Curriculum and Instruction Option: Autism Studies Online
Candidates seeking this option must first complete the Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Intervention in Autism (BIA) at UMass Lowell. Upon completion of the certificate, candidates may apply to the M.Ed. degree and have their certificate courses (12-credits maximum) included as part of the 30 required credits. The remainder of the degree does not focus on Autism, but examines general issues in Curriculum and Instruction; as such, it is most appropriate for candidates who teach in school settings. Several of the courses require assignments that assume that the candidate is in a classroom setting.
Applying to the M.Ed.
Candidates may apply to the M.Ed. during the semester in which they complete the fourth course of the 12-credit Graduate Certificate. Admission will be pending successful completion of the certificate (minimum GPA of 3.0 required)
An application for the M.Ed. degree can be requested or completed online at the
Graduate Admissions site.
All applicants must submit:
- Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages in length)
- All official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Application fee
- If you are a teacher: No GRE is required. Instead you should submit proof of valid teaching license. If you teach in a private setting where licensure is not required and have a minimum of three years teaching experience, you should submit a letter from your school's chief academic administrator providing information about your responsibilities and length of service.
Candidates who are enrolled in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction may take some of the Autism Option courses as electives with permission of the program advisor, but unless they officially apply to and complete the BIA certificate program, the option will not be recorded on their transcript.
For questions about the Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Intervention in Autism (BIA), contact Dr. Richard Siegel:
Richard_Siegel@uml.edu; 978-934-3961.