Best institutions to study Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism
A program that focuses on the design of educational services for children or adults with autism, and that prepares individuals to teach such students.
74 U.S. institutions graduated 1,077 Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 13.1013, a specialization of Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10), and leads most directly to the Special Education Teachers, Preschool occupation (BLS SOC 25-2051).
About Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism programs
A program that focuses on the design of educational services for children or adults with autism, and that prepares individuals to teach such students. Includes instruction in identifying students with autism, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising autistic students, counseling, and applicable laws and policies.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism program focuses on designing educational services tailored for children and adults with autism. This program prepares individuals to teach autistic students by equipping them with the necessary skills to identify students with autism, develop individualized education plans (IEPs), and implement effective teaching strategies. It is ideal for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special needs.
Learn more about Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism →
Students in this program gain essential skills in communication, active listening, critical thinking, and monitoring. Coursework covers topics such as behavior modification techniques, sensory development, and the legal aspects of special education, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to support the unique needs of autistic individuals.
Credentials awarded
What Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Postbaccalaureate certificate694 graduates / yr · 44 institutions64%
- Master's degree257 graduates / yr · 20 institutions24%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year74 graduates / yr · 11 institutions6.9%
- Bachelor's degree34 graduates / yr · 6 institutions3.2%
- Post-master's certificate16 graduates / yr · 4 institutions1.5%
- Award of less than 12 weeks2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 829 |
| 2013 | 882 |
| 2014 | 1,204 |
| 2015 | 1,112 |
| 2016 | 865 |
| 2017 | 1,386 |
| 2018 | 1,597 |
| 2019 | 924 |
| 2020 | 1,037 |
| 2021 | 1,133 |
| 2022 | 1,265 |
| 2023 | 1,129 |
| 2024 | 1,002 |
| 2025 | 1,077 |
Top 50 institutions for Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ball State University Muncie, INPublicPost-degree cert. | 345 | 62% | — | $47,499 |
| 2 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 153 | 43% | $21,535 | $43,258 |
| 3 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 32 | 65% | $28,911 | $39,699 |
| 4 | Arcadia University Glenside, PAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 26 | 67% | $23,796 | — |
| 5 | Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato, MNPublicPost-degree cert. | 24 | 54% | — | $47,132 |
| 6 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicPost-degree cert. | 24 | 0% | — | — |
| 7 | Cambridge College Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 21 | 11% | — | — |
| 8 | Appalachian State University Boone, NCPublicPost-degree cert. | 21 | 75% | — | $43,283 |
| 9 | Towson University Towson, MDPublicPost-degree cert. | 20 | 69% | — | $53,331 |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Whitewater, WIPublicPost-degree cert. | 20 | 59% | — | $47,592 |
| 11 | University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 18 | 49% | — | $48,378 |
| 12 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 17 | 85% | — | $49,771 |
| 13 | Felician University Lodi, NJPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sMaster's | 17 | 47% | $41,497 | — |
| 14 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MIPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 16 | 46% | — | $43,777 |
| 15 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 16 | 68% | — | — |
| 16 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KSPublicPost-degree cert. | 13 | 69% | — | — |
| 17 | Touro University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 13 | 72% | $27,110 | — |
| 18 | University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDPublicPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 60% | — | — |
| 19 | Northeastern State University Tahlequah, OKPublicMaster's | 13 | 35% | — | $46,045 |
| 20 | William & Mary Williamsburg, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 12 | 89% | — | — |
| 21 | University of Wisconsin - Stout Menomonie, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 55% | — | $45,196 |
| 22 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicPost-degree cert. | 10 | 58% | — | $38,250 |
| 23 | Adelphi University Garden City, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 67% | $27,326 | — |
| 24 | Mary Baldwin University Staunton, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 39% | $18,500 | — |
| 25 | Universidad Adventista de las Antillas Mayaguez, PRPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 10 | 36% | $9,579 | — |
| 26 | Universidad Ana G. Mendez - Gurabo Campus Gurabo, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 10 | 31% | $9,370 | — |
| 27 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, ARPublicPost-degree cert. | 9 | 71% | — | $43,718 |
| 28 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 9 | 76% | $28,888 | — |
| 29 | Concordia University - Saint Paul Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master's | 8 | 46% | $17,328 | — |
| 30 | New Mexico State University - Main Campus Las Cruces, NMPublicPost-degree cert. | 8 | 55% | — | $31,963 |
| 31 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 64% | — | $38,671 |
| 32 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PAPublicPost-degree cert. | 8 | 71% | — | — |
| 33 | Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 7 | 58% | — | $37,450 |
| 34 | Old Dominion University Norfolk, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 7 | 46% | — | — |
| 35 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 6 | 94% | $11,888 | — |
| 36 | CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NYPublicPost-degree cert. | 6 | 54% | — | — |
| 37 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - San German San German, PRPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 6 | 43% | $10,477 | — |
| 38 | Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 49% | $17,436 | — |
| 39 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 75% | — | $42,347 |
| 40 | Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 80% | — | $41,871 |
| 41 | University of Memphis Memphis, TNPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 51% | — | $44,664 |
| 42 | Endicott College Beverly, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 4 | 76% | $34,195 | — |
| 43 | Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, MAPublicPost-degree cert. | 4 | 55% | — | — |
| 44 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicPost-degree cert. | 4 | 64% | — | $39,139 |
| 45 | Radford University Radford, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 4 | 49% | — | — |
| 46 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 50% | — | — |
| 47 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Ponce Mercedita, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 41% | $9,980 | — |
| 48 | Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, COPublicPost-degree cert. | 3 | 32% | — | $39,638 |
| 49 | Oakland University Rochester Hills, MIPublicPost-degree cert. | 3 | 58% | — | — |
| 50 | Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 64% | $19,806 | $41,324 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Special Education and Teaching field (CIP 13.10) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 30 states & territories
Where Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism graduates come from. Each state links to all Special Education and Teaching programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2051, Special Education Teachers, Preschool, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Special Education Teachers, with a focus on preschool, middle school, or secondary education. The job outlook for special education teachers is stable, with an annual growth rate of 1.4% and approximately 2,100 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $62,190, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 13.1013
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Special Education Teachers, Preschoolprimary SOC 25-2051 | $64,830 | +1.4% Little or no change | ~2,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School SOC 25-2058 | $74,260 | -1.6% Decline | ~11,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Special Education Teachers, Middle School SOC 25-2057 | $66,810 | -1.9% Decline | ~6,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Education Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1081 | $75,350 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~5,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Special Education Teachers, All Other SOC 25-2059 | $76,580 | +1.1% Little or no change | ~2,900 | Bachelor's degree |
SOC 25-2055 | — | — | — | — |
SOC 25-2056 | — | — | — | — |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
- Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.
- Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.
- Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual education plans (IEPs).
Tools and technology used
Other Special Education and Teaching specializations
The 17 other 6-digit CIP codes under Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10).
- Special Education and TeachingCIP 13.100122,668 graduates / yr664 institutions
- Education/CIP 13.1015
Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs 3,949 graduates / yr154 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1017
Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs 1,718 graduates / yr70 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1007
Teaching of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities 1,466 graduates / yr28 institutions - Special Education and TeachingCIP 13.10991,365 graduates / yr82 institutions
- Education/CIP 13.1004
Teaching of the Gifted and Talented 506 graduates / yr54 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1019
Teaching of Individuals in Secondary Special Education Programs 492 graduates / yr39 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1011
Teaching of Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities 470 graduates / yr41 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1012
Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impairments 344 graduates / yr13 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1003
Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness 251 graduates / yr32 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1009
Teaching of Individuals with Vision Impairments Including Blindness 204 graduates / yr14 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1005
Teaching of Individuals with Emotional Disturbances 147 graduates / yr22 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1014
Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed partial data101 graduates / yr8 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1006
Teaching of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities 62 graduates / yr12 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1008
Teaching of Individuals with Orthopedic and Other Physical Health Impairments partial data55 graduates / yr4 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1018
Teaching of Individuals in Junior High/ Middle School Special Education Programs partial data36 graduates / yr7 institutions - Education/CIP 13.1016
Teaching of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries limited data29 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What is the main focus of this program?+
The program focuses on designing educational services for individuals with autism and preparing teachers to support their unique learning needs.
What degrees or certificates can I earn?+
You can earn a postbaccalaureate certificate, a master's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in communication, active listening, critical thinking, and implementing special educational strategies.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can work as Special Education Teachers, with a stable job outlook and a median wage of $62,190.
What is the CIP code for Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism?+
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism is CIP 13.1013 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Special Education and Teaching (CIP 13.10). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the design of educational services for children or adults with autism, and that prepares individuals to teach such students. Includes instruction in identifying students with autism, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising autistic students, counseling, and applicable laws and policies.
How many institutions offer Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism programs?+
74 U.S. institutions reported Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 30 states & territories, awarding 1,077 credentials in the year. That is 3.1% of all Special Education and Teaching graduates.
How much do Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Special Education Teachers, Preschool occupation, which Education/Teaching of Individuals with Autism most directly leads to, pays a median of $64,830 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Special Education and Teaching field report median earnings of $44,664 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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