Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Department of Special Education

A young woman works with an autistic boy while sitting on a sofa.

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 of our graduates 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. 

As a graduate of our AD&D program, you will be 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.

Faculty

Starting Fall 2024, our M.Ed. specializations in Autism and Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Intervention are available both fully online and in-person!

Area Co-Coordinator
Mark O’Reilly

Area Co-Coordinator
Terry Falcomatta