Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders Track Program Overview
Our CAEP-accredited online Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders track, is designed for individuals who want to enrich the lives of students with differing needs on the autism spectrum. This program explores the use of evidence-based interventions and strategies along with technology and innovative practices in the classroom and demonstrates how to overcome the unique challenges teachers face today, including maximizing resources, parental involvement, using universally designed instruction, a focus on diversity and inclusion issues, and assessing the individual needs of students who are on the autism spectrum.
This affordable 30-credit online program can be completed in as little as one year and will equip you with the specialized skills and knowledge you need to:
- provide accessibility to students of varying needs on the autism spectrum;
- integrate technology and universal learning-focused curriculum into your instruction; and
- remove barriers to learning opportunities, providing students on the autism spectrum with as many pathways to learn as possible across their lifespan.
The Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders track includes a practicum capstone requirement that allows students to gain hands-on experience by working one-on-one with individuals on the autism spectrum for 100 contact hours over an 8-week period.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who are completing coursework needed to begin a career in a high-need teaching field. UT Permian Basin participates in the TEACH Grant program.
To be eligible to receive a TEACH Grant, you must meet basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs, complete the FAFSA, be enrolled at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25, receive TEACH Grant counseling for each year you receive the grant, and sign a TEACH Grant agreement. For more information about the TEACH Grant and its service requirements post-graduation, please click here.
Career Options
The University of Texas Permian Basin's online Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders Track provides a solid foundation for you to excel as a teacher in a variety of roles, including:
Special Education with Autism Spectrum Disorders Track - Core Courses
30 Credits
EDSP 6315 - Parent Involvement in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
8 weeks
3
The purpose of this course is for students to investigate, appraise, and apply evidence-based practices for early intervention of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and evaluate strategies for promoting parent education, parent training, and parent involvement in early childhood education.
EDSP 6339 - Foundations of Special Education
8 weeks
3
This course is designed to provide the historical and legal foundations of special education and the educational implications for the teacher and exceptional child.
EDSP 6341 - Behavior Management and Social Skills
8 weeks
3
This course will cover strategies for behavior management, functional behavioral assessment, positive behavioral supports, and social skills training for exceptional learners.
EDSP 6346 - Foundation and Legal Aspects of Special Education
8 weeks
3
Legislation and litigation that form the foundations and present basis for special education practices will be presented and investigated.
EDSP 6348 - Curriculum and Instruction for Autism Spectrum Disorder
8 weeks
3
This course is designed to help educators develop strategies and techniques to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders access the general education environment to the fullest extent possible.
EDSP 6349 - Autism Across the Lifespan
8 weeks
3
The purpose of this course is for students to evaluate physical and cognitive development of individuals with ASD from birth through adulthood in order to analyze and implement appropriate evidence-based practices for each stage of life.
EDSP 6353 - Literacy & Language Arts for Diverse Learners
8 weeks
3
This course is focused on improving the success of children and youth with reading disabilities. Students will learn to identify skill deficiencies, modify curriculum, and design and implement instructional strategies to improve the literacy and language arts outcomes of diverse learners.
EDSP 6354 - Assessment in Special Education
8 weeks
3
This course will provide students with a survey of different individualized, standardized, and non-standardized assessment instruments and classroom observation techniques. Instruction in aligning classroom curriculum, methods, state standards, and assessment practices will be provided.
EDSP 6355 - Consultation and Collaboration
8 weeks
3
This course is designed to provide students with the background, knowledge base, experience, and personal contact to work collaboratively with professionals and parents. This course has implications for teaching, supervision, and educational service delivery for students in general and special education settings.
EDSP 6393 - Practicum: Autism/Developmental Disabilities
8 weeks
3
Candidates in the Autism/Developmental Disabilities track are expected to demonstrate knowledge, actions, or skills regarding seven recommended practices from the Division for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Council for Exceptional Children. These seven areas include: assessment; curricular content knowledge programs, services and outcomes; research and inquiry; leadership and policy; professional and ethical practice; and collaboration.
Completion of Special Education Core Courses is required prior to taking EDSP 6393.
