Graduate Programs in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Applied Behavior Analysis

Flexible Online Programs

Part-Time Format

Outcome Focused Education

Lifetime Access to Career Services

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Programs Curriculum Careers

Online Programs That Foster a Lifetime of Inclusive Learning

George Mason University’s online graduate programs in special education, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) prepare students to provide enhanced opportunities for individuals with disabilities across their lifespans. You’ll learn evidence-based practices supported by the latest research in your field to graduate qualified to provide more inclusive experiences in schools, community settings, private practice environments, and even homes.

Discover the rich online learning experiences available exclusively from Virginia’s largest research university. Plus, capitalize on the proven career and advancement achieved by graduates of George Mason’s online programs.

George Mason provides graduate programs that fit your career goals. Seek your Master of Education in Special Education degree with a graduate certificate track in Autism Spectrum Disorders or Applied Behavior Analysis, or pursue each certificate in a standalone program. No matter the option you select, you’ll take classes in a flexible online format that fits your busy schedule.

  • The healthcare and education fields have high demand for ASD and ABA experts, as about 17% of children aged 3-17 are diagnosed with a developmental disability, including 2.8% with ASD1
  • Placed among the Top 10 universities offering master’s degrees with the highest return on investment2
  • Ranked No. 7 on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs3
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

If you’re interested in earning your MEd in Special Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis track (including the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate), now is the time. The online Applied Behavior Analysis programs will be replaced by our new MS in Behavior Analysis program in 2026, so apply by spring of 2025 to complete your degree or certificate by August 2026. Our faculty and staff will provide guidance for completing the courses before this program is removed from George Mason’s online offerings. Learn about important application dates by requesting more information today.

The Autism Spectrum Disorders programs will not be affected by this change.

Special Education, ASD, and ABA Programs That Lead to Your Goals

George Mason offers empowering learning experiences that prepare you to make a difference in special education. Choose the online program that matches your goals and schedule, with the option to earn a graduate certificate in one year or a master’s degree in 24 months.

Please note that our online Applied Behavioral Analysis MEd degree and certificate programs will no longer accept applications past spring of 2025, in preparation for our new MS in Behavior Analysis launching in 2026. George Mason’s faculty and advisors will assist you in completing the courses within the remaining timeframe. The Autism Spectrum Disorders programs will not be affected by this change.

30 credit hours. 24 months.

Learn to create inclusive classrooms and provide lifelong support to learners with disabilities. You can take classes aligning with your desired education specialty by selecting a graduate certificate track in Autism Spectrum Disorders or Applied Behavior Analysis.

18 credit hours. 18 months.

Support the needs of autistic people of all ages in school, home, and community settings. This inclusive program equips you with the unique expertise to provide enriching education and services to individuals with ASD across their lifespans.

21 credit hours. 18 months.

Explore human behavior and empirically validated methods to help students with and without disabilities make behavioral improvements. While pursuing this certificate, you’ll take classes that prepare you to seek the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) credential.†

A World-Class Education Within Reach

George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. We welcome students from all walks of life, and we’ve designed our programs with that in mind. Our modern curriculum, responsive faculty, and innovative solutions combine to produce a six-year graduation rate that exceeds the national average, with no disparity based on ethnicity or economic status. We’re proud to be continuously recognized – and ranked – for offering an education that is affordable, accessible, and valuable.

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Rigorous Academic Standards. Flexible Online Format.

At George Mason, we curate online programs that offer innovative experiences to further your ambitions in a way that works with your schedule. Like our on-campus students, you’ll benefit from our commitment to academic rigor and integrity while learning from the same renowned faculty.

We’ve been recognized as a top university for non-traditional learners, and our commitment to your success goes beyond graduation. After you’ve earned your degree, you’ll maintain lifetime access to our career services and world-renowned guest speakers.

People-Centered Special Education Courses

Discover graduate programs in special education that help elevate your capacity for empowering students with disabilities. You’ll take online courses led by distinguished faculty with extensive research and professional backgrounds, learning from their experience as you gain specialized expertise in autism spectrum disorders or applied behavior analysis.

George Mason’s coursework delves into concepts you’ll apply during your career, including universal design for learning, interventions for autistic individuals, and conceptual issues in behavior analysis. While you can complete most of George Mason’s special education programs online, the master’s degree may require field experience that provides valuable insights for your career.

Prepare to Make a Bigger Difference in Your Career

Educators and health professionals now identify disabilities earlier in children’s lives, which is expected to increase the demand for special education teachers. In fact, projections show that employers will need nearly 38,000 additional special education teachers each year from 2021 to 2031.1 With George Mason’s online programs, you can experience advanced training aligning with careers in intervention, psychology, behavioral analysis, and school administration.

Rewarding Careers for George Mason Graduates

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Child Psychologist
  • Interventionist
  • Speech and Language Pathologist
  • Behavior Analyst
  • Physical Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist

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Sources

  1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Jan. 25, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024 from https://cdc.gov/.
  2. OnlineU. Best Online Master’s Programs: Online Master’s Degrees with the Highest Return on Investment. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.onlineu.com/.
  3. U.S. News and World Report. George Mason University: Online Programs Rankings. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.usnews.com/.

Professional Licensure Disclosure & Disclaimers

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require George Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool (https://provost.gmu.edu/licensure) for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

Autism Spectrum Disorder – This program is intended to provide advanced study of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). George Mason University is currently exploring autism-specific licensure opportunities that may exist in your state upon completion of the program; however, this degree program is not intended to fully prepare students for teaching licensure in any state. Students are strongly encouraged to be proactive and verify all licensure information.

Applied Behavior Analysis – Completing the George Mason University Verified Course Sequence, along with the appropriate master’s degree, supervised experience, and passing the Behavior Analyst Certification Examination™ would result in one earning Board Certified Behavior Analyst™ status from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board™. In addition to Board Certification, many states require state licensure for a Behavior Analyst to practice. Licensure requirements vary from state to state. Please check the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts’™ website to determine whether your state requires licensure, and what the exact requirements for that licensure are. This degree program is not intended to fully prepare students for teaching or ABA licensure in any state.

*At this time, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board™ is offering the Behavior Analyst Certification Examination™ only in English, and only in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Students residing in other countries are advised to check with the BACB™ as to specific procedures needed to qualify and sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Exam™.

**For Certificate Only – The BACB™ has specific degree requirements for eligibility to apply for the BCBA™ credential. Click here for more details.