Special Education Autism

Program Facts

Delivery Method:

Online

Start Term:

All

Completion Time:

12 Months

Credits:

Request info about Special Education Autism

About Our Special Education Autism Program

According to current research, one out of every 54 children born today will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This has led to a significant demand for working professionals who understand autism. That’s why SRU developed the Special Education with an Emphasis on Autism graduate program. This program’s curriculum is highly specialized with courses that address the social and communication needs of children with autism, an Applied Behavior Analysis course to prepare teachers for academic instruction, and curriculum and program needs for children with ASD.

Why Get a Special Education Autism Degree?

Highly specialized graduate degree that addresses the social and communication needs for children with Autism, an Applied Behavior Analysis course to prepare teachers for academic instruction, and curriculum and program needs for children with ASD.
100% online program convenient for the working professional.
Flexible curriculum that meets the demands of classroom teachers or human service agency professionals.
Learn from expert faculty with an expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Curriculum aligned with Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards and Pennsylvania Department of Education competencies.

Accredited. Respected. Proven.

Slippery Rock University's Special Education Autism Program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This accreditation is the gold standard for teacher preparation programs, which means our curriculum has been rigorously reviewed by professionals and meets the highest national standards for excellence. Graduating from a CAEP-accredited institution gives you a competitive edge, showing school districts that you're a highly qualified educator who is well-prepared to lead a modern, effective classroom.

Career Outcomes

A Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Autism prepares you for highly in-demand, specialized roles in education and human services. With the increasing need for qualified professionals who understand autism, this degree positions you to become a leader and an expert in your school or agency. Graduates are equipped with the evidence-based strategies needed to create effective and inclusive learning environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. This degree prepares you for advanced roles such as:

Autism Support Teacher (inclusive or self-contained classroom)
Special Education Teacher with a specialization in Autism
Autism Specialist or Consultant for a school district
Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC)
Lead Special Education Teacher or Department Head
Early Intervention Specialist
Transition Coordinator for students with ASD
Advocate or Program Coordinator for autism-focused organizations

Requirements

What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!

Program Director / Coordinator

Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Eric Bieniek
Special Education
724.738.4106
eric.bieniek@sru.edu

When are applications accepted?

Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.

What are all of the admissions requirements?

Attention: To apply for admission, please use the following link to apply now.

$25 Application Fee
Copy of Teaching Certificate (optional for Autism degree)
Resume
Two Electronic Recommendation Forms: two from a professional or one from a professional and one from a faculty member
Official Transcripts- Undergraduate/Graduate (Official transcripts must be sent by institution via electronic transcript e-share to graduate.admissions@sru.edu or via mail- faxed copies will not be considered official)
SRU current/Alumni/former students click here to order your official SRU final transcript and have it sent to graduate.admissions@sru.edu

Please Note:

If you are requesting a review of your graduate transcripts for transfer of credit, please complete the transfer of credit form and submit it to the Office of Graduate Admissions with official graduate transcripts. Please also review SRU's transfer of credit policy.
Applicants may submit supplemental materials as a PDF or JPEG file via email (graduate.admissions@sru.edu), fax (724.738.2146), or mail.
If you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, please check the list of states approved for online classes and internships by clicking here. The Autism Endorsement must be applied for through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Clearances are due no later than one week prior to the course registration deadline for any practicum/field experience. No student will be permitted to register for these experiences without clear clearances on file at SRU. The following are required:
- Clear Act 34 Criminal History Record: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Clear Act 114 FBI Record Check: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Clear Act 151 Child Abuse Background Check: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Act 24 Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification: Students must file an updated Act 24 with SRU if any additional arrests/convictions occur while enrolled.
Testing and PDE certification requirements can be found here.

Please note: For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.

Special Education Autism (M.Ed.)