Overview

The Special Education and Autism at University of California, Riverside is designed to prepare graduates for the complex task of supporting individuals with learning disabilities. This advanced programme provides a robust academic foundation for those seeking to enhance their professional expertise or transition into doctoral research.

Why Special Education and Autism at University of California, Riverside?

Students benefit from a flexible learning environment where they can complete their studies at their own pace, typically over one to two years. The curriculum is structured around 36 units, ensuring a deep dive into the pedagogical and psychological aspects of special education. Classes are conveniently scheduled once a week in the late afternoon to accommodate various schedules.

The School of Education offers a distinct advantage through its Ph.D.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 12005 per semester
National fee: USD 12005 per semester
Local fee: USD 4490 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum offers two distinct pathways: Plan I, which involves a research thesis, and Plan II, which concludes with a comprehensive examination. Modules may include:

Autism
Cognition
Language and Literacy
Learning Disabilities
Math Education
Reading and Mathematics Intervention
STEM Teaching and Learning

Careers with Special Education and Autism

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of professional trajectories within the field of education and social services. Many students choose to continue their academic journey by pursuing a doctorate to become leaders in educational policy or university-level instruction. The programme also provides the necessary skills for roles in specialised research labs and dedicated centres for special needs.

The expertise gained during the programme is highly valued in organisations focused on disability advocacy and educational support. Graduates may find opportunities in clinical settings, research institutions, or as specialists within school districts. The focus on evidence-based practice ensures that alumni are competitive candidates for roles that require a sophisticated understanding of autism and learning disabilities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Human Differences

Contemporary Issues and Trends

Multicultural Special Education

Developmental Psychopathology

Educational and Psychological Measurement and Evaluation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Riverside, United States

Disciplines

Communication Studies Special Education Speech Pathology View 874 other Masters in Special Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Upload an unofficial transcript for every college and university attended in the application prior to submitting/paying the application fee.

Acquire three letters of recommendation from academic sources.

The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to discuss your intent for pursuing a degree in this particular graduate program and how it aligns with your career objectives. In addition to clearly stating your career objectives and intentions for pursuing a graduate degree in this particular program, please speak to how the coursework is connected to your career goals and objectives.

The Personal History Statement is about your background, culture, economic and social experiences, and how those elements have led you to pursue a graduate degree.

The writing sample should be a final class paper submitted for a previous course on any topic. Not to exceed 30 pages.

Request TOEFL or IELTS scores electronically from the testing center to be sent to UCR.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

24010 USD / year

≈ 24010 USD / year
Out-of-State

24010 USD / year

≈ 24010 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13942 USD / year

≈ 13942 USD / year

Living costs

Riverside

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Special Education and Autism.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Riverside

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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