The EI Autism Specialization Program prepares graduate-level students to work effectively with young children (birth - 5 years) with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Students accepted into this specialization may fulfill requirements for a Master of Education (MEd) degree in EI with Autism Specialization alone or in combination with either Special Education or Early Childhood Education teacher certification. The program, which consists of 46 credit hours
of study, may be completed in 4 full-time semesters. Part-time study is also available to those interested.
The program includes a combination of general EI course offerings and supervised practicum experiences coupled with new courses that focus specifically on working effectively with young children with autism. For specialization students, general EI courses and practica also will be modified to include a greater focus on children with autism. As part of the specialization, students will take 3 of the 5 courses required in preparation to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts and may begin also to
accumulate supervised experience hours (for additional information please visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board web site).
Scholarships
The EI with Autism Specialization Program is supported by a federal grant from the Office of Special Education Programs. As part of the grant, scholarships are available which include partial tuition assistance toward the accomplishment of the program (approximately $11,000 for a Master's Degree only or $21,000 for a Master's Degree plus either Special Education or Early Childhood Education certification). These scholarships will be awarded competitively each May at the close of the annual admissions
cycle. Upon completion of the degree, students receiving scholarships must fulfill a service obligation by working with children with disabilities for a predetermined amount of time (dependent upon the amount of assistance).
Contact Information
School of Education Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management
5500 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 S. Bouquet St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
PHONE: 412-648-2230
FAX: 412-648-1899
EMAIL: soeinfo@pitt.edu
ONLINE (preferred): Inquiry Form
APPLICATION: Admissions Application
