M.A. with Autism Specialization
Learn about the M.A. with Autism Specialization program in the Department of Special
Education.
Overview
The Department of Special Education at San Diego State University offers an M.A. degree
in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism.
This master's degree embeds an approved course sequence for the BCBA (Board Certified
Behavior Analyst). The M.A. degree also embeds most of the Clear coursework for the
Extensive Support Needs and Early Childhood credentials in California.
For more information on our BCBA program, check out the BCBA brochure.
Course Sequence
The course sequence varies slightly based on the age focus (young children or secondary/transition
age youth) of the M.A. candidate in the Autism program.
Prerequisites
Positive behavioral supports for students with disabilities in general and special
education settings. Current theories and programs in functional assessment and behavioral
change. Applications in educational and community environments with diverse students.
Historical and philosophical perspectives of cultural pluralism in special education
and programs related to diverse students with disabilities. Research on curricular
approaches and instructional needs. Sociocultural aspects related to disability, race,
ethnicity, gender, and language.
Year 1 - Fall Semester
Procedures for gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information; reviewing the literature;
designing studies. Section selection to be made with department graduate adviser.
Professional issues in school psychology, special education, applied behavioral analysis,
and mental health. Professional ethics, dilemmas, legislation, and case law relevant
to delivery of ethically and legally sound services.
Year 1 - Spring Semester
Definition, etiology, assessment, and instructional practices used to address autism.
Historical and current issues.
Ethical application of research-based strategies based on behavior analysis. Emphasis
on arranging learning opportunities to increase student skills and data collection.
Educational legislation, theories, philosophies, research findings, issues and trends
in the area of exceptionality. Application of research to solution of educational
problems.
Integration and application of behavior analysis principles. Participation and coaching
in selected programs for students with disabilities.
Year 2 - Fall Semester
Single-case research designs focused on interventions with individuals with disabilities.
An intensive study in selected areas of education culminating in a written project.
Limited to students following Plan B for the Master of Arts degree in education.
Year 2 - Spring Semester
Advanced approaches to dealing with behavioral crises and health issues in classroom,
to include working with mental health specialists and school nurses.
An intensive study in selected areas of education culminating in a written project.
Limited to students following Plan B for the Master of Arts degree in education.
Financial Aid
Grant Support
The SDSU Department of Special Education has received grants from the U.S. Office
of Personnel Preparation that is specifically designed to prepare candidates from
diverse backgrounds to obtain the knowledge and skills to work effectively with youth
with autism. The goals of these programs are to:
- Recruit and prepare M.A. Degree students who are fully credentialed
- Provide advanced knowledge & skills in autism using a research-to-practice model
- Prepare special education mentors with advanced knowledge in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Implement a field-based, culturally relevant program
- Contribute to the field through candidates’ research projects
Currently, grant support is available for M.A. candidates serving secondary aged students
(14 to 22) with autism. To be eligible for grant support, students must enroll in the SDSU Dept. of Special
Education M.A. program and remain in good academic standing. For more information
regarding grant support, email Dr. Bonnie Kraemer and explore SPED Research and Projects.
Priorities for scholarship support for this degree include:
- Candidates with a preliminary Mild/Moderate or Extensive Support Needs credential
- Candidates from traditionally under-represented backgrounds
Types and Amounts of Financial Support
Financial support from the grant includes the following:
Academic Year (per semester)
- CA resident fee support: up to $3922*
- Living stipend: $500
- Book Allowance: $350
- Total amount/ semester: up to $4772
Professional development expenses (e.g. conferences, subscriptions): $1200 total
*Fee amounts are current as of February 2012 and are subject to change
Qualifying students who accept financial assistance are responsible for meeting all
program coursework requirements; attending additional lectures, workshops and seminars;
and meeting special grant related federal requirements, including a U.S. Dept. of
Education requirement to teach children with, or “at risk” for, disabilities for 2
years for every year of assistance received.
Contact Us
Program Coordinators
Contact our administrative office.
FAQs
Have a question about the M.A. Degree Program/ Autism Specialization or Advanced Certificate in Behavior Analysis? If you can't find
the answer below or elsewhere on this site, email [email protected] or [email protected].
Yes. You can try to enroll through Open University and pay per unit to SDSU Global Campus. Bring a copy of the completed Open University
Registration Form to the class on the first day the course is offered, and if there
is room and the instructor approves, you can be added to the class. Check the SDSU Class Schedule for time and place of course offerings.
We are moving SPED 553 and SPED 685 for going back face-to-face starting next fall.
No. You need a B.A. in a related field for both programs. However, you will not be
able to work in public schools as a special educator without a teaching credential
so applicants need to be confident that they want alternative career paths. You also
must have experience working with individuals with ASD and their families prior to
entering the M.A. Degree program with a specialization in Autism as there are more
applicants than spaces and we accept only applicants with experience.
No. All M.A. students must take SPED 527. In addition, completing SPED 553 is required
for the BCBA, which is an integral part of the degree. (See course descriptions.)
Yes, but faculty will consider substituting a course taken at another university if
a Substitution/Waiver form (PDF) is submitted to the Special Education Office along with a syllabus from the course completed and a transcript showing the grade
received. BUT, if you are planning to apply to take the exam to become Board Certified
as a Behavior Analyst, you will have to submit the transcript for this course with
your application as SDSU has an approved sequence, with approved faculty who teach
the sequence of courses. It is up to the student to demonstrate they have the required
hours if they deviate from the SDSU sequence approved by the BACB®.
Yes. You may take prerequisite courses concurrently with the regular course load,
although this makes for a very full schedule.
Yes. You can take up to 9 credits through
Open University or
SDSU Global Campus prior to being accepted and matriculated in a program. You must be matriculated to
graduate with the Advanced Certificate in Behavior Analysis. To take a course through
Open University, obtain a form online and show up to the first day of classes and
ask the instructor to sign your forms. The instructor will let you add the class if
there is space.
Yes. Some of the courses needed to clear your credential are embedded in the M.A.
Degree program. However, you will need to complete a department application for the
Clear Credential program and meet with an advisor to work out the required sequence
of courses. Visit the
Clear Induction Program for more information.
No. The M.A. Degree Program with a Specialization in Autism is a 2-year program that
must be completed with the others in your cohort. Completing this program requires
a large time commitment.
Yes. You can complete the course sequence when courses are offered and as quickly
as one year or more if you prefer. Please note that once matriculated it costs the
same amount of tuition for between 1 and 6 credits.
No. We do not offer fieldwork placements for those completing the Advanced Certificate
in Behavior Analysis. Many people get their supervision on the job. We can recommend
some possible supervisors with BCBA but you may need to pay for supervision of the
required 1,500 hours.
