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Autism and Developmental Disabilities, M.A./M.Ed.

  • Application Deadline
  • 24 months
    Duration
University rank #39 (WUR) , TX,
The Department of Special Education has multiple program areas for graduate study. These areas explore interventions and best practices for supporting those with a diverse range of disabilities throughout the lifespan.Students in master’s programs gain experience in clinical, educational, and research-based degrees.

About

The Department of Special Education offers master’s (M.Ed., M.A.) and doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (A&DD). Our program curricula are Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) approved and many who graduate become Board Certified Behavior Analysts at the master’s (BCBA) or doctoral (BCBA-D) level. (View the BCBA Exam Pass Rates for Verified Programs.) Training in these programs emphasizes academic foundations in:

  • education and treatment of individuals with A&DD,
  • use of scientist-practitioner methods,
  • development of research skills so that graduates can contribute new knowledge on assessment and treatment practices,
  • competent, ethical, and multicultural practice.

Coursework and research are led by expert faculty to provide a rich understanding of the design, implementation, and evaluation of effective services offered to those with autism and related developmental disabilities. 

Graduates from the AD&D program are qualified for several careers in the field of special education. Our alumni are employed as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapists, special education teachers, professors in universities, behavioral consultants, and director-level administrators.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

  • Challenging Behavior and Developmental Disabilities
  • Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities  
  • Communication Intervention
  • Single-Subject Research Design
  • Advances in the Understanding and Treatment of Autism

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity Full-time
    • Full-time duration 24 months
  • Credits
    36 alternative credits
  • Languages
    • English
    Schedule TOEFL®
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    79

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    6.5

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: 3

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

  • An official score for the Graduate Record Examinations General Test (GRE), unless otherwise specified by the graduate program to which the student is applying. International students whose native language is not English must also submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  • Adequate subject preparation for the proposed major. Evidence of adequate preparation varies by program, but examples include letters of reference, auditions, samples of work, and personal statements
  • A grade point average of at least 3.00 in upper-division (junior- and senior-level) coursework and in any graduate work already completed.

Tuition Fee

  • International Applies to you

    1860 USD/credit
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 1860 USD per credit and a duration of 24 months.

  • National Applies to you

    1860 USD/credit
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 1860 USD per credit and a duration of 24 months.

  • In-State Applies to you

    1232 USD/credit
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 1232 USD per credit and a duration of 24 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Austin

  • 1243 - 2310 USD/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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