Special Education, Specialization in Autism, MEd (online)

The ASD Specialization program is intended for individuals who are interested in expanding their knowledge and skills for understanding, identifying, and working effectively with individuals on the autism spectrum. This fully online program can becompleted in a minimum of 31 semester hours. The program includes five core autism courses. The ASD program does not lead to state teaching licensure or endorsement.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the AutismSpectrum Disorders program are expected to be able to:

• Examine the nature and characteristics of students with ASD, including the history and current trends of thinking on ASD.
• Assess the impact of ASD on students’ learning and development,social perception, attention and interaction, control and regulation, and communication.
• Analyze behavioral data to identify factors contributing to the behavior of individuals with autism and plan interventions.
• Select effective instructional interventions, support strategies, teaching methodologies and materials, monitoring systems and assistive technologies.
• Collaborate effectively with parents/families and other professionals who work with individuals with ASD across the lifespan.
• Integrate advanced content knowledge in special education through completion of the master’s capstone experience.
• Interpret research in special education.

Admission Requirements

This certificate does not lead to an ODE endorsement or license.
Documents required:

• Statement of Purpose*

The Statement of Purpose is an integral part of the application. This is your opportunity to tell the faculty about important experiences, values, and aspirations you bring to graduate study. The statement should be 300-700 words in length, adhere to APA style guidelines, and demonstrate graduate-level writing skills. A strong Statement of Purpose communicates the following:

• Your motivation to pursue graduate study in your chosen field (specifically address autism),
• Your professional goals and why you feel our program can support you in meeting these goals; and
• Your personal attributes, background, and/or experiences that have prepared you for success as a graduate student.

The statement should also indicate your understanding that the program does not lead to initial teacher licensure.
 

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements