<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>The Master of Arts in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders program is an online program designed to provide you with knowledge of best practices for teaching the cognitively, emotionally, or learning-disabled student with Autism. The University of St. Thomas has developed this graduate-level program for education and related professionals looking to further their understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Since this program is not designed to lead to licensure, students will not be required to participate in clinical practice. However, it should be noted that more states are requiring licenses. If you are interested, St. Thomas also offers a Master in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders License option if you feel this will be a better fit for your professional goals. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>If you are considering this program, you should be motivated to help students with Autism who have conditions that affect their communication, socialization, and development. Your professional goals should also include ensuring that they perform as well as they can academically. Prior to enrolling in the Master of Arts in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders program at the University of St. Thomas, you must have already earned a bachelor's degree. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You will be required to complete 31 credits in this non-license ASD program. All courses are worth three credits except for the Special Education Special Project, for which you will earn one credit. </p> <p><u>Master of Arts in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code </th><th> Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>SPED 750 </td><td> Survey of Exceptionality</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 785 </td><td> Behavior Management</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 716 </td><td> Fundamentals for Students with Mild to Moderate Needs</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 714 </td><td> Collaboration Skills for School Professionals</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 645 </td><td> Educational Assessment</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 717 </td><td> Elementary Academic Interventions</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 702 </td><td> Communication and Social Skills for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 703 </td><td> Methods and Materials for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 777 </td><td> Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Moderate to Severe Developmental Disabilities</td></tr> <tr><td>CIED 500 </td><td> Principles of Educational Research</td></tr> <tr><td>SPED 799 </td><td> Special Education Final Project</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>If you are successful in completing all Master of Arts in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders program requirements, you could be prepared to incorporate your knowledge of ASD education into your current position. You may go on to utilize your special education and ASD competencies in professions such as: </p> <ul><li>Special Education Teacher </li><li>Psychologist </li><li>General Education Teacher </li><li>Social Worker </li><li>Community Agency Worker </li><li>Speech-Language Pathologist </li><li>Counselor </li><li>Childcare Worker </li><li>Recreational Therapist </li><li>Occupational Therapist </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>A related doctoral program could equip you with the knowledge and credentials that may be required to pursue positions of leadership in special education. These advanced career opportunities could involve research, administration, or university teaching. Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders program, you might seek admission to a degree program such as: </p> <ul><li>Ph.D. in Special Education </li><li>Ph.D. in Special Education in Autism Education</li></ul>