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Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Early Childhood Special Education
The early childhood special education program offers a non-categorical program that prepares students to work with children who are typically developing, those with disabilities and their respective families. Graduates who focus on the birth-to-age-3 group work in home-based early intervention programs, Early Head Start or developmental clinics, and can pursue a concentration in infant special education. A 3-to-5-year-old focus prepares graduates to teach special education preschool or Head Start or to consult with community-based inclusive preschools. Those interested in teaching kindergarten through third grade are prepared to work in special education resource rooms or inclusive classrooms.
Program graduates meet the competencies recommended by NAEYC and DEC in the following areas:
- Child development and learning
- Curriculum development and implementation
- Working with families
- Assessment of young children
- Cultural, linguistic and economic diversity
- Assistive and instructional technology
- A concentration in infant special education is also offered.
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) | |
| Recommendations require | 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. | |
| 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. |
| Additional requirements: | A resumé is required. |
| International applicants only: | Please follow this link - https://graduate.admissions.gwu.edu/international-student-application-requirements - to review the International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW. |
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: 39 credits. Successful completion of the master of arts in education and human development comprehensive examination and completion of the relevant teacher licensure assessments (see below) are required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| EDUC 6114 | Introduction to Quantitative Research | |
| SPED 6222 | Legal Issues and Public Policy for Individuals With Disabilities | |
| SPED 6240 | Family Support and Guidance in Special Education | |
| or SPED 6100 | Selected Topics | |
| SPED 6261 | Practicum: Methods and Materials for Young Children with Disabilities | |
| SPED 6266 | The Development of Language and Literacy | |
| SPED 6268 | Development of Children and Youth with Disabilities | |
| SPED 6269 | Etiology, Symptomatology, and Approaches to Intervention with Children with Disabilities | |
| SPED 6290 | Affective Development and Behavior Management in Special Education | |
| CPED 6622 | Foundations of Reading Development | |
| SPED 6260 | Developmental Assessment in Special Education | |
| SPED 6262 | Formal Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities | |
| SPED 6993 | Internship: Teaching Young Children with Disabilities (taken for six credits) | |
| Master of Arts in Education and Human Development comprehensive exam required | ||
| Completion of the relevant teacher licensure assessments (i.e., PRAXIS) required by the District of Columbia Educator Licensure Services Office | ||