Special Education
Master of Arts Degree (M.A.) with Behavior Analysis and Autism Concentration
The M.A. in Special Education with a Behavior Analysis and Autism concentration meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirements for those pursuing the BCBA Pathway 2 eligibility route.
Course Sequence
Year 1 - Fall Semester
Procedures for gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information; reviewing the literature; designing studies. Section selection to be made with department graduate adviser.
Definition, etiology, assessment, and instructional practices used to affirm and support autistic individuals and their families. Historical and current issues.
Professional issues in school psychology, special education, applied behavioral analysis, and mental health. Professional ethics, dilemmas, legislation, and case law relevant to delivery of ethically and legally sound services.
This course is in development and details will be posted once finalized.
Year 1 - Spring Semester
Historical and philosophical perspectives of cultural pluralism in special education and programs related to diverse students with disabilities. Research on curricular approaches and instructional needs. Sociocultural aspects related to disability, race, ethnicity, gender, and language.
Ethical application of research-based strategies based on behavior analysis. Emphasis on arranging learning opportunities to increase student skills and data collection.
Educational legislation, theories, philosophies, research findings, issues and trends in the area of exceptionality. Application of research to solution of educational problems.
Year 2 - Fall Semester
Single-case research designs focused on interventions with individuals with disabilities.
An intensive study in selected areas of education culminating in a written project. Limited to students following Plan B for the Master of Arts degree in education.
This course is in development and details will be posted once finalized.
Year 2 - Spring Semester
Advanced approaches to dealing with behavioral crises and health issues in classroom, to include working with mental health specialists and school nurses.
Leadership through a behavioral lens. Data-informed decision-making, organization behavior management, and performance feedback.
An intensive study in selected areas of education culminating in a written project. Limited to students following Plan B for the Master of Arts degree in education.
Advising
Jessica Suhrheinrich, Graduate Advisor - M.A. Degree Program
[email protected]
Laura Hall, Program Contact - BCBA Course Sequence Contact
[email protected]
Examination Pass Rates
The pass rates for the first time test takers of the BCBA exam for graduates of this program are: 64% in 2024; 63% in 2022; 60% in 2021;100% in 2020; and 77% in 2019, or an average of 71.75% across the last five years (2023 there were insufficient numbers to get a pass rate) and an average of 72.8% over the last 5 years with percentages provided by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
FAQs
Have a question about the M.A. Degree/Behavior Analysis and Autism Program/ or the Advanced Certificate in Behavior Analysis? If you can't find the answer below or elsewhere on this site, contact an advisor.
Yes. You can try to enroll through Open University and pay per unit to SDSU Global Campus. Bring a copy of the completed Open University Registration Form to the class on the first day the course is offered, and if there is room and the instructor approves, you can be added to the class. Check the SDSU Class Schedule for time and place of course offerings.
All courses are currently offered in hybrid format with some classes online and some in person. We are considering moving some courses to fully online, but the program will remain hybrid for the near future.
No. You need a B.A. in a related field for both programs. However, you will not be able to work in public schools as a special educator without a teaching credential so applicants need to be confident that they want alternative career paths. You also must have experience working with autistic individuals and their families prior to entering the M.A. Degree program with a specialization in Autism as there are more applicants than spaces and we accept only applicants with experience.
Yes, contact Laura J. Hall, Program Coordinator for approval. You will have to submit the course syllabus and your transcript for this course. Courses must be part of the university’s course sequence in behavior analysis.
Yes. You may take prerequisite courses concurrently with the regular course load, although this makes for a very full schedule.
Yes. You can take up to 9 credits through Open University or SDSU Global Campus prior to being accepted and matriculated in a program. You must be matriculated to graduate with the Advanced Certificate in Behavior Analysis. To take a course through Open University, obtain a form online and show up to the first day of classes and ask the instructor to sign your forms. The instructor will let you add the class if there is space.
Yes. However, you will need to complete a department application for the Clear Credential program and meet with an advisor to work out the required sequence of courses. Visit the Clear Induction Program for more information.
No. The M.A. Degree Program with a consitration of Behavior Analysis in Autism is a 2-year program that must be completed with the others in your cohort. Completing this program requires a large time commitment.
No. We do not offer fieldwork placements for those completing the Behavior Analysis and Autism concentration. Many people get their supervision on the job. We can recommend some possible supervisors with BCBAs but you may need to pay for supervision of the required hours. All applicants for the BCBA need to complete coursework and field experience hours.