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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.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
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
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.
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).
1 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.
2 While all courses are completed online, you will need to complete practicum/field experience hours in person locally.
3 Autism Awareness Australia. (2023, May 26). Autism and Early Childhood Education. Retrieved Feb. 8, 2024.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Sept. 6). How To Become a Special Education Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Feb. 8, 2024.
5 Special Strong. (2024). What Are the Major Benefits of an Autism Certificate? Retrieved April 16, 2024.
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.
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.
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
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.
If you’d like to explore curriculum that surveys ASD, you may decide to enroll in an undergraduate teaching degree program that emphasizes special education. For example, you may work toward a teaching degree that examines special education in either early childhood education settings or elementary school. Another option is to earn a general undergraduate teaching degree, followed by specialized graduate-level education in special education in general or ASD in particular.
Qualification requirements for aspiring special education teachers vary by state and setting. To work with children with autism in a public school, you will need to hold at least a bachelor’s degree plus a state-issued teaching license or certification.4 In addition, depending on your state, you may be required to earn an autism master’s degree.4 Continuous professional development to stay current with advancements in autism research and interventions may be essential for effectively supporting individuals with autism.
If you are passionate about empowering children with ASD to acquire the academic, social and communication skills they need to flourish, you may find earning this master’s degree to be a worthwhile endeavor. Furthering your career qualifications may provide the following benefits:5
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Work through the curriculum from virtually anywhere and enhance your career qualifications on a conveniently flexible schedule.2
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.
