Special Education (MEd)

Yes. George Mason’s online MEd in Special Education includes an optional Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) certificate track, so you can graduate with both credentials from a single, coordinated program of study. Students on the ASD track take six specialized autism courses (like Characteristics of Individuals with Autism and Interventions for Individuals with Autism) alongside the MEd’s foundational courses, plus one additional course to reach the full 30 credit hours.

You can apply to the MEd, the standalone certificate, or both at the same time. An engagement specialist can help you decide which combination fits your career goals.

Applications are submitted online through George Mason’s graduate application portal, and you can apply to the MEd, the Autism Spectrum Disorders certificate, or both simultaneously. There’s no need for separate application cycles. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts, and standard graduate application materials.

Apply here to begin or reach out with questions about which combination of credentials makes sense for your background.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. No standardized test is required, though SAT, ACT, or Praxis scores can help offset a slightly lower GPA. Many applicants come from work as substitute teachers, instructional assistants, or provisional teachers.

The 30-credit hour program is designed to be completed in 24 months for students pursuing the MEd. If you’re only completing the standalone Autism Spectrum Disorders certificate, that track can be finished in about one year.

Coursework combines lectures, video-based case studies, guest speakers, discussion boards, and interactive activities.

Tuition is $805 per credit hour across 30 total credits, plus a $35-per-credit distance learning fee.

Transfer of similar coursework from an accredited U.S. college or university may be possible on a case-by-case basis. Transfer credit policies are outlined in the University Catalog. An engagement specialist can review your transcript before you apply to estimate what might transfer.

This master’s degree is designed to prepare both educators for the classroom and individuals working in a special education context outside of the classroom with the specialized skills and content knowledge needed to support the needs of individuals with disabilities. The Autism Spectrum Disorders track is especially relevant for school administrators, interventionists, psychologists, general and special educators, speech-language pathologists, behavior analysts, and physical or occupational therapists working with individuals with autism across their lifespan.