Autism Spectrum Disorders Degree Programs, Online Included

Last updated June 13, 2024

Amy Yacoub, MS, CCC-SLP

Current SLP, MS in SLP, Columbia University in the City of New York

As the prevalence of autism continues to grow in the United States, the demand for professionals in the field is also increasing. Individuals can help those with autism by becoming educators and related service professionals. A range of autism degrees and certificates are available for students who are interested in working with individuals with autism.

Autism degree programs include Master's in Autism Spectrum Disorders degrees, Bachelor's degrees, and graduate or professional certificates in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ASD programs are closely related to speech pathology degrees, and oftentimes speech pathologists work with autism patients or clients directly or as an advocate.

Are there online Autism degree programs?

Yes, online autism spectrum degree programs and campus-based programs are available. Online programs that offer degrees in autism provide a convenient, flexible way for students to gain specialized knowledge an skills in the field. These programs typically cover a wide range of topics related to autism, including assessment and intervention, educational strategies, and advocacy.

Online autism degree programs are offered through the University of Florida, The University of Kansas, Grand Canyon University, and other institutions.

Click for more online speech therapy programs that are currently taking applications.

In depth review of top online Masters in Autism Spectrum Disorders degree programs

Here are some of the top online programs offering degrees in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including the length of the program, start date, any clinical requirements, courses, tuition, and more key components.

Arizona State University - Online Mater of Arts in Special Education - Autism Spectrum Disorder

Graduates of the Arizona State University M.A. in Special Education program with a concentration in ASD can work in a variety of settings, including clinics, educational environments, and clinic or home settings. This online program is presented by the same faculty and course content as the on campus program. Students' diplomas state the concentration in autism spectrum disorders, and do not state that the program was completed online.

Click for more information on the Online Master of Arts in Special Education – Autism Spectrum Disorders program at Arizona State University, which is currently taking applications for 2024.

i sponsored

30 total credit hours are required. This consists of 10 classes total, which are approximately 7.5 weeks long each. One course that students take is "Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders". In this course, students increase their understanding of the characteristics of autistic individuals. Specific challenges for professionals, as well as the identification and use of evidence-based intervention are reviewed. Another course that is taken is "Family-Centered Practices". This course discusses the roles in teamwork and collaboration within special education.

The online M.A. program starts in the fall. The estimated tuition is $8,115 per academic year for both residents and non-residents. Arizona State University has been ranked in the top 15 for the best online master's in educational administration and curriculum and instruction programs, by the U.S. News and World Report.

Click to securely visit the Arizona State University admissions website.

i sponsored

University of Kansas - Online Master's in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The University of Kansas has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the #1 online Master's in special education programs. The online master's in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is taught by renowned faculty and allows students to focus on an area of expertise, such as behavior, leadership, and secondary special education/transition.

The program starts in the fall term and can be completed in as few as 2 years. Students take 12 courses that are 8 weeks long. A total of 36 credit hours are required. The online program allows students to complete coursework on their own time.

Coursework includes core courses such as "Application of Assessment Information for Exceptional Children and Youth", which discusses recommended assessment procedures for measuring social and cognitive development in children with special needs. A Master's project or thesis is required. Practicum electives included courses such as "Special Education Leadership" and "Functional Behavior Assessment, Positive Behavior Support and Classroom Management". The estimated tuition for the master's degree program in autism spectrum disorders is approximately $21,420.

University of Missouri - Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with an Emphasis in Autism

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with an emphasis in autism that is designed for education and counseling professionals. The program prepares students to work with children and teens with autism and with their families. The curriculum for the program was developed by the Department of Special Education (DSE) and the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

30 credit hours are required, which are completed entirely online. 9 of these credit hours are core requirements and 21 are autism-specific. Courses include "Social Competency for Students with Autism", "Management: Applied Behavior Analysis", and "High Functioning Students with Autism"

The estimated tuition for the program is $16,050. The start date for the program is in the fall, and courses are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Most courses are taken for 3 credit hours.

Grand Canyon University - Online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

The College of Education at the Grand Canyon University offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Students can complete the program online by taking coursework virtually and participating in virtual discussions with peers and instructors.

32 credit hours are required for this degree, and each course generally lasts approximately 6 weeks. Students enroll in courses such as "Instructional Strategies and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder", "Capstone and Action Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder", and "Transitions and Life Skills for Autism Spectrum Disorder."

Students gain practical experience by participating in a practicum/field experience. They also complete a culminating action research project. These hands on experiences teach students to apply research, collaborate, and set career goals. The estimated tuition for this degree program is $605 per credit hour. The online M.A. degree program in ASD helps individuals become ASD specialists who play key roles in facilitating the development of skills for their students.

Bowling Green State University - Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education: Autism

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education with a focus on autism that is offered through Bowling Green State University is offered through 100% online coursework. This unique, two-in-one program that allows students to earn a M.Ed. and a certificate in ASD.

The online M.Ed. program consists of a minimum of 31 credit hours, and is typically completed by working professionals in two years, including summer semesters. Students take classes that are seven weeks long, most of which focus on identifying the characteristics of ASD in students and how to implement evidence-based teaching practices.

The 24 credit hours of required courses include "Classroom and Behavior Management for Students with ASD", "Assessment, Methods, and Materials for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)", "Research in Education", and other courses. Students take 6 credit hours (2 courses) of electives, such as "Play Across the Lifespan", "Transition from School to Adult Life", and "Introduction to Assistive Technology". As a culminating experience, the student must take on either a Thesis Research, Master's Project, or Review for Comprehensive Examination. Tuition for the program is an estimated $8,740.

University of North Texas Online - Online Special Education Online Master of Education with a Concentration in Autism Intervention

UNT online's Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in autism intervention is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The program prepares individuals to pursue careers as teachers, autism specialists in public school settings, case managers, or related professions (such as rehab, healthcare, or social work).

The program can be completed in as little as 15 months, and consists of a total of 11 courses. 33 total credit hours are required. Tuition and fees are an estimated $15,400 for Texas residents. 5 different starting points are offered during the year for students to begin their course of study.

Courses include "Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder", which discusses various components of a comprehensive evaluation of autism spectrum, such as evaluation tools and procedures for identification of ASD. Students also take the course, "Teaching Social Skills to Children and Youth with Disabilities". In this course, students learn about teaching strategies, materials, and implementing programs to teach children with disabilities to develop social skills.

In depth review of Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Ball State University – Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (Autism)

The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in ABA requires a total of 120 credits. This includes 36 credit hours of ABA major credits required, which are offered 100% online. Part-time and full-time options are available, offering flexibility to students. The start date for the program is in the fall.

The courses required includes “Seminar in Autism Spectrum Disorder”, “Treatment and Interventions with Autism Spectrum Disorder”, and “Application of Consultation in Applied Behavior Analysis”. The “Treatment and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders” course reviews a variety of interventions used with individuals with ASD, and discusses key concepts in implementing these interventions.

Tuition for in-state students attending part time is $336 per credit hour, and is $561 for out of state students. Tuition for full-time students is a flat rate that can be calculated on the Ball State University’s website. Graduates of the program are prepared for pursuing careers such as a behavioral consultant working in private companies, hospitals, or schools, and behavioral therapists working in autism or mental health centers.

Mary Baldwin University – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Autism Studies and Applied Behavior Analysis

MBU’s B.A. in Autism Studies and Applied Behavior Analysis program is offered entirely online. The program teaches students the skills they need to pursue a career working with individuals with ASD, and the degree can help expand the individual’s career potential.

The program is structured with 7-week terms. Students are required to complete 70 hours of an ASD practicum in order to obtain real-world experience working with individuals with autism. A culminating capstone project is also required. 120 credits are required to complete the Bachelor’s degree. Tuition is estimated at $486 per credit hour. Therefore, the total cost of the program is an estimated $58,320.

Core and elective courses include “Accelerating Athletic Performance” which examines the use of ABA to teach and reinforce skills used in training and competition within sports and athletic training. Students may also take a “Global Perspectives” course and “Women and Neurodiversity”, which emphasizes the ways in which genre can affect diagnosis and treatment of neurodiverse girls.

In depth review of some of the top Campus Based Autism degree programs

University of South Florida – Autism Spectrum Disorder Graduate Certificate

Tampa, FL – view Florida SLP programs

The Autism Spectrum Disorder Graduate Certificate from the University of South Florida provides teachers with additional expertise in working with students with ASD. Students learn about the assessment and diagnosis of autism, the use of assistive technology, and understanding the overall nature of ASD.

This program consists of 4 courses that are 3 credit hours each, for a total of 12 credit hours required. Courses include “Educating Students with Autism”, “Identification and Assessment of Individuals with Low Incidence Intellectual Disabilities and ASD”, “Assistive Technology for Students with Low Incidence”, and “Positive Behavior Support for Low Incidence Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders”. Fall, Spring, and Summer Start dates are offered.

University of Texas at Austin – Master of Education (M.Ed.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (A&DD)

Austin, TX – view Texas SLP programs

Within the Department of Special Education, the University of Texas at Austin offers a Master’s program in Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Students have the option to pursue either an M.Ed. or an M.A. degree, either fully online or in-person. The program meets all required coursework for pursuing the Behavior Analysis Certificate Board (BACB).

The Master’s degree can be completed in 12 months for students who attend full-time. The start date is in the fall, and includes coursework such as: “Challenging Behavior and Developmental Disabilities”, “Communication Intervention”, and “Practicum in SED – Professional Development in ABA (online)”. 36 total credit hours are required to complete the program.

The estimated tuition for the Master’s program at the University of Texas at Austin is $17,312-$19,786 for the fall and spring semesters combined, and $15,218-$18,267 for the summer semester, for non-residents.

What can you do with an Autism degree?

With a Bachelor’s degree in Autism, individuals can pursue careers such as a behavioral consultant working in private companies, hospitals, or schools, and a behavioral therapist working in autism or mental health centers.

Graduates of a Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in autism spectrum disorders may advance by completing additional education or professional licensure, as required by the profession they would like to pursue. Potential career paths that those with these degrees may follow include: educator, Speech-Language Pathologist, Therapist, Psychologist, Interventionist, Paraprofessional.

List of featured online programs