Master of Education in Special Education | George Mason University

Graduate Programs in Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Flexible Online Programs

Part-Time Format

Outcome Focused Education

Lifetime Access to Career Services

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Programs Curriculum Careers

Online Programs That Foster a Lifetime of Inclusive Learning

George Mason University’s online graduate programs in special education and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) prepare students to provide enhanced opportunities for individuals with disabilities across their lifespans. You’ll learn evidence-based practices supported by the latest research in your field to graduate qualified to provide more inclusive experiences in schools, community settings, private practice environments, and even homes.

Discover the rich online learning experiences available exclusively from Virginia’s largest research university.

George Mason provides graduate programs that fit your career goals. Seek your Master of Education in Special Education degree with a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders or pursue the ASD certificate in a standalone program. No matter the option you select, you’ll take classes in a flexible online format that fits your busy schedule.

  • The healthcare and education fields have high demand for ASD experts, as about 17% of children aged 3-17 are diagnosed with a developmental disability, including 2.8% with ASD1
  • Placed among the Top 10 universities offering master’s degrees with the highest return on investment2
  • Ranked No. 5 in Best Online Master’s in Special Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report3
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Special Education and ASD Programs That Lead to Your Goals

George Mason offers empowering learning experiences that prepare you to make a difference in special education. Choose the online program that matches your goals and schedule, with the option to earn a graduate certificate in one year or a master’s degree in 24 months.

30 credit hours. 24 months.

Learn to create inclusive classrooms and provide lifelong support to learners with disabilities. You can tailor your degree and gain more specialized skills by adding the graduate certificate track in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

18 credit hours. 18 months.

Support the needs of autistic people of all ages in school, home, and community settings. This inclusive program equips you with the unique expertise to provide enriching education and services to individuals with ASD across their lifespans.

A World-Class Education Within Reach

George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. We welcome students from all walks of life, and we’ve designed our programs with that in mind. Our modern curriculum, responsive faculty, and innovative solutions combine to produce a six-year graduation rate that exceeds the national average, with no disparity based on ethnicity or economic status. We’re proud to be continuously recognized – and ranked – for offering an education that is affordable, accessible, and valuable.

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Rigorous Academic Standards. Flexible Online Format.

At George Mason, we curate online programs that offer innovative experiences to further your ambitions in a way that works with your schedule. Like our on-campus students, you’ll benefit from our commitment to academic rigor and integrity while learning from the same renowned faculty.

We’ve been recognized as a top university for non-traditional learners, and our commitment to your success goes beyond graduation. After you’ve earned your degree, you’ll maintain lifetime access to our career services and world-renowned guest speakers.

People-Centered Special Education Courses

Discover graduate programs in special education that help elevate your capacity for empowering students with disabilities. You’ll take online courses led by distinguished faculty with extensive research and professional backgrounds, learning from their experience as you gain specialized expertise in supporting special populations across the lifespan.

George Mason’s coursework delves into concepts you’ll apply during your career, including universal design for learning, interventions for autistic individuals, and special education research. While you can complete most of George Mason’s special education programs online, the master’s degree may require field experience that provides valuable insights for your career.

Prepare to Make a Bigger Difference in Your Career

Educators and health professionals now identify disabilities earlier in children’s lives, which is expected to increase the demand for special education teachers. In fact, projections show that employers will need nearly 36,000 additional special education teachers each year from 2023 to 2033.4 With George Mason’s online programs, you can experience advanced training aligning with careers in intervention, psychology, and school administration.

Rewarding Careers for George Mason Graduates

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Child Psychologist
  • Interventionist
  • Speech and Language Pathologist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist

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Sources

  1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Jan. 25, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024 from https://cdc.gov/.
  2. OnlineU. Best Online Master’s Programs: Online Master’s Degrees with the Highest Return on Investment. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.onlineu.com/.
  3. U.S. News and World Report. George Mason University: Online Programs Rankings. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from https://www.usnews.com/.
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Special Education Teachers.” April 29, 2024. Retrieved February 13, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.

Professional Licensure Disclosure & Disclaimers

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require George Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool (https://provost.gmu.edu/academics/accreditation/professional-licensure-and-certification) for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

Autism Spectrum Disorder – This program is intended to provide advanced study of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). George Mason University is currently exploring autism-specific licensure opportunities that may exist in your state upon completion of the program; however, this degree program is not intended to fully prepare students for teaching licensure in any state. Students are strongly encouraged to be proactive and verify all licensure information.