Autism Behavioral Studies

There are two tracks within the autism behavioral studies major – a clinical track and a research and advocacy track. Both major tracks cover interventions and support for individuals with autism. The major also includes the following:

• Principles of teaching and learning
• Understanding the population
• Neurophysiology of the brain
• Biological causes
• Navigation of medical services
• Health policy
• Coping with the stress of a child or family member with autism
• Coping methods for direct service providers, long-term care, and ancillary services

RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY TRACK

The research and advocacy track includes additional coursework on the topics of resources, advocacy, adult services and transitions. In this track, you'll complete supervised research on a topic of your choice under the guidance and supervision of faculty in areas of education, health services, neuroscience or psychology. 

The autism behavioral studies program is available to all Saint Joseph's undergraduate students as a major and minor option. Many students decide to double major or add one or two minors to their studies to customize their bachelor's degree to their interests, passions or career aspirations. Students who major or minor in autism behavioral studies often also study:

• Biology
• Business Administration
• Education
  • Art Education
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary and Middle School Education
  • Secondary Education
• Human Resources and People Management
• Psychology

Saint Joseph's University offers an accelerated bachelor's/master's program that allows current undergraduate students to start earning their Applied Behavioral Analysis M.S. during their senior year. This model enables you to complete your undergraduate and graduate work in just five years, instead of the traditional six or seven. Combining your bachelor's with a master's degree can help you save time and money. 

Autism behavioral studies majors interested in this unique option must apply to the graduate program in their junior year and be provisionally accepted before they complete their bachelor’s degree.

With a degree in autism behavioral studies, you will be prepared to enter the workforce or begin graduate studies focused on treating, serving, supporting, studying and understanding the unique needs and characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

Affordable tuition rates can be found on our Tuition and Fees page.*

*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition and Fees page for a detailed breakdown.

To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student.

There is no application deadline for this program. Here are recommended application submission dates:

February 1 – recommended application submission for Fall semester

August 1 – recommended application submission for Spring semester

Saint Joseph’s accepts students on a year-round basis, so any applications received after these dates will be considered for the next applicable semester. Contact the Office of Admission for information regarding space availability at admit@sju.edu or 610-660-1300.

1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.

2. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.

Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University:

• Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
• Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above
• Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit
• Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
• The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph's
• Some programs have a time limit for specific courses
• Earned credit may be submitted for review based on a timeline of less than or equal to 5 to 10 years between completion of course and enrollment at SJU

Visit the Transfer Admission page for a detailed breakdown of courses and institutions eligible for transfer.

If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:

• Satisfy general admission requirements
• Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey

Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT as an option to the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agency is required.

Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

• Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
• Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
• Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
• Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
• Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
• Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
• Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)