Master of Arts (M.A.)
Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorder Focus
Program Highlights & Benefits
Meet one night per week from 4:45 - 8:45p
2 year completion time, including holiday breaks
No GRE or admission tests
No weekend classes
Goals and Focus of the Program
The Master of Arts in Special Education with Autism Spectrum Disorder Focus program focuses on special education theory and evidence-based practices. Special emphasis is placed on the assessment and intervention of core and related deficits of students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Candidates will gain knowledge and skills related to the diagnosis, program planning, instruction and interventions for students with an ASD. Candidates will develop key assessments and develop clinical decision making skills appropriate for use in the education of students with an ASD. Candidates will develop skills in becoming effective communicators and collaborators with parents, families, community providers and support systems in addition to gaining in-depth knowledge in this area of study.
Program Design
The Master of Arts in Special Education with Autism Spectrum Disorder Focus program follows a cohort model in which candidates meet one night a week from 4:45 – 8:45 p.m. The duration of the program is approximately two years.
Prerequisites
Students in the Master of Arts in Special Education with Autism Spectrum Disorder Focus program must have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5; a valid Connecticut Teaching License; one year of full time, contracted teaching experience; and access to a classroom and students throughout the duration of the program to fulfill field study requirements.
Degree Requirements and Career Outcome
Plan of Study
| Course | Title | Hours | ||
SPEC 560 | Autism: Nature and Characteristics | 3 | ||
SPEC 562 | ACC & AT: Facilitating a Least Restrictive Environment | 3 | ||
SPEC 561 | Behavioral Interventions | 3 | ||
SPEC/IABS 565 | Autism: Psychosocial Interventions | 3 | ||
SPEC 564 | Autism: Application of Instructional Strategies | 3 | ||
SPEC 540 | Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Intervention | 3 | ||
SPEC 554 | Research-Based Math Intervention | 3 | ||
SPEC 505 | Assistive Technology | 3 | ||
SPEC 530 | Research in Special Education | 3 | ||
SPEC 539 | Universal Design for Learning: Proactive Inclusion for All Students | 3 | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |||
Please Note:
Anticipated Comprehensive Exam Date, if needed: March 2022
The courses for this program may be offered in a different order. This list should not be considered the finalized course sequence.
