Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialty, M.Ed. (Online)
Master of Education
Program Overview
The online M.Ed. in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is designed for special educators, general educators, other related service professionals, or for those who work with adults with ASD in community adult services.This is a part-time, 30-credit program [36-credits if participating in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) tuition fellowship]. M.Ed. graduate students take one course per semester [or two courses per semester if funded by OSEP tuition fellowship so the graduate student completes their degree before funding terminates] during the Fall, Spring, and both Summer sessions. Students in the OSEP tuition fellowship program complete 36 credits and enroll in two courses each semester.
The program is designed for professionals who already hold a professional license or not seeking a teacher’s license in special education.
Through this program, you’ll gain knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based methods and intervention, social-communication strategies, positive behavior approaches, empowering self-determination, as well as strategies in using alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems for persons with complex communication needs. This program follows a cohort model. Our graduate students meet colleagues from across the State of Maryland and build lasting professional relationships.
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Develop knowledge and skills in the core and associated characteristics of individuals with ASD
- Design and implement culturally and linguistically responsive instruction and services
- Use intensive, evidence-based methods and interventions to enhance academic skills, behavior and self-determination in students with ASD and students with related developmental delays and disabilities
- Address social-communication challenges by using practical strategies for students with ASD or others who require alternative and augmentative communications systems
- Enhance skills to increase behavior and classroom management to support students with ASD and other related developmental delays and disabilities
- Integrate flow-through high-technology supports across all areas of development
- Develop leadership skills to improve professional practice and services and education for students with ASD
- Learn from experienced faculty committed to your success
Career Options
- Special Education Teacher/Lead
- Special Education Consultant/Trainer
- Instructional Coordinator
- Program Manager/Director Behavior Intervention Specialist
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.
Admission Requirements Guide to Applying
Application Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA
- Statement of goals/purpose, interests and experiences
- Personal essay on one of the topics below
- Community involvement
- Service engagement in leadership roles, facilitating change or mentoring others
- Overcoming social, economic, educational or physical barriers
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions (Note: You may submit an unofficial transcript showing your conferred degree. If accepted into the program, you will be required to submit an official transcript to the Graduate School by the end of your first semester of enrollment.)
Requirements
Program Requirements
The Special Education handbook provides additional program requirements and details.
The following is the course sequence. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.
- EDSP600: Issues and Trends in Educating Individuals with Disabilities
- EDSP670: Single Subject Research Designs
- EDSP671: Qualitative Methodologies in Special Education
- EDSP625: Evidence Based Practices for Individuals with Significant Disabilities
- EDSP602: Instruction of Students w/Severe Disabilities I
- EDSP604: Education of Students with ASD & Related
- EDSP606: Inclusion
- EDSP613: Behavior and Classroom Management in Special Education
- EDSP614: Instruction of Students w/Severe Disabilities II
- EDSP617: Social Communication Challenges & Strategies
For those receiving OSEP Tuition Fellowship:
- EDSP655: Secondary and Transition Services
- EDSP665: Families, Culture, Disability
Tuition & Scholarships
Scholarship Assistance
Scholarship assistance is available to graduate students pursuing a career in the field of special education. Admitted students who meet the criteria will receive a fellowship funded by the Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The fellowship comes with a “Service Obligation” requirement.
Learn more about the Department of Education's Personnel Development Program and view their pre-scholarship agreement form.
Contact
Contact
