Program Admission

---

Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

• 2021-2022 Application (Winter 22)
• 2022-2023 Application (Summer 22, Fall 22, or Winter 23)  

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

• Possess valid Michigan teacher certification.
• Earned an endorsement in Special Education.
• Submit two references (name and contact information).
• Submit a personal statement of purpose describing why you would like to pursue graduate studies in autism spectrum disorders and how you hope to benefit from these studies.
• Have a successful personal interview, if requested, with an assigned advisor.

Department Information

---

Special Education & Communication Sciences and Disorders | David Winters, Ph.D., Department Head | 128 Porter, 734.487.3300, dwinter1@emich.edu

Derrick Fries, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator | 106 Porter, 734.487.3300, dfries@emich.edu

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

Advisor Information

---

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

Degree Requirements: 39 hours

---

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

1. Complete a minimum of 39 hours of approved graduate credit, as outlined in an approved master’s degree program of study, planned with a program advisor.
2. Complete a supervised practicum experience.
3. Complete the degree requirements within six years of enrolling for the first-class applicable to the degree program.
4. Meet all other requirements of the Graduate School.

Exit Requirements

---

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

1. Ability to understand different 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.
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.