The MS in Special Education — Severe Disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorders) program prepares educators to deliver specialized instruction and intensive support to students identified with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The program is dedicated to educator training in evidence-based practices to meet the needs of a growing population of students requiring special education services.
Additionally, this master’s program supports the career goals of special education teachers and other school personnel who desire the expertise to meet the needs of autistic students.Our mission is to prepare exemplary special education professionals who can provide quality educational experiences and serve as positive agents of change within educational environments.
With its flexible, part-time options, the 36-credit, in-person program can be completed in as few as six semesters, although eight is typical. Coursework must be completed within five years.
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Core Faculty
-
Tamara Marder, PhD, BCBA-D
Associate Professor
Faculty Lead, Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis ProgramsAffiliation
Innovative Teaching & Leadership
Expertise
Special Education
Tamara Marder, PhD, BCBA-D
Associate Professor
Faculty Lead, Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
Affiliation
Innovative Teaching & Leadership
Expertise
Special Education
Program Overview
The 36-credit MS in Special Education — Severe Disabilities (Autism Spectrum Disorders) prepares certified teachers to work with individuals who require specialized instruction and intensive support in areas of academics and functional life skills, independent living, and adaptive behavior — including students identified with ASD.
This is a high-demand credential requiring rigorous preparation led by nationally recognized faculty. Our mission is to prepare exemplary special education professionals who can provide quality educational experiences and serve as positive agents of change within educational environments.
The curriculum, instructional delivery, and program requirements consist of:
- Prescribed series of courses within the Severe Disabilities/Autism program (12 courses; six offered asynchronously online and six offered on campus).
- One applied internship experience in a setting that provides educational supports to autistic students. This 150-hour supervised field experience is completed during the final semester of the program, with guidance from university supervisors and faculty advisers.
- Passing a Comprehensive Exam
- Completion of a Graduate Project and Presentation
After SOE
Graduates pursue fulfilling, impactful roles as special education teachers or behavior intervention specialists, working directly with students to provide targeted instruction, or as autism specialists and consultants, providing expertise to schools, agencies, and community organizations Many scholars also go on to pursue doctorates in special education.
Careers
- Lead Teacher
- Special Education Department Chair
- Instructional Support Specialist
“The most important benefit of the program was having a cohort of other special education teachers who were passionate about working with these students. Our professors wanted us to succeed.
Careers
- Lead Teacher
- Special Education Department Chair
- Instructional Support Specialist
“The most important benefit of the program was having a cohort of other special education teachers who were passionate about working with these students. Our professors wanted us to succeed.