Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.)

Special Education

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement

100% Online 30 - 36 credits * 2 years

Affordable Tuition

$166/mo

*if using financial aid

How to Pay

What You Learn

This program is for individuals who hold a valid Minnesota teaching license and who wish to expand their teaching skills and knowledge of the characteristics and interventions used with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. It is designed to prepare highly effective professional, decision making, and reflective educators who are proficient in foundational knowledge; referral, evaluation, planning, and programming; instructional design, teaching, and ongoing evaluation; collaboration and communication; standards of effective practice; and core special education skills including instructional strategies, social/emotional health, social competence, cultural competence, classroom management, and academic competence.

How You Learn

This is an asynchronous online cohort program. Students will participate in activities through the online learning management system (Blackboard) which may include assignments, weekly discussion boards, and/or collaborate on group activities done electronically. You will take one course at a time finishing every 8 weeks. This program is designed with the working educator in mind and combines the benefits of a supportive cohort approach and a flexible learning environment.

Career Outcomes

Students can choose to earn a Master of Arts in Special Education with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Endorsements (36 Credit Hours). Students who are not looking to earn a Master’s degree can obtain an Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Endorsement without a Master’s degree (30 Credit Hours).

Licensure Disclosure Statement: 

Each state has different requirements for professional licensure and certifications. CSP Global’s educator preparation programs are designed specifically to prepare students for licensure in Minnesota, but are not approved by any other state licensing boards for licensure in those states. CSP Global is unable to determine whether its teacher preparation programs would meet the educational requirements for licensure in other states.  Students who want to work in a state other than Minnesota should contact the state licensing board in their state before enrolling in the program.  Please see the contact information for teacher licensing boards here

Degree Requirements

Program Courses Credits

CourseTitleHours
SPED 580Ethical Issues for Professional Educators of Exceptional Learners3
SPED 581Instructional Strategies in Special Education3
SPED 583Collaborative Teaching in Inclusive Settings3
SPED 582Teaching Students with Linguistic Differences or Difficulties3
SPED 573Fundamentals: Autism Spectrum Disorders3
SPED 574Communication and Social Skills Training3
SPED 596Behavior Management3
SPED 575Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders3
SPED 586Learners with Disabilities: Educational Assessment3
SPED 593Applied Experience in Autism Spectrum Disorders3
 Total Credits for Licensure Program:30*
ED 521Educational Research and Applications3
ED 590Conducting Research and Completing the Capstone3
 Total Credits for Licensure and MA program:36*
Please Note:

*Supplemental Courses ED 548 Literacy I: Content and Methods for Teaching K-6 Literacy and ED 558 Literacy II: Content and Methods for Teaching K-6 Literacy (3 credits each for total of 6 credits) is required unless candidates can verify equivalent coursework addressing comprehensive scientifically based reading instruction including reading foundations and assessment.

You must hold a current and valid Minnesota Tier 3 or Tier 4 teaching license to enroll in the Master of Arts in Special Education program with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Endorsement, Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Endorsement, Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Endorsement or any Endorsement only Special Education program.

This is not an official schedule and your cohort may take these courses in a different order.