★Full-time ★Part-time
Expected Length: 2-3 years
Entry Date: Fall 2026
Credits: 39
Course Arrangement:
Course schedules will be determined based on cohort enrollment and arranged uniformly on weekday evenings, weekday daytime hours, or weekends.
Language of Instruction: English
Program Description
There is a significant and growing need in China for specialized educational and behavioral services tailored to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodiverse conditions. This Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorders Option) is rooted in the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA). The program is designed for teachers currently working in special education, those interested in pursuing a career in special education, or individuals aiming to become Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA®). At Kean University, students will develop an evidence-based approach to teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, while also learning strategies for implementing inclusive education in general classroom settings. Master’s students are required to complete a master’s thesis.
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 TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score reports of tests taken within the past two years of application *TOEFL iBT / TOEFL at home: 79, paper-based: 550; IELTS: 6.5; Duolingo English Test:105
8. A departmental interview may be required (usually, face to face interviews are conducted).
Curriculum & Academic Standards
| Course Modules | Credits (39) |
| Credit courses | 21 |
| Credits of Research | 9 |
| Credits of Special Education | 9 |
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, all holding doctoral degrees, with specialized expertise in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Developmental Psychology. Our faculty maintain an active research profile, publishing in Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) and Scopus-indexed journals on key topics including behavioral intervention, inclusive education models, and developmental disorders. Additionally, Dr. Jahirul Mullick, Program Director, has been appointed as a Distinguished Expert at the Jiangsu Research Base for Education of Children with Autism, further strengthening the program’s academic and practical excellence.
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 Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the relevant courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) or Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) examinations. Applicants must still meet additional requirements to be deemed eligible to take the examinations. Seven courses in the program satisfy the 315 hours of coursework required to take the BCBA® exam beginning in 2027. Additional BACB requirements include supervised fieldwork. (see https://www.bacb.com/ for information on the current requirements to sit for their BCBA® exam).
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 2026, and the application deadline is May 25th, 2026.
The enrollment period is the autumn semester of 2026. Encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.
