Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Department of Special Education
Designed For
This concentration is designed for educators, clinicians and related professionals seeking advanced preparation to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across the lifespan.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared to pursue Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and careers as special educators, behavior analysts and clinicians. The program emphasizes evidence‑based practice, collaborative work with families, and the effective integration of assistive technology across educational, clinical and community settings.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Deadline to Apply:
Funding Priority Deadline: December 1; Rolling admissions until spots are filled.
Length of Program: 12 months
Program Location: On campus or online
GRE Required? No
Preparing Professionals for Evidence‑Based Practice
Our M.Ed. specializations in Autism and Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Intervention are available both fully online and in-person!
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 who leverage assistive technology and serve all ages.
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).
Students admitted to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities M.Ed. program may attend classes either fully online or in-person. Courses will be synchronous, with both online and in-person attendees taking classes simultaneously, allowing all students to receive the same high-quality academic experience and faculty mentorship.
Applicants interested in focusing on young children, working with families or naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions should explore our BCBA certification program in Early Childhood Intervention.
Area Co-Coordinator
Mark O’Reilly
Area Co-Coordinator
Terry Falcomata
Graduate Program Administrator
Rosie Garza
Program Details
Program Requirements
This program involves the completion of nine courses plus three practical experiences leading to a master’s degree and can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. All courses are worth 3 credit hours.
Fall
- SED 388 Individual Differences
- SED 388: Teaching Individuals with Autism & Development Disabilities
- SED 394: Practicum in SED – Professional & Ethical Practice
- SED 388: Challenging Behavior & Developmental Disabilities
Spring
- SED 388: Advances in Understanding/Treatment of Autism
- SED 396: Single Subject Design
- SED 384: Communication Intervention
- SED 388: Practicum in SED – Severe & Multiple Disabilities
Summer
- SED f388: Practicum in SED – Professional Development in ABA (Online)
- SED f388: Theoretical Framework in ABA (Online)
- SED s386: Positive Behavior Supports and Classroom Management (Online)
- SED s388: Advanced Concepts in ABA (Online)
Total Required Hours – 36 hours
International Applicants
We welcome international applicants to enroll and complete the program remotely from anywhere in the world.
Students admitted to this program will not be eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa status.
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 Information
The application opens in early August. Apply and check MyStatus for updates.
