The 10 Best Online Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorder Education

Quick Look:

• University of Arkansas and University of Kansas have two of the top Online ASD Master’s programs.
• You can earn an ASD master’s online while continuing to work in the classroom.
• These programs focus on evidence-based practices for diagnosing, treating, and supporting people with autism across various age groups, especially in educational and therapeutic settings.

The Early Childhood Education Degrees’ staff has assembled a list of the Best Online ASD Education master’s degrees. This list of exceptional schools details the programs’ highlights and gives you a sense of where you’d like to continue your journey to obtain your master’s in this field.

Originally published: December 2017
Latest Update: March 2024

The word “autism” comes from the Greek word “autos” which means “self.” As the famous quote from Stephen Shore states, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” He was, of course, referring to the very unique and autonomous nature of autism spectrum disorder.

Though each person with autism is unique, there are still a number of hallmarks shared by autistic people including differences in:

• Social Communication
• Sensory Processing
• Behavior

If you are an educator, you know that children, youth, and young adults with autism are part of your classroom. The time has come to address the needs of these unique learners. With 1 in 36 children in the United States diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders today, you understand that addressing their specific learning needs is more than just a nice idea- it’s essential.

What will I learn as an ASD educator?

There is no diagnosis quite like Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD.  With such unique minds, it will take unique educators like yourself to put in the hours to learn how to design curricula that make sense for people who think differently. You will need to:

• learn how to assess your students
• select adaptive technology to aid in communication (when necessary)
• understand the ethics of being a quality special educator
• gain the support of the greater community

If it takes a village to raise a child, it will take the world to make way for these divergent thinkers. If you are a mover and shaker in special education, you might want to consider earning a Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Fortunately, you can earn your autism degree online, allowing you to continue working in the classroom while advancing your education. 

Related Rankings and Featured Articles:

• Best Online Special Education Endorsement Programs
• Most Affordable Online Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs
• The 50 Best Books on Special Education
• MOOCS for Learning About Autism

Methodology:

We began by researching various universities offering Master’s programs in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and then we looked deeper into the curriculum, faculty expertise, available resources, and program accreditation.

Top Online Master’s in ASD Education Degree Programs

Not sure where to start? We showcase some of the best online degrees in autism spectrum disorders in the United States. These programs are sure to help you reach your career goals.

1.) University of Arkansas

Master of Education in Special Education with a micro certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The University of Arkansas offers a Master of Education in Special Education with a micro certificate in autism spectrum disorders. We selected this degree for its affordable online tuition rate and its high level of academic prestige. This degree requires 36-45 credit hours for completion.

This includes the online Master’s in Education in Special Education and the certificate in autism spectrum disorders. The program of study consists of three components: core courses, special education core, and the ASD certification material. The autism certification includes three courses:

• Teaching Communication Skills to Persons with Autism
• Teaching Students with ASD
• Characteristics and Assessment of Persons with ASD

Students will also need to complete a practicum experience to earn this online master’s in autism.

• Program Website
• Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $467.54 per credit hour
• Credit Hours Needed: 9
• Delivery Format: Online
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

2.) The University of Kansas

Online Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorder

The University of Kansas (KU) offers an online Master’s in Autism Spectrum Disorder.  We selected this program for the high-quality academic prestige and for the flexibility-enhancing features like the accelerated format and the high number of emphases available. This is a 36-credit hour degree, and each course lasts just 8 weeks. This program will take about 2 years to complete.

Students can personalize their Master in Autism by choosing from three elective tracks including:

• Behavior
• Leadership
• Secondary/Transition

Master’s in Autism core course offerings include:

• Methods for Learners with Higher-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Teaching Language and Communication Skills to Learners with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
• Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities: Autism Spectrum Disorder

If you are looking for a high-quality autism master’s program that prepares you for a wide range of employment opportunities working with this fun and unique population, this is a great choice.

• Program Website
• Location: Lawrence, Kansas
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $437 per credit hour
• Time Required: 36 credits hours; 8 weeks per course; 12 courses in total taking approx. 2 years to complete
• Delivery Format: 100 % online
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

3.) The University of Missouri

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism

The University of Missouri offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with an emphasis on Autism. We selected this program for the affordable online tuition and the high-quality academic offerings. This 30-credit hour program is one of the most affordable autism degrees online in our ranking.

The high-quality academic programming includes courses like:

• Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education
• Advanced Behavior Management: Applied Behavior Analysis
• Methods of Instruction for Students with Autism

You will also learn about the best practices for addressing any problem behavior. If you are looking for a high-quality comprehensive autism master’s degree program that sets you up for a number of careers in special education, this is a great pick.

• Program Website
• Location: Columbia, Missouri
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $535.00 per credit hour
• Time Required: 30 semester credit hours
• Delivery Format: Online and On-campus
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

4.) Arizona State University

Master of Arts in Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorders

Arizona State University offers a Master of Arts in Special Education Autism Spectrum Disorders.  We selected this online master’s degree in autism spectrum disorders for its high-quality academic prestige and for the flexible and accelerated online format. Classes are just 7.5 weeks in length and there are 10 classes required for completion. Your concentration fulfills 18 of the 30 credit hours and includes courses like:

• Foundation of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation and Experimental Design
• Family-Centered Practices

This degree is for any individual who is looking to learn how to implement best-practice educational offerings and design a curriculum appropriate for students with ASD.

• Program Website
• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $659.33 per credit hour
• Time Required: 30 credit hours and a total of 10 classes
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

5.) University of North Dakota

Master’s in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The University of North Dakota offers a master’s degree in Special Education with a specialization in autism spectrum disorders. We selected this degree for the affordable online tuition and for the high-quality academic offerings.

Other specializations available with a Special Education major:

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• General Special Education
• Special Education Specialist
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Behavior Intervention Specialist
• Learning Disabilities
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Visual Impairment

This autism master’s degree requires a minimum of 32 credit hours for completion. Course offerings include:

• Methods for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Methods for Students with Asperger Syndrome
• Intensive Early Intervention

In this specialization, you will learn about autism and how it affects children, adolescents, and adults. All students will learn how to assess and identify characteristics specific to autism spectrum disorders and also how to work collaboratively. This degree includes fieldwork and capstone experience. If you are looking for an affordable route to help you move forward in the field of special education, the online master’s degree in autism from UND is a great option.

• Program Website
• Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $547.10 per credit hour
• Time Required: a minimum of 1.5 years
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

6.) The University of Massachusetts

Master of Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a Master of Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies.  We selected this hybrid degree program for the high level of academic prestige and for the affordable online tuition rates. The autism studies pathway requires 39 credit hours for completion.

The Master’s in ABA and Autism Studies is broken down into three component parts: core courses, electives, and a supervised practicum and thesis.  Foundational courses include:

• Autism and Developmental Psychopathology
• Social and Community Interventions
• Behavior Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis

This degree is perfect for the individual who is ready to improve their curricular design to help autistic people in the classroom.

• Program Website
• Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $600 per credit hour
• Time Required: 39 academic credits are required. At least 30 of these credits must be taken at UMass Lowell. 
• Delivery Format: Online or Hybrid, Part Time or Full Time
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

7.) Bowling Green State University

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Bowling Green State University offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This online master’s degree was selected for the affordable online tuition rate, the high-quality academic content, and the accelerated online format. Each course is just 8 weeks in length and the whole degree requires just 34 credit hours for completion. Students of this degree will take courses like:

• Nature and Characteristics of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Assessment, Methods, and Materials for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Social, Sensory, and Communication Issues for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Classroom and Behavior Management for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

You will have an opportunity to culminate your degree with either a master’s project, a comprehensive exam, or a master’s thesis. This is a great Master’s in Autism online that lends nicely to a wide variety of career opportunities.

• Program Website
• Location: Bowling Green, Ohio
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $445.40 per credit hour
• Time Required: 18 to 24 months
• Delivery Format: 100% online
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association

8.) Grand Canyon University

Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Grand Canyon University offers a Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This online master’s in autism was selected for the affordable tuition and the accelerated online format. The degree requires 32 credit hours. Courses are just 6 weeks in length and students may transfer up to 12 credit hours.

All students will learn about brain-based learning along with methods and assessments for autism spectrum disorders.  Core courses include:

• Data-Driven Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Instructional Strategies and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Assistive Tech and Communication Strategies for Autism Spectrum Disorder

If you are looking to improve your understanding of this unique population and provide quality programming to aid and assist these exceptional minds, this Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders is a great pick.

• Program Website
• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $590 per credit hour
• Time Required: 32 credits
• Delivery Format: Online
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

9.) Florida International University

Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education with an endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Florida International University offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education with an endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorder. We selected this online degree for its accelerated format. This degree may be completed in one year. This online degree requires 36 credit hours for completion. The M.S. is divided into 2 components: the special education core and the autism core. The autism courses include:

• Assessment and Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Behavioral Management and Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Nature and Needs of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This is a great online master’s degree for educators who are looking to expand their understanding of autism and implement best practices for these unique learners.

• Program Website
• Location: Miami, Florida
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $455.64 per credit hour
• Time Required: 36 credit hours; 12 months to completion
• Delivery Format: Fully online
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

10.) George Mason University

Master of Education in Special Education with a certificate in Autism

George Mason offers a Master of Education in Special Education with a 15 credit hours certificate in autism spectrum disorders ASD. This program was selected for its high-quality academics. Students are required to fulfill 30 credit hours for completion.  Half of the degree content is ASD courses which focus on the following:

• Characteristics of Individuals with Autism
• Supporting the Behavior and Sensory Needs of Individuals with Autism
• Supporting Communication and Literacy for Individuals with Autism

George Mason also offers a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.  Students interested in using Applied Behavior Analysis to support individuals with autism should consider this program that meets the requirements needed to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst exam.

The online master’s in special education focused on autism is comprehensive and focuses on ASD across the lifespan. If you are making a career focused on helping autistic people inside and outside of a classroom, try this online special education autism degree from George Mason.

• Program Website
• Location: Fairfax, Virginia
• Average Graduate Student Tuition: $559.45 per credit hour
• Time Required: 30 credit hours
• Delivery Format: 100 percent online
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges