The concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (A&DD) provides advanced training in the design, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices to individuals with autism and related developmental and physical disabilities and their families.
Graduates are prepared to assume educational and related professional positions as teachers, behavior analysts and clinicians, serving all ages, culturally and linguistically diverse populations and incorporating assistive technology.
This program can be completed by one of two options (M.Ed. or M.A.), involving flexible combinations of coursework, practicum and applied intervention research. This program also meets all the coursework requirements for the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) under the 5th Task List, thus, students who complete the program of study will be eligible to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA).
Semester Start: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
Priority: December 1
Rolling Admissions
GRE Required? No
Location: On Campus
Length of Program:
M.Ed.: 12 months, 36 hours
M.Ed. with report: 18 months, 45 hours
M.A. with report or thesis: 48 hours
Master of Education
This option involves the completion of nine courses plus three practical experiences leading to the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree and can be completed in 12 months of full-time study.
| Fall | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED 380: Cultural & Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
| SED 388: Teaching Individuals with Autism & Development Disabilities | 3 |
| SED 394: Practicum in SED – Professional & Ethical Practice | 3 |
| SED 388: Challenging Behavior & Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| Spring | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED 388: Advances in Understanding/Treatment of Autism | 3 |
| SED 396: Single Subject Design | 3 |
| SED 384: Communication Intervention | 3 |
| SED 388: Practicum in SED – Severe & Multiple Disabilities | 3 |
| Summer | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED f388: Practicum in SED – Professional Development in ABA (Online) | 3 |
| SED f388: Theoretical Framework in ABA (Online) | 3 |
| SED s386: Positive Behavior Supports and Classroom Management (Online) | 3 |
| SED s388: Advanced Concepts in ABA (Online) | 3 |
Total Required Hours – 36 hours
Master of Education with Report
This option is identical to M.Ed. but the student may complete a research report that will consist of a systematic review of the literature pertaining to a topic of interest. M.Ed. with Report will be available contingent on the availability of a supervising faculty member.
| Fall | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED 380: Cultural & Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
| SED 388: Teaching Individuals with Autism & Development Disabilities | 3 |
| SED 394: Practicum in SED – Professional & Ethical Practice | 3 |
| SED 388: Challenging Behavior & Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| Spring | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED 388: Advances in Understanding/Treatment of Autism | 3 |
| SED 396: Single Subject Design | 3 |
| SED 384: Communication Intervention | 3 |
| SED 388: Practicum in SED – Severe & Multiple Disabilities | 3 |
| Summer | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED f388: Practicum in SED – Professional Development in ABA (Online) | 3 |
| SED f388: Theoretical Framework in ABA (Online) | 3 |
| SED s386: Positive Behavior Supports and Classroom Management (Online) | 3 |
| SED s388: Advanced Concepts in ABA (Online) | 3 |
| Fall – Report Option | Hours |
| SED 398R: Report writing Research-based course (chosen in consultation with advisor | 9 |
Total Required Hours – 45 Hours
Master of Arts
Students who select this option will pursue a research-based Master of Arts (M.A.) degree including courses, practical experiences and a research thesis. In most cases, the thesis research will involve an applied intervention study. The M.A. option is intended to provide advanced training in applied intervention research. This option will be available contingent on the availability of a supervising faculty member.
| Fall | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED 380: Cultural & Linguistic Diversity | 3 |
| SED 388: Teaching Individuals with Autism & Development Disabilities | 3 |
| SED 394: Practicum in SED – Professional & Ethical Practice | 3 |
| SED 388: Challenging Behavior & Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| Spring | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED 388: Advances in Understanding/Treatment of Autism | 3 |
| SED 396: Single Subject Design | 3 |
| SED 384: Communication Intervention | 3 |
| SED 388: Practicum in SED – Severe & Multiple Disabilities | 3 |
| Summer | Hours |
|---|---|
| SED f388: Practicum in SED – Professional Development in ABA (Online) | 3 |
| SED f388: Theoretical Framework in ABA (Online) | 3 |
| SED s386: Positive Behavior Supports and Classroom Management (Online) | 3 |
| SED s388: Advanced Concepts in ABA (Online) | 3 |
| Fall – Report Option | Hours |
| SED 698 A: Research-based course (chosen in consultation with adviser) | 9 |
| Fall – Thesis Option | Hours |
| SED 698 A: Thesis Research-based course (chosen in consultation with adviser) | 9 |
Total Required Hours – 48 Hours
Faculty
Engages in training and supervision of clinicians to support individuals with challenging behavior and difficulty transitioning between activities, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorders.
Assessment and treatment of problem behavior displayed by individuals with ASD/DD, methods for increasing behavioral variability in individuals with ASD/DD, and methods for preventing clinical relapse pertaining to challenging behavio
Works with culturally diverse individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders to assess and treat challenging behavior.
Assesses and supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and develops social skill/communication interventions for children with ASD.
Additional Resources
Area Co-Coordinator
Mark O’Reilly
Area Co-Coordinator
Terry Falcomatta
Tell us a bit about yourself and what programs you are interested in. We’ll be in touch with information soon!
