Special Education, M.A.: Autism and Developmental Disabilities Option

Dr. Beverly Kling, Program Coordinator

Room: HH-312

Phone: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

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 BCBA. Students may apply to receive New Jersey Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities after the completion of the required 21 credits.

Prerequisites

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

• New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing or Standard

Degree Requirements

• 36 credits (without co-requisite); 39 credits (with co-requisite)
• Two semesters of advanced seminar
• Professional Development Portfolio

Core Courses 15-18

SPED 5005	FOUNDATIONS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION	3
SPED 5020	EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES	3
SPED 5050	ASSESSMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION	3
SPED 5023	TECHNOLOGY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES	3
SPED 5024	DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION IN THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM	3
SPED 5068	TRANSITION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION	3

SPED 5005: Waived for students certified in Special Education and students who have approved introductory coursework

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. The targeted course is SPED 5702.

Concentration Courses 9

SPED 5701	ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES	3
SPED 5702	EDUCATING 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

Note: SPED 5197 must be taken prior to SPED 5198-99

Total Credit Hours: 36-39