Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.)
Special Education
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement
What You Learn
This program is for individuals who hold a valid Minnesota teaching license and who wish to expand their teaching skills and knowledge of the characteristics and interventions used with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. It is designed to prepare highly effective professional, decision making, and reflective educators who are proficient in foundational knowledge; referral, evaluation, planning, and programming; instructional design, teaching, and ongoing evaluation; collaboration and communication; standards of effective practice; and core special education skills including instructional strategies, social/emotional health, social competence, cultural competence, classroom management, and academic competence.
How You Learn
This is an asynchronous online cohort program. Students will participate in activities through the online learning management system (D2L Brightspace “MyCourses”) which may include assignments, weekly discussion boards, and/or collaborate on group activities done electronically. You will take one course at a time finishing every 8 weeks. This program is designed with the working educator in mind and combines the benefits of a supportive cohort approach and a flexible learning environment.
Career Outcomes
Students can choose to earn a Master of Arts in Special Education with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Endorsements (36 Credit Hours). Students who are not looking to earn a Master’s degree can obtain an Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Endorsement without a Master’s degree (30 Credit Hours).
Licensure Disclosure Statement:
Each state has different requirements for professional licensure and certifications. CSP Global’s educator preparation programs are designed specifically to prepare students for licensure in Minnesota, but are not approved by any other state licensing boards for licensure in those states.** CSP Global is unable to determine whether its teacher preparation programs would meet the educational requirements for licensure in other states. Students who want to work in a state other than Minnesota should contact the state licensing board in their state before enrolling in the program.
To learn more about Concordia University, St. Paul’s institutional accreditation and program authorizations by state, including online and on-campus offerings, please visit: https://www.csp.edu/accreditation
Degree Requirements
Program Courses Credits
| Course | Title | Hours |
| SPED 580 | Ethical Issues for Professional Educators of Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| SPED 581 | Instructional Strategies: Mild/Moderate Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 583 | Collaborative Teaching in Inclusive Settings | 3 |
| SPED 582 | Teaching Students with Linguistic Differences or Difficulties | 3 |
| SPED 573 | Fundamentals: Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| SPED 596 | Behavior Management | 3 |
| SPED 586 | Learners with Disabilities: Educational Assessment | 3 |
| SPED 574 | Communication and Social Skills Training | 3 |
| SPED 575 | Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| SPED 593 | Applied Experience in Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| Total Credits for Licensure Program: | 30* | |
| ED 521 | Educational Research and Applications | 3 |
| ED 590 | Conducting Research and Completing the Capstone | 3 |
| Total Credits for Licensure and MA program: | 36* |
Please Note:
*Supplemental Courses ED 548 Literacy I: Content and Methods for Teaching K-6 Literacy and ED 558 Literacy II: Content and Methods for Teaching K-6 Literacy (3 credits each for total of 6 credits) is required unless candidates can verify equivalent coursework addressing comprehensive scientifically based reading instruction including reading foundations and assessment.
**You must hold a current and valid Minnesota Tier 3 or Tier 4 teaching license to enroll in the Master of Arts in Special Education program with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Endorsement, Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Endorsement, Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Endorsement or any Endorsement only Special Education program.
Several courses in the program include built-in clinical experiences. These hands-on components are completed as part of your regular coursework and give you the opportunity to apply what you’re learning in real K–12 settings, helping you meet licensure requirements while gaining valuable classroom experience.
This is not an official schedule and your cohort may take these courses in a different order.
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