GMU Online M.Ed. in Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorder or ABA Graduate Certificate

The College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University offers an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with graduate certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Students can complete the M.Ed. with a graduate certificate or complete the graduate certificates as stand-alone programs.

The Master of Education in Special Education program seeks to prepare graduates to address exceptional individuals’ varied and often complex educational needs.

Students who complete the ASD certificate program are trained to work with individuals across the lifespan who are on the autism spectrum.

Students who complete the ABA certificate program will learn how to apply basic and intermediate behavioral principles to individuals with varying disabilities.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified that the coursework for the ABA program meets Verified Course Sequence criteria and satisfies the Behavior Analyst Certification Board™ (BACB) requirements to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® exam. Note: the BACB has other requirements for eligibility to take the aforementioned exams.

Applicants to the Master of Education in Special Education ABA track may include Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT), psychologists, teachers, counselors, and professionals in community health, healthcare, and educational administration.

Ideal candidates for the Master of Education in Special Education ASD track may include behavior analysts, physical therapists, occupational therapists, interventionists, speech/language pathologists, psychologists, and education administrators.

M.Ed. in Special Education courses are entirely online with a possible field experience for one course. The program comprises 30 credits and can be completed in as few as 24 months. It is offered part-time and full-time.

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis comprises 21 credits and can be completed in about 18 months.

The Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder comprises 18 credits and can be completed in one year.

Both graduate certificates are offered part-time only.

Courses begin in the fall, spring, and summer, each lasting eight weeks. Prior industry experience or a degree in an education-related field is not required for admission but is helpful for successful program completion. Graduates of the Master of Education program may go on to administrative or special education positions in schools, social service organizations, private practice, and in-home situations.

George Mason University delivers courses asynchronously through the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS). Online instruction for the ABA Certificate includes built-in simulations and application activities. Online instruction for the ASD Certificate includes video case studies of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and application activities. Other components for the Master of Education in Special Education include video case studies, discussion boards, and guest speakers.

Core courses for the Master of Education in Special Education program include Introduction to Special Education; Computer Applications for Special Populations; Universal Design for Learning (UDL); Special Education Research; and Capstone.

Autism track and standalone certificate courses include Characteristics of Individuals with Autism; Supporting the Behavior and Sensory Needs of Individuals with Autism; Interventions for Individuals with Autism; Supporting Communication and Literacy for Individuals with Autism; Autism Across the Lifespan: Collaboration with Critical Partners; and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Issues in Assessment and Intersectionality.

Applied Behavior Analysis track and standalone certificate courses include ABA: Principles, Procedures, and Philosophy; ABA: Empirical Bases; Philosophical and Conceptual Issues in Behavior Analysis; ABA: Assessments and Interventions; ABA: Applications; ABA: Verbal Behavior; and Ethical and Professional Conduct for Behavior Analysis.

George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).