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Are you a new student? We recommend taking time to review the New Student Checklist and the Team Innovate Orientation.
Click the links below to be directed to topic-specific content:
Academic Advising
Academic Advising
We are here to support your success and experience. Please connect with your assigned advising team, Team Innovate, when you have questions about the program and resources.
Phone: 602-543-9419
Email: MLFTCInnovate@asu.edu
Appointments:
General advising - https://calendly.com/team-innovate
Plan of Study (iPOS) advising - https://calendly.com/team-innovate/ipos-creation-or-planning
For tips on preparing for an advising appointment and different ways to connect with us, see the Academic Advising page on this site.
Click here to meet the academic success team!
Click here to meet the academic success team!
Your academic advising team works together to keep you informed, on track for graduation and supported throughout your program. Here is some information about the roles within the team.
Academic Advisors:
Jack Quenelle - Academic Success Advisor
Elaine Hock - Academic Success Advisor
As the core members of your advising team, we will interact with you most frequently. We are experts on your program requirements and are available to assist with program-related questions. We are also familiar with ASU and MLFC resources and will refer you, as appropriate, to ensure you are fully supported.
Other members of the team:
Cadie Ely - Academic Success Coordinator, Sr.
Cadie coordinates advising-related functions, working mainly behind the scenes, though you will likely hear from her at some point during your program.
Program Description and Policy Information
Program Description and Policy Information
Students are encouraged to read and understand the Student Handbook (2025/26), as well as familiarize themselves with the ASU Graduate College Policy Manual.
For more information on this program please visit:
ASU students and faculty are expected to act with integrity in their educational pursuits - discover what academic integrity is and why it is important. See the Policy and Code of Conduct page for more details on academic integrity and other university policies.
Important: This program does not lead to teacher certification. For information on education programs that lead to teacher certification, visit the MLFC Graduate Program webpage and look for a master's program with teacher certification listed.
Required Courses and Plan of Study
Required Courses and Plan of Study
Upon admission to the program, each MA Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders student is assigned a sequence of courses. It is important to follow the assigned course sequence and discuss any variation from the sequence with an academic advisor. In addition to guiding your enrollment each semester, your course sequence will act as a guide when you create your iPOS also known as your “Interactive Plan of Study”.
To access your iPOS, log in to your My ASU page, and in the My Programs box, click on “iPOS” below the name of your program. Then click “Graduate Interactive Plan of Study (iPOS).”
Please review the iPOS how-to guide and video tutorial available on how to fill in all sections of your iPOS:
To complete your iPOS, you will need your specific course sequence listed under your term of admission. Click the link for the sequence you are following for the semester you started your coursework. The specific course sequence will also include the term (fall, spring, or summer) and the session (A or B).
The courses to enter on your iPOS will be in categories under the Courses - Course Admin section of the iPOS. Use your course sequence to determine which classes are entered under each category and the semester you will complete the course.
Your faculty advisor is Erin Rotheram-Fuller. You will search for this name under the Faculty Committee section of the iPOS and select the role as Chair.
Once complete, submit your iPOS for approval by navigating to the tab labeled “Summary/Submit”. Please note that a submitted and approved iPOS can be updated at any point prior to graduation.
Practicum
Practicum
In the required practicum, students apply theoretical and practical information presented throughout their coursework in the Autism Spectrum Disorders concentration in a real-world setting. The practicum provides the ASU student with experiences and support for applying new skills as they continue to grow and evolve as qualified professionals. Students complete a minimum of 45 direct contact hours during the semester of approved activities under the supervision of an onsite supervisor and the guidance of an ASU instructor.
Students arrange their own placements so they can best meet their personal and professional goals. ASU students are expected to complete practicum requirements in a geographic area appropriate for their needs. Students in the ASD concentration work with their onsite supervisor to design, deliver and evaluate practices while working with an individual or individuals with ASD. As part of the associated coursework, students submit a list of anticipated activities and other assignments to the ASU instructor for review and feedback.
An onsite supervisor assists the ASU student in determining appropriate activities and the sequence for those activities, while an ASU instructor provides guidance and feedback on the activities through electronic means.
Culminating Experience
Culminating Experience
The culminating experience course is taken as the final course in the program. Students will select to complete either the Capstone or the Applied Project as a culminating experience for the program, based on professional and personal interest and need. Passing the Culminating Experience course with a grade of B or higher in your last semester is required for graduation. Students must be making satisfactory academic progress to be eligible to register for the culminating experience course.
iPOS Tip: The culminating experience is referred to as the 'degree requirement' on the Plan of Study (iPOS). You must know which culminating experience you wish to pursue prior to starting the iPOS.
Capstone
Capstone
The Capstone option is based on all coursework taken over the 30 hours of the program. Through examination of each assignment/project, preparation of a professional digital archive, and a written paper, students demonstrate analysis and synthesis of material learned in the master’s program and evidence competency in the Council for Exceptional Children Advanced Knowledge and Skill Set for Developmental Disabilities / Autism Specialist.
Applied Project
Applied Project
The Applied Project option provides students pursuing professional careers in the field of autism spectrum disorders an opportunity to prepare a supervised applied project. As part of the applied project, students develop a research plan to study a topic of interest, collect relevant data, analyze and draw conclusions from the data collected, and present their findings as a complete report.
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