Graduate

Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option)

Program Tracks Available

On campus

Admission Deadline

Fall: July 15

Degrees Offered

C.A.G.S.

School

School of Graduate Studies

Department

Education, Psychology

Program Overview
The number of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who need special education services is rising dramatically. The need for teachers and other school professionals who can provide specialized services and advocate for these students is greater than ever.

To address this area of need, in 2011 the state established a Special Commission which identified improving knowledge about ASD in schools as a priority. This led to the creation of a state Autism Endorsement for licensed special education teachers in order to meet the unique and complex needs of students with ASD.

The purpose of the Massachusetts Autism Endorsement is to enhance the knowledge of special educators working with students with ASD. Assumption’s CAGS in Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders program closely follows the state guidelines.

Our CAGS program will prepare teachers to educate students with ASD in a manner consistent with the student’s potential and in the least restrictive environment, in accordance with federal and state special education law.

The program will offer two paths:
- CAGS with autism endorsement
- CAGS only
Candidates with an Initial or Professional license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, or Teaching of the Visually Impaired will receive the University endorsement upon successful completion of the program. Candidates with Initial License may advance their license to the Professional level.

The endorsement track provides licensed educators opportunities to obtain the Autism Endorsement through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The non-endorsement CAGS track provides opportunities for graduate students to deepen and refine knowledge and skills in autism spectrum disorders.

Program Contact

Susan M. Cahill

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

Schedule a Conversation

508-767-7365 sm.cahill@assumption.edu Admissions House - Room 205

Nanho Vander Hart, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Special Education, Director of Special Education

508-767-7380 nvanderh@assumption.edu Kennedy Memorial Hall - Room 157

Program Curriculum

Courses

SED/ASD 600	Foundations and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
PSY/SED 568	Behavioral Assessment and Interventions
OR
ABA 600	Behavioral and Functional Assessment
SED/ASD 620	Educational Assessment and Programs: Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prerequisite: SED/ASD 600 or equivalent)
OR
ABA 601	Behavior-Analytic Interventions I and ABA 602 Behavior-Analytic Interventions II (for non-endorsement students only; Prerequisite ABA 500 or equivalent)
SED/ASD 640	Collaboration and Coordination: Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prerequisite: SED/ASD 600 or equivalent)
SED/ASD 680*	Field Experience and Seminar I: Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prerequisites: SED/ASD 600 and PSY/SED 568 or ABA 600 OR taken concurrently)
SED/ASD 690*	Field Experience and Seminar II: Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prerequisites: SED/ASD 620 and 640 OR taken concurrently)

*Endorsement candidates only. Prerequisite license: An Initial or Professional license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, or Teaching of the Visually Impaired as indicated in 603 CMR 7.14(5)(a)

Students who are not interested in, or not eligible for, the state credential may enroll for the certificate only. They need to take six (6) CR electives in lieu of field experience and seminar (i.e., SED/ASD 680 & 690).

Electives:

EDU 515	Diversity in Schooling
SED 587	Advanced Application of Positive Behavior Supports
SED 589	Seminar: Research and Practice in Positive Behavior Supports
SED 700	Directed Study
TRS 700	Transition Education and Services
ABA 500	Principles of Learning and Behavior Analysis
ABA 503	Behavior Analysis and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Course Descriptions

A Committed Faculty

Karen Lionello-DeNolf, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology Director of Applied Behavior Analysis

Sheila Bessette, BCBA-D, LABA Adjunct Faculty, Graduate/Professional Studies

Michael Bowes

Adjunct Faculty

Elizabeth Brennan, BCBA, LABA Adjunct Faculty

Dewey DeLisle, BCBA, LABA Adjunct Faculty

Samantha Goldman, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Education

Nanho Vander Hart, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Special Education Director of Special Education

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites:
To be accepted into the C.A.G.S. program, you must have:
A master’s degree in Special Education or a related field of study from an accredited college or university

For Massachusetts Autism Endorsement: Massachusetts Initial or Professional teacher license in one of the following:

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities
Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Application Requirements:

Completed Application Dated & Signed
Three letters of recommendation are required* – professional and at least one academic.
Official Transcript(s)
Personal Statement
Current Resume
TOEFL or IELTS (for applicants whose native language is not English)

*We strongly recommend at least one academic letter of recommendation; the remaining letters may be professional. All recommendations may be professional if an academic letter is not feasible. However, all letters should address the student’s ability to complete graduate-level academic work.

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Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option)

Susan M. Cahill

Nanho Vander Hart, Ph.D.

Program Curriculum

A Committed Faculty

Admission Requirements

Related Programs

Applied Behavior Analysis

Clinical Counseling Psychology

School Counseling

Special Education

Transition Specialist C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement)

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A Catholic university located in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service.