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Special Education and ABA Online Degree
MS in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
Today’s schools demand professionals trained in the science of human behavior and special education to help students with disabilities learn both academic and life skills. Drexel’s one-of-a-kind MS in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis program combines the skills needed to educate these students with the specialized field of applied behavior analysis, which includes established principles, practices, and tools applicable across a wide array of settings.
Graduates are prepared for positions such as:
- Special Education Teacher
- Behavior Support Specialist/Analyst
- Autism Support Specialist
- Autism Consultant Teacher
Program Features
- The only master's program of its kind
- Online coursework provides the flexibility to learn when it’s convenient for you
- Opportunities to apply learning in field placement sites near you
- Prepares you to sit for the BACB certification exam and to obtain a Pennsylvania Special Education Certification
- The benefit of learning from the AJ Drexel Autism Institute, which boasts renowned staff who are widely-published and respected in the field
 |
The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified Drexel's MS in ABA course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® examination. Additional requirements will need to be met before you can be deemed eligible to take the examination. |
Archived Webinars
- How is it only January? Survival Strategies for the Classroom Teacher
- Online Open House: Applied Behavior Analysis Programs
- Online Open House: Special Education Programs
Related Programs
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
A field component is required in most courses.
| Required Courses | ||
|
ABA 630
|
Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change | 4.5 |
|
ABA 631
|
Measurement and Experimental Design | 4.5 |
|
ABA 632
|
Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis | 4.5 |
|
ABA 633
|
Behavioral Interventions | 4.5 |
|
ABA 634
|
Consultation, Systems Change and Supervision | 4.5 |
|
ABA 635
|
Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct | 4.5 |
|
ABA 636
|
Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis | 4.5 |
|
EDEX 536
|
Special Education Law and Process | 3.0 |
|
EDEX 543
|
Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities | 3.0 |
|
EDEX 549
|
Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
|
EDEX 550
|
Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
|
EDEX 552
|
Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement | 3.0 |
|
EDEX 555
|
Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3.0 |
|
EDEX 578
|
Special Education Practicum PK-12 | 3.0 |
|
EDEX 588
|
Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments | 3.0 |
| Concentration Options | 21.0-24.0 | |
| Initial Certification | ||
|
EDEX 514
|
Special Education Student Teaching Seminar | |
|
EDEX 542
|
Fundamentals of Special Education | |
|
EDEX 544
|
Inclusive Practices | |
|
EDEX 568
|
Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 | |
|
EDUC 515
|
Adolescent Learners | |
|
EDUC 521
|
Typical and Atypical Development in Early Childhood Education | |
|
EDUC 565
|
Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners | |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder | ||
| Select 3 of the following courses: | ||
|
EDEX 556
|
Characteristics & Methods: Autism | |
|
EDEX 558
|
Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism | |
|
EDEX 560
|
Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | |
|
EDEX 562
|
Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders | |
| Students must also complete the following: | ||
|
EDEX 575
|
Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-12 | |
| Collaborative Special Education Law and Process | ||
| Select 3 of the following courses: | ||
|
EDEX 600
|
Family, School and Community Engagement in Special Education | |
|
EDEX 601
|
Special Education Advocacy | |
|
EDEX 602
|
Special Education Dispute Resolution and Skills Training | |
|
EDEX 710
|
School Law & Policy in Special Education | |
| Students must also complete the following: | ||
|
EDEX 575
|
Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-12 | |
| Capstone Sequence |
||
| Students selecting the Autism Spectrum Disorders or Collaborative Law and Process Concentration must also complete the capstone sequence: | ||
|
EDU 780
|
Capstone Research | |
|
ABA 780
|
Capstone in ABA I | |
|
ABA 781
|
Capstone in ABA II | |
| Total Credits | 76.5-79.5 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
- If you do not meet this requirement, you’re still encouraged to apply and your file will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Program Director
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal essay addressing the following:
- Why you’re interested in this field
- Why you’re interested in attending the program at Drexel University
- Your career goals and how Drexel’s program will help you achieve them
- How this program relates to your previous education and/or work experience
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1079 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1438 per credit)
For academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2023-2024 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2023
September 26, 2023
December 9, 2023
December 11, 2023
December 16, 2023
Winter 2024
January 8, 2024
March 16, 2024
March 18, 2024
March 23, 2024
Spring 2024
April 1, 2024
June 8, 2024
June 10, 2024
June 15, 2024
Summer 2024
June 24, 2024
August 31, 2024
September 3, 2024
September 7, 2024
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