The concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (A&DD) provides advanced training in the design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based practices to individuals with autism and related developmental and physical disabilities, and their families. This program can be completed by one of two options (M.Ed. or M.A.), involving flexible combinations of coursework, practicum, and applied intervention research. With both options, the program of study uniquely integrates theory, research, and practice. This program also meets all the coursework requirements for the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) under the 5th Task List, thus, students who complete the program of study will be eligible to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). Graduates are prepared to assume educational and related professional positions as teachers, behavior analysts, and clinicians, serving all ages, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and incorporating assistive technology.
The Master’s concentration in A&DD can be pursued through one of two three options, each involving a minimum of 36 semester hours. :
- Option 1. This option involves completion of
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- 9 courses plus
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- 3 practical experiences leading to the M.Ed. degree and can be completed in 12 months of full-time study.
- Option 2. This option (M.Ed. with Report option) is identical to Option 1 but the student may complete a research report that will consist of a systematic review of the literature pertaining to a topic of interest. Option 2 will be available contingent on the availability of a supervising faculty member.
- Option 3. Students who select Option
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- 3 will pursue a research-based Master of Arts (M.A.) degree including courses, practical experiences, and a research thesis. In most cases, the thesis research will involve an applied intervention study. The M.A. option is intended to provide advanced training in applied intervention research. Option 3 will be available contingent on the availability of a supervising faculty member.
Components of the two respective degree plans are as follows:
Coursework
A minimum of 36 hours of course work is required for the M.Ed. in A&DD. Required coursework for each program track is as follows:
Semester | AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES Fall | Option 1 M.Ed. | Option 2 M.Ed. with Report | Option 3 M.A. | |
Fall | SED 380: Cultural & Linguistic Diversity | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | |
SED 388: Teaching Individuals with Autism & Development Disabilities | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | ||
SED 394: Practicum in SED - Professional & Ethical Practice | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | ||
SED 388: Challenging Behavior & Developmental Disabilities | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | ||
Spring | SED 388: Advances in Understanding/Treatment of Autism | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | |
SED 396: Single Subject Design | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | ||
SED 384: Communication Intervention | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | ||
SED 388: Practicum in SED - Severe & Multiple DisabilitiesSummer | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | ||
Summer | SED 388f388: Practicum in SED - Professional Development in ABA (Online) | 3 hours | SED 388 | 3 hours | 3 hours |
SED f388: Theoretical Framework in ABA (Online) | 3 hours | SED 386 | 3 hours | 3 hours | |
SED s386: Positive Behavior Supports and Classroom Management (Online) | SED 388 | 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours | |
SED s388: Advanced Concepts in ABA (Online) | Core Areas of Study | Option 1 M.Ed. | Option2 3 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
Fall | M. AEd. Report Option: | ||||
Department Core
and Rehabilitation Counseling
| 6 hours | 6 hours | |||
Concentration Core consists of 7 (M.Ed.) or 6 (M.A.) courses in the Autism/Developmental Disabilities Area, selected from:
| 21 hours | 18 hours | Special Education Electives
| 3 hours6 hours | 6 hours |
| 36 hours | 36 hours |
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SED 398R: Report writing Research-based course (chosen in consultation with adviser M.A. with Thesis Option SED 698 A: Thesis Research-based course (chosen in consultation with adviser) | NA | 9 hours | 9 hours | |
Spring | M.A. with Thesis Option SED 698 A: Thesis Research-based course (chosen in consultation with adviser) | NA | NA | 9 hours |
Total Required Hours | 36 hours | 45 Hours | 54 Hours |
Description of Courses
Note: Courses marked with ** are approved as part of our BACB course sequence under the 5th Task List.
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The program in Autism & Developmental Disabilities includes BACB-approved coursework that meets the requirements under the 5th Task List. Students who complete this program of work will take all necessary coursework for the BCBA exam. The practicum courses will allow students to begin accruing supervised experience hours also required to take the exam.
For students who may wish to explore licensing in other states, please note that our course sequence is in line with Texas licensing: https://www.bacb.com/u-s-licensure-of-behavior-analysts/
For questions regarding Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification, contact:
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