What can you do with a Master of Arts in Education, Autism degree?

A Master of Arts in Education, Autism can open a variety of career opportunities in the field of autism spectrum disorders. Some of the potential job roles include: Autism Specialist: An individual with a master’s degree in autism studies can work as an autism specialist in schools, clinics, or non-profit organizations. They can provide support and guidance to families, educators, and other professionals working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Researcher: A master’s degree in autism studies can be a stepping stone for those who wish to pursue a Ph.D. and become a researcher in autism. Educator: A master’s degree in autism studies can be helpful for educators who want to specialize in teaching students with autism in special education programs or inclusive classrooms if they have the appropriate teaching credential. Community Services Coordinator: A master’s degree in autism studies can be helpful for those who want to work in community-based organizations that provide support services to individuals with autism and their families. Overall, a master’s degree in autism studies can be a good foundation for a career in various roles that involve working with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

What is a Master of Arts in Education, Autism?

A Master of Arts in Education, Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorders or ASD, is a graduate-level degree focused on studying autism and related disorders. The program typically covers a range of topics, including the causes and characteristics of autism, assessment and diagnosis, intervention and treatment strategies, and the social and educational implications of autism. The curriculum of a master’s degree in autism typically includes courses such as "Introduction to Autism and Related Disorders," "Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism", "Behavioral Interventions for Individuals with Autism," "Social and Communication Development with Autism," "Educational and Community-Based Interventions for Individuals with Autism," "Creating Positive Learning Environments for Individuals with ASD," and "Ethics in Autism Studies." Additionally, a master’s degree program in autism usually includes a clinical or fieldwork component, where students gain hands-on experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. A master’s degree in autism can be helpful for those who currently work or wish to work in fields such as special education, applied behavior analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, or psychology, as well as for those who want to pursue research or administrative roles in the field of autism.

What degree do you need to teach autistic students?

To teach students with autism, the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in education and a teaching certification in the state where you plan to work. However, many states and school districts require or prefer teachers who have specialized training in working with students with autism or special needs.A master’s degree focusing on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be beneficial for teaching students with autism. This degree program provides advanced training in understanding the unique needs of students with autism, assessment diagnosis, evidence-based interventions, and strategies for creating inclusive learning environments.Some school districts may also require or prefer that teachers have a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a behavioral approach to working with individuals with autism. Board Certification for ABA requires specific coursework, supervised field experience, and passing a national certification exam. Please see the information on UMass Global's ABA program.Additionally, states may have specific requirements for special education teachers and for Applied Behavior Analysts, such as passing a specialized certification exam or completing additional coursework.It’s important to note that requirements may vary by state, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements in the state where you plan to teach.

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Because your employer is a Premier Partner with UMass Global, these are the scholarships available to employees and their spouses and dependents:

20% Scholarship

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration
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15% Scholarship

Master of Arts in Teaching
Teaching Credentials (Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Special Education)
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

10% Scholarship

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$1.2M

in additional lifetime earnings — that’s the average boost for bachelor’s degree holders compared to those with only a high school diploma

21%

more pay for having a master’s (or higher) instead of just a bachelor’s

60%

of workers will require training before 2027

I now have the skill set to go forth and be the leader to really help my community and make it better.

Anna M.

Education, Educational Administration, MAE

My academic advisor was a great support system. He was my advisor throughout my program and he took the time to learn about me personally so we could make the best schedule to accommodate my life.

Steve L.

Education, Teaching and Learning, MAE

Not all doctoral programs are alike. I loved the cohort model becuase I not only earned my doctorate I also gained lifelong friends and a network of professionals I can rely on. The Ed.D. program taught me to be confident and thoughtful in my leadership decisions.

Linda C.

Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.

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Education (Autism), MA

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