Special Education - Autism Specialization, M.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Faculty:

Jeremy Brueck, Ph.D.
Daniel Casebeer, Ph.D.
Kathleen Harris, Ph.D.
Jacque Johnston, M.A.
Mary Monsour, Ed.D.
Bonnie Ordonez, Ed. D.
Jennifer Suppo, Ed.D., Program Director
Teresa Vasinko, D.Ed.

The Master of Arts in Special Education-Autism Specialization is designed to enhance the teaching skills necessary to provide a quality education for all students, especially students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Theory and skills are presented to help teachers address the educational needs of children and youth who have Autism. The Autism Endorsement coursework and fieldwork included within the MA are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program content and pedagogy are intended to provide comprehensive training for teachers of students diagnosed with Autism. Candidates must hold a current PA teacher certification in Special Education.

Educational Objectives

to develop the concepts and skills necessary to analyze and conduct research in Autism
to expose teachers to contemporary issues in special education and Autism through the use of educational technology
to enable teachers to conduct diagnostic assessment and design and implement instructional strategies for exceptional children with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorders
to prepare teachers to effectively participate in parent and family conferencing for exceptional children
to expose teachers to the current educational philosophies of effective management of students with behavioral disorders in the classroom, including the use of Applied Behavioral Analysis
to prepare teachers to effectively provide educational development for students with Autism

Note: A Master of Arts in Special Education with Special Education Certification is also available to those who hold a current initial teacher certification outside of special education but do not hold a current PA teacher certification in Special Education. Please refer to the Special Education link under Graduate Degree Programs located under volume III. Academic Programs and Requirements in the university catalog for additional information.

Special Education - Autism Specialization Curriculum

Master of Arts with Autism Endorsement

SED 560 - Legal Issues & Procedures in Sp Ed (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 565 - Interventions: Reading,Writing, Math (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 570 - Collaboration & Transitions (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 730 - Managing Behavioral Issues (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 841 - Autism: Theory and Practice (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 842 - Autism Strategies Devel Social Comp (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 843 - Autism: Applied Behavior Analysis (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 844 - Autism: Assess, Curriculum & Transi (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 860 - Instructional & Assistive Tech (Education) 3 Credit(s)
SED 936 - Research-Based Practicum (Education) 3 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 30

You may select the following Autism Endorsement Program:

This 12-credit, online program is offered to professional educators in the state of Pennsylvania who are interested in adding the Autism Endorsement offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to their professional certification. Seton Hill University does not provide the endorsement.

Upon completion of this PDE approved program, candidates must apply for the endorsement using the Teacher Information Management System available at the Pennsylvania’s Department of Education (PDE) website. The prerequisites for obtaining the Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement are:

The candidate must have a Pennsylvania Level 1 or Level II certificate in regular and/or special education, school psychologist, principal, guidance counselor, speech and language clinician, occupational and physical therapist, or reading specialist.
The candidate must successfully complete all four courses, which include a minimum of 80 hours of integrated field experience.