Program Admission

Applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission into this program:

1. Possess valid Michigan teacher certification;
2. Earned endorsement in Special Education;
3. Submit two references (name and contact information);
4. Achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.7 as an undergraduate (including “last-half GPA”) or 3.0 in graduate-level coursework (degree or non-degree) or receive acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
5. Have a successful personal interview, if requested, with an assigned advisor;
6. Submit a personal statement of purpose, describing why the applicant would like to pursue graduate studies in the area of autism spectrum disorders and how he/she hopes to benefit from these studies; and
7. International students must provide a score of 90 on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).

Department Information

Special Education, College of Education

David Winters, Ph.D. | Department Head | 128 Porter | 734.487.3300 | david.winters@emich.edu

Advisor Information

Graduate Coordinator

Derrick Fries, Ph.D. | 106 Porter | 734.487.2720 | dfries@emich.edu

Contact the Graduate Coordinator for information concerning admissions and programs of study

Faculty Advisor

Sally Burton-Hoyle, Ed.D. | 128 Porter | 734.487.3300 | sburtonh@emich.edu

Exit Requirements

Exit criteria include the demonstration of acceptable levels of performance in the following areas:

1. Ability to understand differing forms of ASD conditions and behaviors;
2. Ability to set up and maintain conditions and procedures of instruction suitable to the learning goals set for the individual student;
3. Ability to assess instructional outcomes in terms of the student’s behavior change and use this data in the formulation of an ongoing instructional plan adjusted to changed student conditions;
4. Ability to use appropriate techniques with the student to help develop the self-management skills required for constructive social participation and independent learning; and
5. Ability to function as a member of interdisciplinary teams and maintain effective liaison with parents and others working with the student.

Acceptable levels will be determined by course grades, GPA, practicum evaluations and performance in research courses.

Degree Requirements: 39 hours

The graduate student seeking a Master of Arts degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders through the Special Education Department must:

1. Successfully complete a minimum of 39 hours of approved graduate credit as outlined on an approved master’s degree program that has been planned with a program advisor;
2. Successfully complete a supervised practicum experience;
3. Successfully complete the degree requirements within six years of enrolling for the first class applicable to the degree program; and
4. Meet all other requirements of the Graduate School.