Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Early Childhood Special Education

The non-categorical early childhood special education program prepares graduate students to work with children aged 3-8 who are typically developing, those at risk for developmental delays and disabilities, and those identified with delays and disabilities as well as their families. The 36-credit master’s degree program prepares current and future educators to address the developmental and learning needs of young children in diverse early education environments. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive, evidence-based and inclusive practices, legal and policy issues in practice, and disability justice advocacy. 

Graduate students acquire and apply the knowledge and skills to work as early childhood educators, disability advocates, leaders, and change agents within schools and community agencies serving young children and their families. Students complete two semesters of clinical internship supervision experiences in early childhood settings in the Washington, DC, metro area, and engage in a learning community to improve outcomes for young children and their families.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
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: 36 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. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
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 6233	Culturally Responsive Curriculum in Special Education
SPED 6240	Family Support and Guidance in Special Education
SPED 6260	Developmental Assessment in Special Education
SPED 6261	Practicum in Methods and Materials for Early Childhood Special Education
SPED 6266	Development of Language and Literacy
SPED 6268	Development of Children and Youth with Disabilities
SPED 6269	Characteristics of and Instructional Methods for Young Students with Disabilities
SPED 6290	Affective Development and Behavior Management for Teaching Students with Disabilities
SPED 6993	Internship: Teaching Young Children with Disabilities
Other 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 Teaching and Learning Educator Credentialing office.