This graduate certificate (with an option to complete a master's in special education in parallel) is ideal for educators, interventionists, psychologists, speech therapists, paraprofessionals, or family members who want to enhance their preparation for working with children and adults affected with autism spectrum disorders.
The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) graduate curriculum provides training in topic areas required to implement a variety of programs for autistic individuals across their lifespans.
Students who wish to attain the master's in special education in conjunction with this certificate program complete an additional 12 credits of coursework.
The autism certificate focuses on understanding the characteristics of autistic individuals and preparing students to apply research-based practices to their professional practice. The autism program is aligned with the Virginia Autism Council’s “Skill competencies for professionals and paraprofessionals in Virginia supporting individuals with autism across the lifespan”.
In contrast, the ABA program prepares students to use Applied Behavior Analysis, which is a scientific approach to the study of behavior, concerned with describing, explaining, predicting, and changing behavior. The ABA certificate is designed for individuals who design, implement, and monitor behavioral treatments and verbal behavior training programs, and is based on the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.
- Students wishing to pursue the master's option should apply to the master's program and contact an advisor to add the certificate once enrolled.
- Coursework is delivered 100% online in a modified schedule to meet the needs of busy professionals.
- This program does not lead to teacher licensure.
Certificate Courses
Additional Master's Degree Courses
See the chart showing how the ASD courses apply to the MEd in Special Education.
Fall Semester
(classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester
(classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester
(classes starting in May, June, or July) |
Priority*: April 1
Space Available: August 18 |
Priority*: November 1
Space Available: January 10 |
Priority*: February 1
Space Available: May 15 |
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
All application materials must be submitted through Mason’s online graduate application: apply to the online option. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below. Please review the FAQ page for more information.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing previous academic challenges and highlighting evidence for future success in their goal statement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
Online
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia resident |
$805.00 |
| Non-Virginia resident |
$805.00 |
| Distance learning fee |
$35.00 |
| Total cost for Virginia residents per credit |
$840.00 |
| Total cost for non-Virginia residents per credit |
$840.00 |
Graduate new student fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
On-Campus/Blended
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$752.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$952.50
(includes MSF*; discounted from $1,641.50) |
| VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$640.00
(includes MSF*) |
| CEHD Course Fee |
$25 - $84 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$777.50 - $836.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$977.50 - $1036.50 |
| Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** |
$665.00 - $724.00 |
Graduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $163.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Student Success Coach
Dyamond Robinson
They/Them/Theirs
(703) 718-5192
Email Dyamond Robinson
Schedule an Appointment
Academic Support Services Manager
Jancy Templeton
(703) 993-2387
Email Jancy Templeton
Jodi Duke
Grace Francis
Linn Jorgenson