Mary Baldwin University
At Mary Baldwin University, our online Master of Arts in Autism Studies is designed for educators and professionals who want to better support school-aged individuals with autism. In this flexible, career-focused program, you’ll build the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to respond to students’ educational and behavioral needs with skill, compassion, and purpose. The program is offered fully online and can typically be completed in 18–24 months. Students also earn the Comprehensive Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder as part of the program.
At Mary Baldwin, we understand the realities of balancing graduate school with work, family, and professional responsibilities. That’s why the Autism Studies MA is built for flexibility, practical application, and personal support. Through inquiry-based coursework, you’ll explore the neurological, communicative, and sensory experiences of children with autism spectrum disorders while learning effective, ethical ways to support them in K–12 settings.
You’ll develop skills in:
Whether you’re ready to grow in your current role or prepare for new opportunities, Mary Baldwin is here to help you take the next step.
Mary Baldwin’s MA in Autism Studies combines flexibility, value, and practical preparation for professionals working with students with ASD. Program features include:
Our goal is to help you strengthen your expertise and make a meaningful difference for students with autism in schools and communities.
Mary Baldwin University’s Autism Studies MA elevates your educational foundation through coursework grounded in compassion, best practices, and quality of life. The curriculum is designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of autism while gaining strategies they can apply immediately in the field.
As a student in the program, you’ll study topics such as assessment, communication, sensory integration, social development, and behavior support.
Sample courses include:
Explore autism and related developmental disabilities across the lifespan, including assessment, diagnostic criteria, educational impact, transition issues, collaboration with families, and current trends and resources.
Examine language development in students with ASD, visual learning, communication supports, augmentative technologies, sensory integration issues, and classroom strategies for individualized support.
Learn about social and behavioral development, functional behavior assessments, applied behavioral techniques, and instructional approaches that address challenging behaviors and build social skills in school settings.
We know many students in this program are already working in schools or related settings. Mary Baldwin’s fully online format gives you the freedom to learn on your own time while immediately applying what you study to your work. For teachers, the practicum may even be completed in your own classroom. Gain the necessary skills and confidence to support the educational and behavioral needs of school-aged individuals with autism.
The Online Admissions Office reviews applications and renders an admission decision within 3 business days.
If you have questions about the online Master of Arts in Autism Studies or any other MBU online or hybrid program, contact us to learn more. Our friendly and supportive admissions team is just a phone call or email away and is happy to walk you through the process. Our admissions team is ready to answer your questions and provide support and guidance every step of the way, from choosing your degree to completing your application and preparing for your first day of class.
We look forward to helping you take the next step in your career.
