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Autism Specialist
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Credits:
31
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Degree:
Master of Education
Program Description
Teachers in general education and special education are working with more and more students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Autism Specialist Master of Education program answers the growing need for more understanding and better preparation for those working with students with severe disabilities. The program offers opportunities to personalize your learning and flexible study options for working professionals who want to become specialists in autism.
Who Is the Autism Specialist Degree Designed For?
This program is designed for experienced teachers and para-professionals, to enhance their working knowledge of the field. It also provides opportunities to explore new professional opportunities working with individuals with autism. This is not a licensure program and does not lead to Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification.
Cambridge College Autism Specialist Program Highlights
Take the next step in your education and career. The autism specialist degree at Cambridge College is a flexible, hands-on program designed to fit your busy schedule.
- Personalized learning opportunities. Specialize your course of study through an independent learning project that enhances your preparedness as a professional educator.
- Flexible class schedules. Balance education with work and family time with the help of flexible, convenient class options available evenings, weekends, and online.
- Experienced faculty. Work closely with top faculty who bring extensive research experience and expertise in autism spectrum disorders to the program.
- Exceptional value. Save on tuition at one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the nation.
- No GMAT required. Get started on your master’s degree—Cambridge College does not require standardized graduate school tests for admission into non-licensure programs.
In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
Autism Specialist Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the autism specialist master’s program will have a strong understanding of autism, behavioral issues, and severe special needs. Required courses cover a broad range of topics including:
- Assistive technologies and federal laws pertaining to special education.
- Current research in childhood development.
- Behavior management, assessing and managing communication disorders, and social skills intervention.
- Teaching and curriculum development for students with autism and other disabilities.
Autism Specialist Jobs
Autism behavior specialists work in a wide range of educational settings as teachers, school therapists, student aides, and other professional roles. In addition to working directly with special needs students, autism specialists may also conduct assessments, submit recommendations, and develop individualized care or education plans.
Autism Specialist Salary
Special education teachers and teachers who work with children with autism earn an average annual salary of about $60,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational therapists earn about $80,000 per year.
Example Autism Specialist Courses
This master’s degree program features courses such as:
- Autism: History, Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Characteristics
- Laws and Regulations Pertaining to Special Education
- Teaching and Curriculum Development/Students With Severe Disabilities
Download the Autism Specialist program sheet.
Autism Specialist Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your autism specialist master’s degree. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these Master of Education programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
Choose one 3-credit School of Education elective in addition to the required courses below:
This course will assist the new student in planning and developing a graduate study program that is appropriate to the student's academic and professional needs. When a student is accepted into the program he/she should enroll immediately only in this course and work with an advisor to schedule additional courses. In addition, this course will offer opportunities for more direct advising, introduction to College protocols such as TaskStream and other opportunities for academic success.
Core Faculty
Senior Instructor
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Education
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits:
31
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Cost per credit hour:
$609
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,962 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.
Note: Rates are as of July 2022, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more