Graduate Programs in Special Education

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 prepare students to provide enhanced opportunities for individuals across their lifespans. You’ll learn evidence-based practices supported by the latest research in your field and graduate qualified to provide more inclusive experiences in schools, community settings, private practice environments, and even homes.

George Mason provides graduate programs that fit your career goals. Gain advanced expertise by pursuing an MEd in Special Education, and add a focus in Autism Spectrum Disorders (MSPED – ASD) or Behavior Analysis (MSPED – BA) to earn a more tailored degree. Students who choose the MSPED – ASD will earn a built-in ASD Graduate Certificate, which is also available as a standalone credential. No matter the option you select, you’ll take classes in a flexible online format that fits your busy schedule.

Discover the rich online learning experiences available exclusively from Virginia’s largest research university.

  • Ranked No. 5 in Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report1
  • Placed among the Top 10 universities offering master’s degrees with the highest return on investment2
  • High demand exists for ASD experts in health and education, as 17% of children are diagnosed with a developmental disability (3.2% with ASD3)
  • Behavior analyst positions are increasing rapidly; 2023-24 saw a 58% increase in jobs requiring BCBA or BCBA-D certification (62% in VA4)
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Special Education Programs to Grow Your Impact

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.

30 credit hours. 24 months.

Learn to create inclusive classrooms and provide lifelong support to learners with disabilities. Two optional focus areas are available.

30 credit hours. 24 months.

Provide lifelong support to individuals with autism in a range of environments. Program awards two credentials – an MEd and ASD Graduate Certificate.

36 credit hours. 24 months.

Understand human behavior and conduct behavior analytic research in a range of settings. This program is designed to meet the BACB 2027 Pathway 2 requirements for eligibility to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination.

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.

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 individuals 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 supporting special populations across the lifespan.

George Mason’s coursework delves into concepts you’ll apply during your career, including universal design for learning, interventions for autistic individuals, and research methods for 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 professionals. Additionally, graduates can find many opportunities to support adults with differing needs through career development, socialization, application of life skills, and more in non-school settings. George Mason’s online programs offer advanced training aligned to careers in intervention, psychology, and school administration.

Rewarding Careers for George Mason Graduates

  • Behavior Analyst
  • Child Psychologist
  • Interventionist
  • Registered Behavior Technician
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech and Language Pathologist

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Sources

  1. rces
  2. U.S. News and World Report. George Mason University: Online Programs Rankings. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from https://www.usnews.com/.
  3. 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/.
  4. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder.” May 27, 2025. October 6, 2025, from https://cdc.gov/.
  5. Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2025). US employment demand for behavior analysts: 2010–2024. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from https://www.bacb.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/academics/accreditation/professional-licensure-and-certification) 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.

Behavior Analysis – This program is designed to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s 2027 Pathway 2 requirements for eligibility to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination, and George Mason is pursuing recognition through the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)’s Tiered Model of Education (New Window). Pursuit of recognition does not denote recognition status. This program does not provide the 2,000 hours of field experience required by BACB for certification. Licensure requirements vary from state to state. Please check the BACB website for information on licensure, by state. This degree program is not intended to fully prepare students for teaching or pre-approved for Behavior Analyst 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. Students residing in other countries are advised to review BACB website for information on international development and to check with their local governing bodies to determine requirements for credentialing in their country of residence.