Master of Arts (M.A.) in
Special Education
with Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodiverse Learners
Transform learning for neurodiverse students in today’s classrooms!
Why Choose the MA in Special Education with Autism and Neurodiverse Learners Certificate at USJ?
- Fully Online Cohort
Study from anywhere while staying connected to a supportive peer group.
- Live Virtual Classes
Just one evening per week—built for working educators.
- 8-Week Courses
Focused, fast-paced, and designed for immediate classroom application.
- Integrate Technology Tools
Learn how to use emerging technologies to help support students in the classroom.
- Innovate Your Practice
Deepen impact with inclusive, research-informed strategies.
- Designed for Balance
Finish in 2 years—without stepping away from your classroom.
Transformative Learning for Today’s Classrooms
Make a meaningful difference in the lives and learning of neurodiverse students. The Master of Arts in Special Education with Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodiverse Learners at the University of Saint Joseph is designed for educators and related professionals seeking to advance their skills in supporting students with autism and neurodivergent learning profiles across inclusive K–12 settings.
Grounded in the latest research and best practices in special education, this program emphasizes strength-based, inclusive instruction and responsive support for learners with diverse cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social needs. Throughout the program, students learn to function as active members of interdisciplinary teams, using collaboration and communication to improve outcomes for children and adolescents with autism and other neurodiverse learning profiles.
Program Design
Built for working educators, this fully online program combines the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the richness of live, weekly online sessions that promote collaboration and real-time engagement.
- Follows a cohort model for peer support and community
- Courses are offered in eight-week blocks, one at a time
- Live class sessions meet one evening per week from 4:45 PM – 8:45 PM
- Program can be completed in approximately two years
Prerequisites
This program welcomes certified teachers, parents, and related service professionals. All applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (minimum GPA of 2.5)
- Access to a classroom or educational setting for completing field-based assignments throughout the program
- Parents and related service professionals are invited to participate in the program
What You’ll Learn
Courses prepare candidates to:
- Understand the unique needs of neurodiverse learners
- Apply inclusive, evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies
- Integrate assistive technology and communication tools
- Support student mental health and social-emotional development
- Collaborate effectively with families, schools, and community agencies
Degree Requirements and Career Outcomes
To graduate, students must complete:
- All required coursework (see below)
- A course-embedded capstone project in the final term
Upon successful completion, students will earn:
- A Master of Arts in Special Education
- A Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodiverse Learners from the University of Saint Joseph
Please note: This program does not lead to teaching licensure or cross-endorsement, but it offers a valuable credential for educators and professionals who support neurodiverse populations.
Plan of Study
| Course | Title | Hours | ||
SPEC 560 | Introduction to Autism and Neurodiverse Learners This course provides historical and current views regarding the characteristics, etiology, and prognosis of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in schools. Issues such as diagnostic procedures, classroom structure, research- based instructional strategies, and family involvement are surveyed | 3 | ||
| SPEC 561 | Behavioral Interventions This course will examine the factors that contribute to behaviors demonstrated by students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and the coordinating best practices for analyzing student behavior, developing intervention plans and evaluating the effectiveness of these plans | 3 | ||
| SPEC 562 | Communication and Technology for Neurodiverse Learners This course explores the tools and strategies designed to help meet the complex communication needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 | ||
| SPEC 565 | Supporting Mental Health Needs of Neurodiverse Learners This course examines the social and mental health challenges commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Etiology, assessment and intervention strategies will be discussed as well as their application in a variety of school and community-based settings. | 3 | ||
SPEC 564 | Application of Instructional Strategies for Neurodiverse Learners This course addresses teaching methods for students with ASD. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 544 | The Science of Social-Emotional Learning Focuses on connecting emotional intelligence and academic learning for K-12 classrooms and schools. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 541 | Creating Effective Systems of Support Focuses on current trends and issues related to collaborative planning on behalf of students with disabilities. Explores the roles and responsibilities of interdisciplinary team members in meeting the needs of diverse learners in a variety of settings. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 590 | Special Topics Special topics courses offered periodically by the department. See Course Search in MyUSJ for description of current offerings. No more than six credits in special topics may be applied to a master’s degree program in Special Education. | 3 | ||
| SPEC 530 | Research in Special Education* | 3 | ||
| SPEC 596 | Practicum | 3 | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |||
Please Note:
*Master’s Capstone Project Included
The courses for this program may be offered in a different order. This list should not be considered the finalized course sequence.
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