An Innovative Approach to Inclusive Learning that Spans a Lifetime

Online Graduate Programs in
Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders,
and Applied Behavior Analysis

The special education master’s and graduate certificate programs at George Mason University provides you with the skills needed to successfully enhance opportunities for people with disabilities. The programs are rooted in evidence-based and research-based practices, which lead to success in a wide variety of settings including schools, private practice, agencies, and even home environments.

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Why Choose Mason’s Education Programs?

  • Faculty LogoLed by distinguished faculty with extensive research and practice backgrounds
  • Online Education LogoOnline delivery format provides flexibility and accessibility for working professionals everywhere
  • Outcomes Checklist LogoOutcomes-focused program through evidence-based learning
  • Competitive Tuition LogoRanked #7 of U.S. News & World Report's Best Online Special Education Programs, 2022

Learn more about:

MEd in Special Education | ASD Graduate Certificate | ABA Graduate Certificate

MEd in Special Education Snapshot:

There are four foundational courses. Students will complete these four courses in conjunction with two selected focus areas: Autism Spectrum Disorders and Applied Behavior Analysis. Descriptions of those focus areas are outlined below.

  • 24
    Months
  • 30
    Credit Hours
  • Licensure*
  • Program can be
    completed in 2 years
  • 10 courses including
    4 core courses
  • Non-licensure in VA;
    Check with your state for
    licensure regulations

Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate Snapshot:

This certificate does not require any field experience (internship or practicum). Instead, the coursework has built-in simulations and application activities to aid in experiential learning. The program can be a stand-alone certificate or a specialization of the Master’s program.

  • 18
    Months
  • 18
    Credit Hours
  • Licensure*
  • Program can be
    completed in 1.5 years
  • 6 Asynchronous Courses
  • Non-licensure program

Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate Snapshot:

Course content is derived from the Task List published by the national Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB™) and is verified to meet course requirements to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Examination**. The program can be a stand-alone certificate or a specialization of the Master’s program.

  • 18
    Months
  • 21
    Credit Hours
  • Licensure***
  • Program can be
    completed in 1.5 years
  • 7 Asynchronous Courses
  • Non-licensure teacher program;
    Prepares you to sit for BACB™
    exam if supervised
    experience requirements
    have been met
VCS Program

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the ABA courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

Disclaimers

*Autism - This program is intended to provide advanced study of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). George Mason University is currently exploring autism-specific licensure opportunities that may exist in your state upon completion of the program; however, this degree program is not intended to fully prepare students for teaching licensure in any state. Students are strongly encouraged to be proactive and verify all licensure information.

*ABA - This program is intended to provide verified coursework for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) credential. George Mason University is currently exploring ABA-related licensure opportunities that may exist in your state upon completion of that credential; however, this degree program is not intended to fully prepare students for teaching or ABA licensure in any state. Individual states may have additional requirements for licensure. The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts provides resources on ABA licensure. Students are strongly encouraged to be proactive and verify all licensure information.

**At this time, we will not be extending access to the exam for international candidates beyond January 1, 2023. However, we do not look at citizenship status when determining examination access. If a student is currently residing in the US, even if they are here on a student visa, they would still retain their authorization to complete the examination as long as their US address is listed in their BACB account.

***For Certificate Only - The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® has specific degree requirements for eligibility to apply for the BCBA® credential. Click here for more details.

 

Evidence-Based Learning

Student-centered learning, not faculty-centered teaching.

Our research-based curriculum is designed to develop your proficiency in the competencies necessary for future success in special education, autism spectrum disorders, or applied behavior analysis. The coursework is regularly assessed and adjusted in response to:

  • Student Proficiency LogoDemonstrated student proficiency
  • Alumni Success LogoEvidence of alumni career success
  • Employer Guidance LogoPurposeful guidance of the organizations we serve
  • Scientific LogoScientific advances in the disciplines
  • Faculty Research LogoRenowned faculty experience with research and practice backgrounds

 

"The faculty were very engaged with the students and clearly interested in our success. They were very knowledgeable in the subject area and clearly passionate about their field. They were incredibly responsive to questions as well."

— Beth Felsen, Owner, Spectrum Transition Coaching

 

Master of Education in Special Education

The online master's degree in special education prepares classroom educators, and individuals working in a special education context outside of the classroom, with the specialized skills and content knowledge needed to support individuals with disabilities. Becoming an expert practitioner through advanced training enhances your employability and opens the door for new opportunities.

Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate

This part-time online program prepares professionals and family members to work with children and adults with autism spectrum disorders in school, home and community settings. The emphasis on working with individuals with autism across their lifespans makes this program unique. Most programs have an emphasis on school-age children with autism – but this program has a broader range of application with a focus that expands to adolescence, transition to adulthood, adulthood, and aging.

Ideal For:

School Administrators

Behavior Analysts

Family Members Affected By Autism

Interventionists

Psychologists

Physical and Occupational Therapists

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Graduate Certificate

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a discipline devoted to understanding all human behavior and making behavioral improvements through the application of empirically validated, scientific methodology to real-world problems and solutions. The Applied Behavior Analysis online graduate certificate is markedly different from the Autism Spectrum Disorders program; its application isn’t limited to special education or people who have disabilities – though it often is used for those purposes.

Ideal For:

Business and industry

Treatment of psychiatric disorders

General and specialty medicine

Autism

Family relationships

Numerous other areas

Intellectual disabilities

Geriatrics

Education at all levels

“In the military, you learn how to align people who have strengths in areas that help the unit function very efficiently. This program also teaches you to provide people within an organization the ability to improve their skills through different means.”

Vinnie J., student, 2019

“I have been very impressed with the level of rigor and course material. My experience in the military directly aligns with the teaching.”

Aseba G., student, 2020

Read more about how George Mason University's Office of Military Services can assist with accessing your military benefits.

Connect with us to learn more about our high-quality courses and rich, meaningful engagement with professors and fellow students.

 

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Professional Licensure Disclosure. This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool (https://provost.gmu.edu/licensure) for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.