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Doctor of Education in the Field of Special Education
The doctoral program in special education utilizes a transdisciplinary approach to the preparation of special education scholars and leaders. The program is designed to support the development of doctoral students as they acquire knowledge in the fields of neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and the developmental sciences in an effort to meaningfully translate that knowledge to the most pressing issues to special education today.
The program works closely with Graduate School of Education and Human Development’s Center for Applied Developmental Science and Neuroeducation to provide research and internship opportunities for students to translate and apply neuroscience research related to learning for diverse populations. Students collaborate with faculty in the areas of early intervention and early childhood education, secondary and transition to post-secondary education, culturally and linguistically diverse learners with exceptionalities, and students with various disabilities, such as those with emotional and behavioral challenges. The Center also seeks students who can advance research with transdisciplinary partners to improve outcomes for children and families.
Visit the program website for additional information.
| Admission deadlines: | Fall - Rolling admissions (January 15 to be considered for merit-based tuition support) |
| Summer - Rolling admissions (January 15 to be considered for merit-based tuition support) | |
| 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. Please see the list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services. | |
| Statement of purpose: | Doctoral applicants are expected to write a comprehensive essay of 750 to 1,000 words stating your purpose in undertaking doctoral study at The George Washington University. Describe your academic objectives, primary and supporting field of study, research areas of interest, 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 applicants are expected to write a comprehensive essay of 750 to 1,000 words stating your purpose in undertaking doctoral study at George Washington University. Describe your academic objectives, primary and supporting field of study, research areas of interest, 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. | |
| Additional requirements: | A resumé is required |
| International applicants only: | Please review International Applicant Information (https://graduate.admissions.gwu.edu/international-student-application-requirements) 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 (phone) ~ 202.994.7207 (fax)
9:30 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The requirements for the Doctor of Education program.
54 credits, including 12 credits in foundation courses, a minimum 15 credits in research courses including 3 credits in advanced research, a 3-credit internship, 9 credits in elective courses, a minimum 15 credits in dissertation courses, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| Neuroscience Foundations (6 credits) | ||
| SPED 8306 | Advanced Study in Development Science and Variance I: The Early Years | |
| SPED 8310 | Advanced Study in Development Science and Variance II: The Later Years | |
| Leadership Foundations (6 credits) | ||
| SPED 8308 | Preparation for the Professoriate in Special Education | |
| SPED 8352 | Disability and Public Policy | |
| Research Tools (15 credits) | ||
| SPED 8304 | Research and Trends in Special Education (Literature Review) | |
| EDUC 6116 | Introduction to Educational Statistics | |
| EDUC 8120 | Group Comparison Designs and Analyses | |
| EDUC 8122 | Qualitative Research Methods | |
| Level B advanced research elective | ||
| 3 credits selected from the following in consultation with advisor: | ||
| EDUC 8100 | Experimental Courses | |
| EDUC 8130 | Survey Research Methods | |
| EDUC 8131 | Case Study Research Methods | |
| EDUC 8140 | Ethnographic Research Methods | |
| EDUC 8142 | Phenomenological Research Methods | |
| EDUC 8144 | Discourse Analysis | |
| EDUC 8170 | Educational Measurement | |
| EDUC 8171 | Predictive Designs and Analyses | |
| EDUC 8172 | Multivariate Analysis | |
| EDUC 8173 | Structural Equation Modeling | |
| EDUC 8174 | Hierarchical Linear Modeling | |
| EDUC 8175 | Item Response Theory | |
| EDUC 8177 | Assessment Engineering | |
| Internship | ||
| SPED 8354 | Doctoral Internship: Special Education | |
| Interdisciplinary electives | ||
| 9 credits in interdisciplinary elective courses selected from the following in consultation with the advisor: | ||
| SPED 6299 | Federal Education Policy Institute | |
| SPED 8303 | Administration and Supervision of Special Education | |
| SPED 8311 | Doctoral Proseminar: Scholarly Writing in Applied Settings | |
| SPED 8345 | Consultation and the Change Process | |
| Dissertation | ||
| SPED 8998 | Doctoral Seminar in Special Education | |
| SPED 8999 | Dissertation Research (minimum 12 credits needed to complete requirement) | |
| taken for a minimum of 12 credits | ||
| Comprehensive examination | ||
| Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required. | ||