services. New research is transforming our understanding of how children grow and acquire language, knowledge and skills. We also have new understandings of how children conceptualize their social, emotional and moral worlds. These discoveries have enormous implications for the development of children at risk and with disabilities.

The doctoral program is designed to prepare students to apply the research from the fields of cognitive and neuroscience to teacher training, intervention and prevention programs in education and related interdisciplinary service delivery fields.

Recognition and support for the program has been awarded through two sources. The George Washington University Selective Excellence grant is aimed at advancing innovative programs of doctoral study. And a U.S. Department of Education Doctoral Leadership Grant also supports the program. Together these funds help students prepare for roles in academic settings and research communities and in policymaking and advocacy organizations. New opportunities for students are made possible through collaboration with the other departments and schools, including medicine, public health and cognitive neuroscience.

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development also offers a Special Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree to provide advanced professional preparation to individuals who have demonstrated capacity for leading in the field.

Admission Requirements

Admission deadlines:

Fall – January 15 (Ed.D. and all applicants who wish to be considered for merit-based tuition support);  April 1 (all other applicants)
Spring – October 1
Summer – March 1

Standardized test scores:

Either the GRE general test (institutional code 5246) or the Miller Analogies Test (institutional code 1047) is required. This requirement is waived for applicants who already hold a doctoral degree conferred by an accredited institution of higher learning.

Recommendations required: 

Two (2) recommendations (preferably one from a faculty member and the other from a professional supervisor)

Prior academic records: 

Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.  Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application.  Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.

Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grade-point average (GPA), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral. For a list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services, please click here.

Statement of purpose:

In an essay of 250 to 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at The George Washington University, describing your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned in the application.

Doctoral candidates are expected to write a more comprehensive essay of 750 to 1,200 words. In addition to the guidelines stated above, you should clearly indicate your primary and supporting fields of study and describe your research areas.

Additional requirements: 

A resumé is required.

International applicants only:

Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate School of Education and Human Development
The George Washington University
2136 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052

Contact for questions:
gsehdadm@gwu.edu ~ 202.994.9283 ~ 202.994.7207 (fax)
9:30 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday