Master of Arts in Special Education Option: Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders (MA)

Program Description

There is a significant and growing demand in China and across South and Southeast Asia for specialized educational and behavioral services to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders Option) at Wenzhou-Kean University is grounded in the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA). The program is designed for practicing special education teachers, resource teachers supporting students in regular classrooms, aspiring behavior support practitioners, and individuals seeking certification as International Behavior Analysts (IBAs). The program also emphasizes inclusive educational practices, equipping graduates with strategies to support diverse learners and promote their meaningful participation and learning in general education classrooms. As part of the degree requirements, students must complete a master's thesis.

Degree Plan

Master of Arts in Special Education Degree Plan.docx

Admission Requirements

1. Master's degree and Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university

● Applicants, if graduated from mainland China institutions, must submit an evaluation of their official university degree by China Credentials Verification (https://www.chsi.com.cn/).

● Applicants, if not graduated from either U.S. institutions or mainland China institutions, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official university degree by the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES) (http://www.naces.org), such as the International Education Evaluation (IEE) or World Education Services (WES).

2. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (lower GPAs will be considered based on strength of overall application)

● Applicants, if graduated from mainland China institutions, must submit an evaluation of their official university transcript by China Credentials Verification.

● Applicants, if not graduated from either U.S. institutions or mainland China institutions, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official university transcript by the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES).

3. Three Letters of Recommendation (professional experience)

4. An appropriate scholarly writing sample (APA style, if available) (send a paper from your undergraduate work)

5. Personal Statement (Why do you want to be accepted?)

6. Professional resume/CV

7. Official score reports for TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo within two years
*TOEFL iBT score of 79, paper and pencil test score of 550; The minimum required total score for TOEFL exams taken after January 21, 2026 is 4 points; IELTS score of 6.0; Duolingo scored 105 points.

8. A departmental interview may be required (usually, face to face interviews are conducted). 

Curriculum & Academic Standards

Graduation Requirements

Based on students' undergraduate coursework and academic performance, combined with the graduate curriculum arrangement, students are required to complete a total of 39 credits. Students must fulfill all specified academic requirements and finish the research project. The number of courses with a grade of C or below on their transcript shall not exceed two. If two or more courses are rated as C, the excess courses must be retaken until they meet the graduation requirements. At the same time, students' GPA must not be lower than 3.0. If the above conditions are met, the Master of Arts degree in Special Education will be awarded to Kean University in the United States.

Program Highlights

Strong, Qualified Faculty with Specialized Expertise

The program is supported by a dedicated, experienced, and growing team of full-time faculty members, all holding doctoral degrees and possessing specialized expertise in special education, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and developmental psychology. Faculty members maintain active research profiles, publishing in Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and Scopus-indexed journals on topics such as behavioral interventions, inclusive education, and developmental disorders. The program also benefits from faculty members holding internationally recognized professional credentials, including Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral (BCBA-D) and International Behavior Analyst (IBA) certifications, bringing specialized professional expertise and practical experience to teaching and student development.

Clinical Partnerships

A cornerstone of the proposed M.A. program is its commitment to hands-on, experiential learning. Wenzhou-Kean University College of Education has proactively established partnerships with a network of local special needs schools, early intervention centers, and autism support groups. These partnerships, with bodies such as the Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou School for Special Education, Wenzhou Star-Rain Autism Support Center and the Wenzhou Disabled Persons' Federation, will also provide our students with essential practicum sites. In addition, the college became a Member Institution of the Wenzhou “Warm Star” Autism Support Alliance, further strengthening its commitment to supporting students with autism and promoting inclusive education. Through these partnerships, students gain supervised fieldwork experience in applying behavioral principles, conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs), and implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) with diverse client populations.

Behavioral Lab

The program is currently preparing to establish a specialized Behavioral Lab to support the M.A. in Special Education in the future. This lab will be equipped with observation rooms, video recording technology, and a library of assessment materials and manipulatives essential for teaching discrete trial training, natural environment teaching, and other ABA-based methodologies.

Professional Certification

The MA in Special Education (ABA) is recognized by the International Behavior Analysis Organization (IBAO) as an Approved Content Provider (ACP). The curriculum aligns with IBAO's Required Educational Objectives (REOs) and fulfills the 270 hours of coursework required for eligibility to pursue International Behavior Analyst (IBA) certification. However, completing the required coursework does not automatically confer professional certification. Candidates must also meet additional IBAO certification requirements, including 1,500 hours of supervised practice, 75 hours of supervision, 12 hours of pre-certification Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and successful completion of the IBA Online Examination. For further information on certification requirements, please visit the IBAO website (https://theibao.com/).

Careers

Graduates may work in special education schools, rehabilitation centers, children’s welfare institutions, and other organizations, engaging in assessment, intervention, and education for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They may also pursue careers in universities or research institutions, focusing on teaching and research related to ASD and special education.

Contact Us

Email: sped@wku.edu.cn

Tel: 86-(0)577-55870063

*Rolling admission will be adopted in 2027, and the application deadline is June 15th, 2027.
The enrollment period is the autumn semester of 2027. Encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.