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 embeds an approved BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) course sequence and most California Clear Credential coursework for Extensive Support Needs and Early Childhood credentials.
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.
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.
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
Definition, etiology, assessment, and instructional practices used to address autism. Historical and current issues.
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.
Examination pass rate: Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. publishes pass rates for those taking the exam for the first time who have taken 100% of the courses as part of the course sequence offered by SDSU #51284. Pass rates for others, including retakes are not included in this percentage. The pass rate information can be found at BCBA Examination Pass Rates.
Advising
Jessica Suhrheinrich, Graduate Advisor - M.A. Degree Program
[email protected]
Laura Hall, VCS Coordinator - BCBA Course Sequence
[email protected]
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, conctact 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.
We are moving SPED 553 and SPED 685 for going back face-to-face starting next fall.
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 individuals with ASD 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.
No. All M.A. students must take SPED 527. In addition, completing SPED 553 is required for the BCBA, which is an integral part of the degree. (See course descriptions.)
Yes, but faculty will consider substituting a course taken at another university if a Substitution/Waiver form (PDF) is submitted to the Special Education Office along with a syllabus from the course completed and a transcript showing the grade received. BUT, if you are planning to apply to take the exam to become Board Certified as a Behavior Analyst, you will have to submit the transcript for this course with your application as SDSU has an approved sequence, with approved faculty who teach the sequence of courses. It is up to the student to demonstrate they have the required hours if they deviate from the SDSU sequence approved by the BACB®.
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. Some of the courses needed to clear your credential are embedded in the M.A. Degree program. 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 Specialization 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.
Yes. You can complete the course sequence when courses are offered and as quickly as one year or more if you prefer. Please note that once matriculated it costs the same amount of tuition for between 1 and 6 credits.
No. We do not offer fieldwork placements for those completing the Advanced Certificate in Behavior Analysis. Many people get their supervision on the job. We can recommend some possible supervisors with BCBA but you may need to pay for supervision of the required 1,500 hours.