Master's in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services

Empowering Youth. Collaborating for Change.

Become an advocate for at-risk youth and youth with disabilities, inspiring and empowering them to make successful life transitions through high school to post-secondary education, employment, and independent adulthood. With a Master's in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services from GW, you will become a data-driven change agent in youth engagement in learning, leadership, and advocacy to improve life outcomes.

In this program, you will engage in interactive learning where you apply what you know to design strategies for development programs that inspire youth to envision, own and lead their own futures—including careers, education, and living a happy and fulfilling life. With a strong focus on social justice, you will gain critical knowledge of legislative requirements and research, as well evidence-based practices and experience gained through a hands-on internship.

• Accessible + Flexible: Complete the program fully online, wherever you are in the world. Voluntary synchronous sessions are scheduled 4 times throughout the semester in the evenings to accommodate working professionals, which are recorded for those who are unable to participate.
• Professional Leadership Development: Using a “train-the-trainers” leadership component enables you to be recognized by your organization as a “transition leader” with respect to best practices, programming and service standards within the industry.
• Scholar-Practitioner Faculty: Receive 1:1 mentorship and course delivery from leading faculty in the field that bring diverse professional experiences in the K-12 and adult service systems.

The GW Advantage

Through its affiliation with the Transition Discoveries Initiative, GW’s ISTS program is a leader in bridging the gap between research and practice through local, state and national partnerships. Unique among online programs, our program leverages its robust network of nation-wide partnerships to provide all students with a field-based internship. In these experiences, students work 1:1 with a faculty mentor to identify and solve complex problems in the field by collaborating with youth, their families, and a range of transition stakeholders.

Students also collaborate with fellow peers from across the country, faculty, and industry experts to take on new frontiers in transition services through project-based learning experiences.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower dedicated individuals with the knowledge, competencies, and skills needed to transform the lives of transitioning youth and their families. Through our applied curriculum, we are committed to fostering the next generation of professionals who will champion systems change, promote youth success, and drive impactful transitions to adulthood. Our mission is to equip our students with the tools to empower youth, engage families, and collaborate with stakeholders, all while staying at the forefront of evidence-based practices. Together, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve and inspire positive change in our communities.

Curriculum

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits in required courses and successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Required

• SPED 6210 Universal Design for Learning and Assessment
• SPED 6214 Applied Research in Secondary Transition Practices
• SPED 6222 Leadership in Disability Public Policy
• SPED 6230 Person-Centered Assessment Practices (taken for 3 credits)
• SPED 6231 Evidence-Based Instructional Practices in Secondary Transition
• SPED 6233 Culturally Responsive Curriculum in Special Education
• SPED 6235 Person-Centered Career Development Practices and Outcomes
• SPED 6236 Foundations of Transition Discoveries Youth Driven Practice
• SPED 6255 Collaboration with Systems and Families
• SPED 6995 Secondary Transition Leadership Internship

Successful completion of a comprehensive examination is required of all students.

Join our program and be the driving force behind positive change in the lives of transitioning youth, their families, and the broader community.

• Champion Systems Change: Equip yourself with the skills to drive systems change through meaningful engagement with youth, families, and stakeholders. Be a catalyst for positive transformation in the field.
• Empower Youth Success: Enhance your knowledge in career development, youth leadership, and self-determination to empower young individuals to achieve post-school success.
• Drive Transition Excellence: Develop competencies in transition and career assessment practices, leading to more effective transition planning, increased employment rates, and success in post-secondary education for youth.
• Harness Family Engagement: Discover the power of family engagement and collaboration across systems to support transitioning youth and their families as they prepare for adult life. Build the capacity needed to make a real difference.
• Master Curriculum Design: Enrich your expertise in curriculum design using evidence-based practices, ensuring you’re equipped with the best tools for effective education.
• Stay Ahead of Trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in promoting employment for transitioning youth with disabilities. Your knowledge will be at the forefront of industry advancements.

Career Outlook

Prepare to move ahead in your career as a transition specialist with the qualifications to work across multiple disciplines. This program will help open you up to a wide variety of positions in the field. Within special education, transition services is a widely growing area. Public vocational rehabilitation professionals and Centers for Independent Living are now mandated under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 to provide extensive transition services. Earning your master's degree in ISTS from GW prepares you to meet these legislative changes by expanding your knowledge and skills to provide youth with disabilities services that improve their post-school outcomes.

• Career assessment specialists
• Career counselors
• Case managers
• Job development specialists
• Rehabilitation counselors
• Secondary special educators
• Supported employment specialists
• Transition specialists
• Vocational evaluators

Tuition Fees

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the online Master's in Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services program is $975 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.

Admission Requirements

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
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
• Statement of Purpose
• One Letter of Recommendation

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.