At a Glance
$551
Cost per Credit
33
Credit Hours
100%
Online
24 months
Program LengthMaster’s in Early Intervention in Autism & Sensory Impairments, MA
Program Overview
At a Glance
$551
Cost per Credit
33
Credit Hours
100%
Online
24 months
Program LengthWhy Study Early Intervention in Autism & Sensory Impairments?
Meet the needs of families with children who have autism and sensory impairments with Lindenwood University’s online Master of Arts in Early Intervention in Autism and Sensory Impairments program. This early intervention master’s program online trains educators and professionals to work with parents and caregivers of young children who need special attention when it comes to sensory needs.
Through our master’s degree in early intervention program, you will explore these three areas: autism spectrum disorder, deaf/hearing impairment, and vision impairment. The comprehensive early intervention graduate program curriculum focuses on topics that include the characteristics and strategies for working with infants and young children, family-centered practices, communication and collaboration strategies, social-emotional development, evidence-based practices, and designing effective classrooms.
The master’s degree in early intervention program does not provide teacher certification from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
What You'll Learn
Your early intervention MA coursework is designed to develop your approach to facilitating early childhood development opportunities through the lens of autism spectrum disorders and sensory impairments. Gain advanced insights across education and early development, refined through concepts related to the autism disorder spectrum and sensory disorders, including the following course topics:
- Conceptualization of Education
- Characteristics of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Transitioning to the IEP: Working with Families to Navigate the Early Intervention
- Characteristics and Strategies for working with Infants and Young Children with Vision Impairments
Essential Skills & Insights
Coursework in this Master’s Degree in Early Intervention in Autism & Sensory Impairments program covers the following:
- Innovative Leadership: understand the role of innovation in education theory and practice.
- Technology Tools: apply the latest technology tools to best practices for teaching students with autism and sensory impairments.
- Student Assessment: learn how to assess student performance and develop curriculum and learning plans to maximize success.
- Professional Development: strengthen your current professional skills while preparing for new opportunities in education, non-profit administration, social work, and more.
Career Outlook
Early intervention MA graduates can pursue fields such as special education and speech language pathology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), speech language pathologists earn a median annual salary of $79,060. Special education teachers can earn up to $61,820 annually.
Upon completion, graduates of this program can pursue several careers, including:
- Childcare Administrator
- Child Development Instructor
- Education Specialist
- Learning Specialist
- Preschool Director
- Teacher
Here are some of the school districts and organizations where our alumni work in their careers:
- Archdiocese of Chicago Public Schools
- Bright Horizons
- Chicago Public Schools
- Joliet Schools District 86
- Keeney School District 20
- Schaumburg School District 54
- Start Early
- University of Chicago Law Schools
Tuition Details
The cost per credit hour for this program is $551. Besides affordable tuition, we offer a generous transfer policy of up to nine credits toward your degree completion to further offset tuition costs—saving you time and money on your education!
Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community college to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.
Admissions Requirements
For admission to your program, you will need to complete your online application and submit the following documents:
- Online application
- Résumé
- Letter of intent/personal statement, including a personal statement regarding your interest in the program and career goals
- Official undergraduate transcript(s) as well as official transcript(s) from any graduate school(s) attended
- Transcripts demonstrating completion of undergraduate degree in related field with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in all major coursework.
- The official results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may be required if GPA is below 3.0.
- Contact information for three academic and/or professional references.
- 1,000-word statement of purpose describing applicant’s goals.
- Specific deliverables depending on area of study, such as a writing sample and/or portfolio of work.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Lindenwood offers a generous transfer policy of up to 9 credits toward your master in Early Intervention in Autism & Sensory Impairments degree online completion to further offset tuition costs. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 24 credit hours at Lindenwood—saving you time and money on your education!
Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community college to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.
Learn MoreCurriculum Overview
The MA in Early Intervention in Autism and Sensory Impairments program offers a curriculum that teaches evidence-based practices for supporting individuals with autism and sensory impairments. In this program, you can gain expertise in assessment, intervention strategies, and how to collaborate with families and other professionals. Courses are taught by experts with clinical therapeutic experience and base their teachings on the latest evidence-based practices for early diagnosis.
Prerequisite Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDS 50200 | Behavior Management | 3 |
| EDS 53700 | Special Education Counseling | 3 |
| EDU 50410 | Human Growth, Development, and the Exceptional Learner | 3 |
| EDU 54100 | Education of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| EDU 55100 | Early Childhood Screening, Diagnosing and Prescribing Instruction | 3 |
Major Coursework I – 9 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDT 50900 | Innovation Mindset | 3 |
| EDU 51000 | Conceptualization of Education | 3 |
| EDU 57000 | Educational Research | 3 |
Major Coursework II – 21 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDS 56000 | Introduction to Family Centered Practices for Early Interventions in Autism, Visual Impairment, Deaf/Hard of Hearing | 3 |
| EDS 56100 | Characteristics of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| EDS 56200 | Characteristics and Strategies for working with Infants and Young Children with Vision Impairments | 3 |
| EDS 56300 | Characteristics and Strategies for working with Young Children with Deaf/Hard of Hearing Impairments | 3 |
| EDS 57000 | Methodologies for Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| EDS 57100 | Transitioning to the IEP: Working with Families to Navigate the Early Intervention Process | 3 |
| EDS 57200 | Designing Effective Classrooms for Young Children with Autism Spectrum | 3 |
Career Opportunities
Early Intervention Specialist
Help young children and their families through developmental assessments, therapy, and support services for early autism and sensory impairments.
Special Education Coordinator
Manage the development and implementation of educational programs for students with autism and sensory impairments within schools or organizations.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Evaluate and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children with autism and sensory impairments, while helping improve language and communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why pursue a Master’s in Early Intervention in Autism and Sensory Impairments?
With the knowledge and skills learned in early intervention master’s programs online, you can help improve the lives of students with autism and sensory impairments. You can pursue specialized roles in education as a teacher, administrator, or other type of executive-level professional.
Is student teaching required for an MA in Early Intervention?
The requirements for each program will depend on the school you attend. Many programs offer internship opportunities or capstone projects to gain real-world experience applying your education in a real-world context.
Can I still teach while pursuing an MA in Early Intervention?
Yes, many students complete their online master’s in early intervention degree while continuing to teach. With a flexible, online program, working teachers can set their sights on new opportunities without slowing down in their current careers.
Comparing MA in Education vs MEd, what is the difference?
In the simplest terms, an MA in Education is more focused on theory, knowledge, and research. While a Master of Education (MEd) program is more focused on the practical application of curriculum development, instructional leadership and classroom management.
Do most teachers have or need a master’s degree?
Many teachers become certified and start teaching after earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Earning your master’s degree can help you advance in the field and pursue specialized roles.
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