Master of Arts in Special Education
This 36-hour degree plan is designed for individuals who are seeking board certification in behavior analysis. Students have the option of earning an MA (thesis) or MA (nonthesis). The MA (thesis) option requires successful completion of a master's thesis defense. The MA (nonthesis) requies successful completion of a research project or literature review. The degree plan originates in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Special Populations. The candidate must successfully complete a departmental comprehensive examination. Candidates must be enrolled in coursework during the semester they take comprehensive examinations.
To be regularly admitted to the graduate school, applicants must submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, both undergraduate and graduate (Note: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in undergraduate and graduate work is expected)
NOTE: Candidates may be permitted to enroll for one semester while their admission file is incomplete.
Applicants with completed files are reviewed for regular admission by graduate faculty in each program area and are selected by faculty based on information in the completed file.
Applicants must submit to the Department of Language, Literacy and Special Populations:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Acceptable writing sample
- Teacher Service Record
The early deadline for applications is January 10th to allow students to apply for university scholarships. The priority deadline for applications is May 1st. The final deadline is August 1st. Applications are reviewed for Fall semester start dates only.
Master of Arts in Special Education (Low Incidence Disabilities and Autism Program)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Special Education (Low Incidence Disabilities and Autism Program) | ||
| Courses | ||
| SPED 6301 | Applied Behavior Analysis * | 3 |
| SPED 6302 | Seminar In Autism Spectrum Dis | 3 |
| SPED 6303 | Behavioral Assmt & Interventn * | 3 |
| SPED 6304 | In-Home Training & Family Iss | 3 |
| SPED 6306 | Eval & Measurement Of Behavior * | 3 |
| SPED 6307 | Behavior Change & Sys Support * | 3 |
| SPED 6309 | Internship | 3 |
| or SPED 6311 | Smnr Special Education | |
| SPED 6313 | Seminar-Language/Learning Dis | 3 |
| or SPED 6328 | Practicum in Behavior Analysis | |
| SPED 6314 | Thesis I-Rsch Mthd-Bhvr Analys * | 3 |
| SPED 6315 | Thesis II 1 | 3 |
| or SPED 6317 | Applied Research In Spec Ed | |
| SPED 6318 | Ethics for Behavior Analysts * | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Stdy-Cogntve/Low Incidn Dsblty | ||
| Tch Mthd-Lrnrs/Mild-Mod Dsblty | ||
| Std Behavior Disorder Children | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
| 1 | MA Thesis students enroll in SPED 6315. MA Non-thesis students enroll in SPED 6317. |
| * | The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® has approved the following course sequence as meeting the 4th edition coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify. |
Post Master's Degree Program
Program) Students with a master's degree in a related field who complete the following courses will be eligible to sit for the Behavior Analysis Board Certification Exam.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Post Master's Degree Program | ||
| SPED 6301 | Applied Behavior Analysis * | 3 |
| SPED 6303 | Behavioral Assmt & Interventn * | 3 |
| SPED 6306 | Eval & Measurement Of Behavior * | 3 |
| SPED 6307 | Behavior Change & Sys Support * | 3 |
| SPED 6309 | Internship | 3 |
| or SPED 6311 | Smnr Special Education | |
| SPED 6313 | Seminar-Language/Learning Dis | 3 |
| or SPED 6328 | Practicum in Behavior Analysis | |
| SPED 6314 | Thesis I-Rsch Mthd-Bhvr Analys * | 3 |
| SPED 6318 | Ethics for Behavior Analysts * | 3 |
| Total Hours | 24 | |
