Program highlights
- Maximum flexibility. Work at your own pace, around your schedule. The 100% online autism graduate program offers 7-week courses and multiple start dates throughout the year. Finish your degree in 18-24 months.
- Two credentials, more impact. You can earn an M.Ed. plus a certificate in assistive technology, secondary transition or another education area at no added time or cost. This streamlined pathway enables you to build expertise across multiple areas of special education aligned with your career goals.
- Neurodiversity-informed curriculum. Coursework emphasizes autistic perspectives, communication differences, sensory experiences, accessibility, advocacy and evidence-based practices that support autistic well-being and self-determination.
- In-demand field. Gain the skills and knowledge to advance your career in a growing field while learning to create supportive environments and collaborate effectively with autistic people, families and interdisciplinary teams.
- Skill enhancement. Our master’s program helps you:
- Strengthen leadership and collaborative problem-solving skills
- Sharpen critical thinking and communication skills
- Use research in planning and teaching
- Develop inclusive practices that bridge communication differences and support autistic well-being and participation
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
The Wall Street Journal
Career opportunities
Graduates of the BGSU M.Ed. in special education program with an autism specialization advance their careers as educators, advocates, leaders and community partners supporting autistic people across schools, healthcare systems, social service agencies, advocacy organizations, transition programs, nonprofits and community settings.
As awareness of autism and the need for inclusive practices continue to grow, organizations across educational, healthcare and community settings are seeking professionals who understand autistic experiences and can support accessibility, communication, participation and well-being.
You will be prepared to apply evidence-based and neurodiversity-informed practices across a wide range of professional and community roles.
Career paths
- Special education teacher
- General education teacher
- Speech-language pathologists
- Occupational therapists
- Counselor or social services professional
- Autism specialist
- Educational consultant
- Disability services professional
- Healthcare or allied health professional
- Community support professional
- Nonprofit or advocacy organization professional
Curriculum
This 100% online program combines evidence-based educational practices with coursework grounded in autistic perspectives, communication, sensory experiences, accessibility and inclusive support strategies.
Students learn to apply research to educational planning, collaboration and practice across school and community settings. Coursework emphasizes understanding autistic experiences and developing practical strategies to bridge communication differences, support autistic well-being and participation, and foster inclusive learning and community environments.
The 30-credit curriculum combines three areas of focused study:
- Autism core (12 credits) – Gain the knowledge and skills to lead and make an impact in your field.
- Special education master’s courses (6 credits) – Deepen your knowledge and apply evidence-based practices.
- Graduate certificate or electives (12 credits) – Choose a pathway that aligns with your career goals and interests.
Sample courses
- Introduction to Autistic Culture & Theory
- Autistic Social & Communication Experiences
- Understanding Autistic Behavior and Sensory Experiences
- Disability Advocacy Strategies Across the Lifespan
#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
BGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation — and the only one in Ohio — to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.
The Master of Education in special education with a specialization in autism is a program in the School of Inclusive Teacher Education in the College of Education and Human Development.
Updated: 06/17/2026 03:31PM