Special Education, M.A.: Autism and Developmental Disabilities Option
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism and Developmental Disabilities prepares students to work in settings in which specialized assessments, practices in Applied Behavioral Analysis are implemented. Students with Autism and Developmental Disabilities are those individuals who have more severe/lifelong disabilities. Coursework actively involves students in critical thinking activities, where they examine and analyze theories and practices in teaching students in this domain. It also provides a foundation for candidates who may choose to pursue post-Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis: Autism and Developmental Disabilities which fulfills the coursework required to obtain BCBA certification. Students may apply to receive New Jersey Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities after the completion of the required 21 credits.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the University's admission requirements:
- Baccalaureate with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average
- Official transcript from all institutions attended
- Three Letters of Recommendation (professional experience)
- An appropriate scholarly writing sample, APA sytle preferred
- Professional resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- *Official TOEFL or IELTS score reports (*International Students Only)
- New Jersey Instructional Certificate
Degree Requirements
- 36 credits (without co-requisite); 39 credits (with co-requisites)
- Two semesters of advanced seminar
- Professional Development Portfolio
- New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing or Standard
Core Courses 15-18
| SPED 5005 | FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| SPED 5020 | EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES | 3 |
| SPED 5023 | TECHNOLOGY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES | 3 |
| SPED 5024 | DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION IN THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM | 3 |
| SPED 5050 | ASSESSMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| SPED 5068 | TRANSITION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION | 3 |
SPED 5005: Waived for students certified in Special Education within the last 10 years.
SPED 5005, SPED 5020, SPED 5050, SPED 5023, SPED 5024, SPED 5068: Courses must be completed to apply for NJ Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. In addition, one concentration course (in selected area), must be completed for NJ Certification as Teacher of Students with Disabilities.
Concentration Courses 9
| SPED 5702 | EDUCATING LEARNERS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES | 3 |
| SPED 5704 | BEHAVIOR AND EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNERS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES | 3 |
| SPED 5705 | APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS FOR LEARNERS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES I | 3 |
Electives 3
(One elective, either from another option, from offered electives in Special Education Graduate Program, or from another subject, with advisor approval)
Research 9
| SPED 5197 | PROBLEMS AND ISSUES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH | 3 |
| SPED 5198 | ADVANCED SEMINAR I: RESEARCH IN SPECIAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| SPED 5199 | ADVANCED SEMINAR: RESEARCH IN SPECIAL EDUCATION II | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 36-39