Special Education (Autism Spectrum Disorders), MA
Autistic, Behavior, Educator, LEARNING, Psychology, School, children, disabilities, speech, teaching
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is changing their name, effective Fall 2025. The new name is Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Learn how to support and advocate for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Through a curriculum that blends theory with practice, you'll gain the ability to conduct helpful interventions and promote specialized learning strategies.
The Master of Arts program in special education with a concentration in autism spectrum disorders prepares graduates to provide important services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.
Coursework in this program covers evidence-based interventions to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders, as well as collaboration and consultation skills that empower educators to most effectively work with families and other professionals. In addition, students learn how to dispel common misconceptions about autism spectrum disorders and how to determine the credibility of sources.
The practicum component of the curriculum enables students to apply the topics covered in theoretical courses to practical scenarios. Candidates build experience supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders by delivering 45 direct contact hours of approved activities under the direction of a supervisor and instructor.
The master's program requirements align with the autism specialist standards of the Council for Exceptional Children.
- College/school:
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (SPE 593), or
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SPE 597)
Required Core (3 credit hours)
SPE 525 Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation and Experimental Design (3)
Concentration (12 credit hours)
SPE 521 Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)
SPE 540 Family-Centered Practices (3)
SPE 541 Consultation Frameworks and Issues (3)
SPE 566 Applied Behavior Analysis in Inclusive Settings (3)
Electives or Research (9 credit hours)
Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
SPE 680 Practicum (3)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SPE 593 Applied Project (3) or
SPE 597 Capstone (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Each student completes a practicum customized to individual interests and abilities. For the culminating experience, students may elect to complete a capstone experience or an applied project, based on personal and professional interest and need.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in education, psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts*
- written statement
- professional resume
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
*A transcript must show the bachelor's degree already conferred; in-progress bachelor's degrees are not accepted.
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
There is increasing demand for the specialized skills and knowledge needed to properly support children and adults, including family members, impacted by autism. Program graduates are well prepared to provide important services within a variety of roles, including as paraprofessionals, psychologists, speech pathologists, therapists and family members.
Career examples include:
- community support professional
- educator
- interventionist
Educational Leadership & Innovation, Division
|
FAB S200
graduateeducation@asu.edu
480-965-5555
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
