Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities online
Prepare to rise to new leadership roles supporting those who work directly with exceptional learners in special education programs and expand your influence at the school, district, and community levels.
Program Overview
Learn more about our MEd in Special Education – ASD and Developmental Disabilities online program.
Grow your impact as a teacher leader in special education with our Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities online. This advanced online program builds on your instructional expertise to elevate your opportunities working with teachers, administrators, and parents of exceptional learners.
Aligned with Advanced Preparation Standards authored by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), this innovative online master’s in special education infuses research, inquiry, and ethics into every class. Course outlines and resources incorporate the latest DSM, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices. Candidates will evaluate practices such as conducting assessments, collaboration, interventions, and life planning, while facilitating and improving professional development and leadership around these practices.
Our faculty of practitioners will provide you with the best in theory and practice as you prepare to facilitate quality learning experiences, an enriching environment for educators, and a supportive network for families and the community at large. While earning this degree does not lead to certification, you will graduate ready to advance in your career as a professional leader in areas of autism and developmental disabilities.
Learning outcomes:
- Use valid and reliable assessment practices to minimize bias
- Use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to improve programs, supports, and services at classroom, school, community, and system levels
- Facilitate the continuous improvement of general and special education programs, supports, and services at the classroom, school, and system levels for individuals with exceptionalities
- Conduct, evaluate, and use inquiry to guide professional practice
- Provide leadership to formulate goals, set and meet high professional expectations, advocate for effective policies and evidence-based practices, and create positive and productive work environments
- Use foundational knowledge of the field and professional ethical principles to inform special education practice, engage in lifelong learning, advance the profession, and perform leadership responsibilities to promote the success of professional colleagues and individuals with exceptionalities
- Use valid and reliable assessment practices to minimize bias
- Use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to improve programs, supports, and services at classroom, school, community, and system levels
- Facilitate the continuous improvement of general and special education programs, supports, and services at the classroom, school, and system levels for individuals with exceptionalities
- Conduct, evaluate, and use inquiry to guide professional practice
- Provide leadership to formulate goals, set and meet high professional expectations, advocate for effective policies and evidence-based practices, and create positive and productive work environments
- Use foundational knowledge of the field and professional ethical principles to inform special education practice, engage in lifelong learning, advance the profession, and perform leadership responsibilities to promote the success of professional colleagues and individuals with exceptionalities
Career opportunities:
- Behavior Analyst
- School Social Worker
- Special Education Teacher or Department Lead
- Post-Secondary Special Education Teacher
- Behavior Analyst
- School Social Worker
- Special Education Teacher or Department Lead
- Post-Secondary Special Education Teacher
The College of Education at William Paterson University is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Need More Information?
Tuition
Find out how and when to pay your tuition.
The William Paterson University College of Education offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to all our online students, wherever they reside. All fees are included in the total tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEd in Special Education – ASD and Developmental Disabilities | $520 | $1,560 | $15,600 |
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
Plan ahead with these upcoming start dates and deadlines.
William Paterson University online education programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, with 7-week courses and six start dates each year.
Now enrolling:
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer I | 5/15/23 | 4/25/23 | 5/1/23 | 5/8/23 | 5/10/23 | 7/2/23 | 7 weeks |
| Summer II | 7/10/23 | 6/14/23 | 6/20/23 | 7/3/23 | 7/5/23 | 8/27/23 | 7 weeks |
| Fall I | 9/5/23 | 8/13/23 | 8/16/23 | 8/25/23 | 8/30/23 | 10/22/23 | 7 weeks |
| Fall II | 10/30/23 | 10/8/23 | 10/11/23 | 10/23/23 | 10/25/23 | 12/17/23 | 7 weeks |
Now enrolling:
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?
Admissions
See the requirements to get started on your online MEd degree at WP.
At William Paterson University, we’ve streamlined the admission process to help you get started right away. Please read the requirements for the MEd in Special Education – ASD and Developmental Disabilities online program, including what additional materials you need and where you should send them. Review the Program Map to determine eligibility of this program in your state.
The requirements include:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- CEAS or Standard teaching certificate in special education
- No GRE required for admission
You must meet the following requirements for admission to this MEd in Special Education – ASD and Developmental Disabilities online program:
- Submit online application and $50 application fee
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- CEAS or Standard teaching certificate in special education (or equivalent)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Official transcripts and other documents should be sent from the granting institutions to:
Email address: [email protected]
Mail address:
Office of Graduate Admissions and Enrollment ServicesWilliam Paterson University
Morrison Hall 102
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
Courses
See the topics you’ll study in this MEd in Special Education online program.
For the MEd in Special Education – ASD and Developmental Disabilities online program, you must complete 30 credit hours of core coursework. SPED 5190 is a fixed first course.
