Does Purdue Global Have an Online Degree in Autism?

Purdue Global is a part of the Purdue Global system. The university offers dozens of online undergraduate and graduate degrees for working adult students.

At Purdue Global, students have the unique opportunity to earn college credit for professional, academic, and military experiences, helping many students graduate early.

Purdue Global degree program offerings include finance, criminal justice, fire science, nutrition, human services, and cybersecurity. But does the university offer an online autism degree? Read on to find out.

Is an Online Autism Degree Available at Purdue Global?

An online degree specifically focused on autism is not available at Purdue Global.

However, the university offers programs that prepare students to work with people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Whether students want to become educators for P-12 students with special needs or work as behavior analysts who assist individuals diagnosed with ASD, degrees are available.

Learn more about these undergraduate and graduate programs.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a 34-course program designed for completion in four years.

The program explores what motivates human behavior, teaches ways to address complex behaviors, and shows how to use applied behavior analysis to treat children with autism and other diagnoses.

Enrollees are prepared to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) examination.

Prerequisites

To gain entry to the BS in psychology in applied behavior analysis program, students must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.

While there are no listed prerequisite courses, the university recommends that students complete orientation before starting classes.

Program Requirements

To earn the bachelor's degree, students must earn 180 credits in one of two ways:

• 45 core credits
• 107 major credits
• 28 elective credits

Or

• 45 core credits
• 107 major credits
• 8 elective credits
• 20 concentration credits

Courses

The program offers one course specific to autism: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young Children. A

Additional courses in this program include:

• exceptional needs children
• child and adolescent psychology
• neuroscience
• clinical psychology
• personality development
• abnormal psychology
• human behavior and the environment

Concentrations

The BS in psychology in applied behavior analysis offers a concentration in business foundations. Students are not required to choose this concentration to complete the program.

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Science (MS) in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an online program consisting of nine courses. The program is typically completed in one and a half years.

Courses explore intervention, assessment, evidence-based practice strategies, and psychological and behavioral theories to prepare students to help clients with various behavior disorders.

The program offers the option to complete a fieldwork experience on the job or with one of the university's partners.

Students in this program are prepared to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification exam.

Prerequisites

Students must possess a bachelor's degree to gain admission to this program.

Program Requirements

To earn the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, students must earn 45 total credits, all of which are categorized as core credits.

Courses

Some courses included in the program include:

• life span development
• learning and behavior
• ethics for behavior analysts
• implementing procedures for behavior change
• principles of applied behavior analysis
• behaviorism and philosophical foundations of applied behavior analysis

While no courses focus on autism, a major component of ABA therapy is to help people with disorders like ASD increase social abilities, reduce negative behaviors, and implement maintenance behaviors.

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) is a program for current P-12 teachers as well as individuals interested in starting a teaching career.

Courses go over professional responsibilities in the classroom, academic content and pedagogy, diverse learners, assessment, and much more.

Students interested in working with youth diagnosed with ASD can take on the program's Teaching Students with Special Needs concentration.

While the program doesn't lead to teaching certification or licensure, Purdue Global partners with the American Board to help students pursue certification in specific states.

Prerequisites

To gain admission to this program, students are required to possess a bachelor's degree.

Program Requirements

To complete this program, students must earn 45 to 46 credits via the following:

• 29 core credits
• 16 to 17 concentration credits

Courses

Core courses include:

• classroom management
• assessment in education
• leadership essentials
• transforming teaching practice
• curriculum design

Concentrations

Students who choose the Teaching Students with Special Needs concentration must complete the following courses:

• needs assessment and evaluation in education and training
• teaching exceptional students in inclusive settings
• teaching students with learning disabilities
• teaching students with behavioral disorders

Additional concentration options include Educational Leadership and Teaching Literacy and Language.

Is Autism Certification Necessary to Work with ASD Students?

Generally, getting an autism certificate is not required to work with individuals who have been diagnosed with ASD.

For instance, to work as an autism specialist, you might need a master's degree in special education or applied behavior analysis along with special education or BCBA certification.

Similarly, if you want to work as a board-certified behavior analyst, you'll need a master's degree and must be registered with the Board Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

If you want to work as a certified autism specialist, you might need a master's degree and an Autism Certificate (AC) from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

Another option is the Certified Autism Specialist (CAD) certification from IBCCES.

Is a Degree from Purdue Global the Same as a Degree from Purdue Global?

Purdue Global aims to provide its students with a very similar academic experience and educational outcome as students attending Purdue Global.

Online learners with Purdue Global have access to a variety of student services like career counseling, free tutoring, and individual educational advising.

The majority of faculty members teaching programs at Purdue Global have advanced degrees and many even have doctoral degrees.

Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is the same institutional accreditor for Purdue Global.

Is a Degree from Purdue Global Respected?

Purdue Global has earned high marks as a top national university, public school, and performer in social mobility. It has also been recognized for its nursing programs.

While one might think that online degrees on the whole or not respected, studies show the opposite. Most executives say that online degrees are just as credible as degrees earned through traditional in-person programs.

This is especially true for accredited programs like those offered by Purdue Global.

Enroll in an Online Autism Degree Program at Purdue Global

If you're ready to begin working with individuals who have been diagnosed with ASD, now's a great time to get started.

Enroll in one of Purdue Global's online autism degree programs and take steps to start your career today.