Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Degree

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Overview

Help ASD Students Transition Into Adult Life 

This Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders degree program, offered by Grand Canyon University, offers a research-based curriculum designed to help empower educators who are licensed in special education to work with students who have autism by using inclusive teaching strategies. The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD)1 emphasizes the necessity for educators who possess comprehensive knowledge of ASD characteristics, including fundamental challenges in language, communication, social skills, behavior and sensory processing. 

Special Education Teacher Working With Student in Classroom
Why GCU

Earn Your Autism Master’s Degree at GCU

Offered by the College of Education, this graduate autism program will teach you the transitional skills needed to help students with ASD transition from school to independent living. The proven and innovative approaches in this degree will be delivered by knowledgeable faculty and help you complete 110 practicum/field experience hours, as well as a capstone course to apply hands-on techniques in practical settings. The program integrates an action research project specific to the field and in consideration of becoming an ASD specialist. 

Master of Arts in Autism

Complete Your Online Master’s Degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders 

At GCU, you can further your education while fulfilling your current professional responsibilities. Enroll in online classes and complete coursework via our intuitive e-learning platform, allowing collaboration and lively academic discussions with peers and instructors. 

This Degree is Offered Online

Work through the curriculum from virtually anywhere and enhance your career qualifications on a conveniently flexible schedule.2 

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Coursework

Course Topics for the ASD Degree

This degree will explore how current research and policies translate into classroom and school environments, as well as how best to connect students and families to postsecondary options. The emphasis on leadership and collaboration in working with students with ASD is intended to help prepare you to pursue a career advocating for, working with or teaching students with ASD.

As a student aiming to become an ASD specialist through this degree program, you will receive instruction in main content areas encompassing various essential topics, such as: 

Practices promoting inclusivity for those with ASD

Instructional strategies to assist in transitional life skills

Data-drive assessments

Assistive technology behavioral supports

Leadership and collaboration

Advocacy and professional ethics

Investigate collaboration, conflict resolution and productive environments

Master’s in ASD Degree Offers Relevant Education

This 32-credit degree is designed for licensed teachers who understand the importance of specialized strategies when educating students on the autism spectrum. You will be immersed in research-based learning techniques and inclusive teaching strategies, including effective instructional strategies that can help equip you to teach students with autism spectrum disorders.  

Pursuing this degree may be particularly appealing for licensed educators who are passionate about making a significant impact on the lives of students with ASD, as early intervention and education are vital in establishing a solid foundation for lifelong growth.3 As an ASD specialist, you have the opportunity to play a key role in facilitating the development of essential social skills and learning abilities, paving the way for greater independence for your students.

Within this program, you will be exposed to comprehensive knowledge spanning various competencies within the field — from assessments and eligibility determinations to the implementation and adjustment of students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). You will have opportunities to apply evidence-based techniques directly in the field and be encouraged to consider leadership and advocacy opportunities aimed at creating more inclusive school environments for children of all ability levels.

Special Education Teacher Works with Student on Tablet

Explore Strategies and Skills for Helping Children With ASD

In this master’s in autism spectrum disorders program, you will be taught the special transitional skills needed to help these exceptional students transition from school to independent living. 

Discover techniques and competencies for assisting children with ASD, including:

Instructional strategies

Behavior management techniques

Social skills development

Sensory processing interventions

Indiviualized education plan (IEP) implementation

Gain Practical Experience Through Your Capstone Project

The core focus of the practicum/field experience is to assist educators in developing expertise in utilizing evidence-based and comprehensive approaches to effectively engage and educate your students. The purpose of this action research project is for educators to investigate scholarly research in an autism-related area of interest and conduct their own action research. 

The culminating action research project underscores leadership and advocacy opportunities. These include roles for educators working with stakeholders in delivering services for students with autism spectrum disorders.
Through hands-on practical experiences, graduates will be taught to set career goals, apply research knowledge for professional growth, collaborate effectively, resolve conflicts and foster supportive work environments when working with ASD students.

Similar Programs That Lead to Licensure

The advanced coursework in this ASD degree is conveniently designed for professionals who already hold a teaching license. If you’re seeking a similar degree that leads to licensure, you may want to consider pursuing an MEd in Special Education or an MEd in Special Education Moderate to Severe degree. In addition, financial aid and scholarships may be available for eligible students to help you follow your calling to support or teach students with autism. 

teacher at classroom table next to student
Careers

Career Paths With an Autism Master’s Degree

With this degree, you’ll have opportunities to develop a firm foundation of competencies that are aligned with various career opportunities in the field, such as:

  • Postsecondary education teacher
  • Special education teacher in a preschool, elementary or middle school environment

Families of children with ASD need an educator who will understand and advocate for their developmental, educational and transitional needs. Specializing in ASD can help further these aims as you may be empowered to develop relationships with students and families as you support them through their K-12 education and postsecondary goals. 

Accreditation

Graduate With an ASD Degree From an Institutionally Accredited University 

As an institutionally accredited university, GCU takes pride in offering a quality, goal-oriented academic experience to educators. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

FAQ

Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorder FAQs

GCU has gathered some frequently asked questions about the subfield of special education and earning an autism master’s degree. If you’re still unsure of whether a graduate degree could be right for you, the following answers may provide some clarity.

GCU student working outside on laptop with a purple case

Master ASD Programs Available

Prepare to have a meaningful and positive impact on the future of children with ASD. Apply today to enroll in the online Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders at GCU.

Apply Now

If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

CDC Newsroom Releases. (2023, March 23). Autism prevalence higher, according to data from 11 ADDM communities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved Feb. 8, 2024.

While all courses are completed online, you will need to complete practicum/field experience hours in person locally.

Autism Awareness Australia. (2023, May 26). Autism and Early Childhood Education. Retrieved Feb. 8, 2024. 

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How To Become a Special Education Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Feb. 8, 2024. 

Special Strong. (2024). What Are the Major Benefits of an Autism Certificate? Retrieved April 16, 2024. 

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