Master's in Inclusive Education: Autism Specialization

This community education program leads to a master's degree in inclusive education with a specialization in autism. Candidates who qualify with state requirements can also earn the Massachusetts Autism Endorsement for Educator Licensure upon completion of the program.

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Program Overview

The Inclusive Education Master's Degree Program is designed to prepare educators to support the complex needs of autistic students while keeping equity, social justice, diversity and accessibility at the center of their work. 

In this program, students will: 

  • Develop critical knowledge of the history, theories and prevalence of autism
  • Develop expertise in a range of educational and supportive practices
  • Apply concepts of self-advocacy, advocacy and quality-of-life in educational settings
  • Analyze approaches to, theories of, and supports for autistic individuals through the lens of neurodiversity 
  • Evaluate assumptions, biases and characterizations of autism through sociocultural and self-advocacy lenses 

All inclusive education master's students are required to take five core inclusivity courses as well as the coursework for their specialization. For the Autism Specialization, courses such as Supporting Communication Competence and Autistic Behavior: Complexities, Challenges & Access prepare educators to create and lead an inclusive environment for diverse student populations.

Sample Courses

Neurodiversity, Collaboration & Allyship

EDU 660
This course provides class participants with an introduction to autism and neurodiversity, a grounding in the neurodiversity paradigm, and exposure to autistic self-advocates and perspectives. The course will include an examination of the sociopolitical context and the resulting ideals, conceptions, assumptionst and biases in education, media, and community. Course participants will unpack educational discourse, diagnosis, labels, and the ethics of different educational approaches and ideals. The course will explore tenets of collaboration and the complexity of different organizational approaches.

Social Understanding: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma

EDU 662
This course will review social understanding, stress, anxiety and trauma in autistic people. The course will explore the role of anxiety, stress, and trauma on relationships, self-regulation, health/ well-being and academic achievement. This course will stress intersectionality and explore gender/culture/race influences on understanding autism. Course participants will develop social supports and curricula focused on neurodiverse social behavior that help to mitigate the effects of stress/anxiety/trauma and develop resilience.

Self-Advocacy, Quality of Life and Transition

EDU 664
This course explores quality of life considerations, measures, and supports for autistic students/persons. Educators will learn techniques to support autistic students moving from school to adult life, including developing self-advocacy skills, educator advocacy/allyship, family advocacy, person-centered planning, and transition plans. Ethical issues and philosophical challenges relating to sociocultural context, theories, and positioning, anti-oppressive education, and involvement/lack of involvement of self-advocates' perspectives will be explored in the development of pathways to higher education, career and technical education, employment, and independent living.

Contact Information

Graduate & Professional Studies Admission

grad@stonehill.edu
508-565-1600
Duffy – 124/126

Graduate & Professional Studies Admission assists students as they explore graduate and professional opportunities offered at Stonehill College. 

Meet the Director of Graduate Teacher Education

Rebekah C. Louis

Rebekah C. Louis

Assistant Professor/Coordinator of Graduate Clinical Experience, Director of Graduate Teacher Education, Coordinator of Graduate Clinical Experience
rlouis3@stonehill.edu
Duffy 290
Education

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