Program type:

Major
Format:

On Campus
Online
Est. time to complete:

1-3 years
Credit Hours:

33
Make a difference in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Autism Intervention is designed to prepare personnel in evidence-based practices to work with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in various capacities.

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Why Earn a Autism Intervention Special Education Master's?

Many of our faculty members are nationally known in their field. They remain current on practices through research experiences, high levels of academic preparation and the service projects they coordinate. They have expertise in programs and procedures; establishing partnerships to facilitate services for exceptional individuals; systems for behavioral management of special populations; and parent and professional communication and collaboration.

In addition to specialized courses, we provide many opportunities for you to participate in interdepartmental studies, become involved in community-based programming and network with other special education professionals.

Marketable Skills
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data
  • Advocate on behalf of underrepresented populations
  • Collaborate to improve educational outcomes
  • Oral and written communication
  • Creative problem-solving

Autism Intervention Special Education Master's Highlights

Courses are offered on a rotation schedule via two 8-week terms during the fall and spring semesters and 3-week, 5-week and 10-week terms during the summer.
The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, which means we meet or exceed strict academic standards for excellence in education.
The College of Education is one of Texas' top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors and other school professionals.
The Department of Educational Psychology, which oversees this degree program, is affiliated with various research and intervention centers that provide research and development opportunities for faculty and students.
The UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center provides opportunities for research and intervention with individuals with autism.
You can earn a master’s degree in as little as 15 months (33 hours) or go at a slower pace, choosing from five different starting points offered each year.

What Can You do With a Autism Intervention Special Education Master's?

Graduates may resume roles as classroom teachers, autism specialists in public school settings or other related professions (e.g., social work, healthcare, mental health and rehabilitation), coordinator/case managers of home-based family services, life skills coach or professional advocate.

Top 3 Careers

  • Behavior Intervention Specialist
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Early Intervention Specialist

Autism Intervention Special Education Master's Courses You Could Take

Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Introduces students to the principles and practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in school settings involving students with special needs. Focuses on the fusion of scientific or evidence-based practices with ethical principles in the design of a function-based behavior intervention plan (BIP) for a person with a disability who displays behavior problems.
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 hrs)
Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Examines the history, theories, definitions and public policies related to ASD. Characteristics, diagnosis, assessment, and instructional interventions used with individuals with ASD across the lifespan are explored.
Educational Programming for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 hrs)
Focuses on the unique programming needs of students with autism spectrum disorder. Specific educational and behavioral interventions are discussed as well as several of the more controversial therapies. Characteristics associated features of students with autism are presented.
Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 hrs)
Focuses on evidence-based practices for the assessment and identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The various components of a comprehensive evaluation are discussed. Various evaluation tools and procedures are reviewed and demonstrated.
Teaching Social Skills to Children and Youth with Disabilities (3 hrs)
Examination of theories underlying the acquisition of social skills by children and youth with disabilities. Specific teaching strategies, materials development and program implementation will be emphasized.
Collaboration with Parents, Paraeducators and Professionals (3 hrs)
Communication and collaboration models and strategies in working with parents, caregivers and professionals concerned about exceptional learners. Emphasis on the changing definition of families and changing demographics and the implications these changes have for effectively involving others in the decision-making for exceptional learners. Analysis made of legal mandates and availability of resources to ensure quality services for exceptional learners.

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