Interdisciplinary Preparation in Autism

IPA logo

What is IPA?

IPA is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare Master’s level Psychology and Special Education majors for the high-intensity demands of autism services in education settings. As part of IPA, scholars will complete a two-year, 39-41 credit program that includes interdisciplinary course work, department specific courses, and supervised practicum. Upon completion of the program, all graduates will be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Special education majors will also be eligible for a Michigan autism endorsement.

View the application guidelines Apply now

What is the tuition benefit?

IPA scholars can receive up to $28,000 in tuition and related support. This is a federally-funded project and includes a service requirement for two years of professional service to the field of autism for every academic year of tuition-support. Tuition for the IPA program is provided at the WMU in-state tuition rate only.

Applicants to either the Master’s program in Special Education or Psychology (Behavior Analysis) are welcome to apply. Specific requirements for admission to each department are available on the Special Education and Psychology websites.

Information for out-of-state applicants and residency questions can be found at the accounts receivable website.

Requirements for Special Education

Resume, writing sample, 3 letters of recommendation and a Supplemental form. Must have an elementary or secondary teaching certificate and a special education endorsement or related area certification to enter this program.

Upon acceptance, all Special Education applicants will be required to complete the following coursework. This course list is subject to change prior to the start of the semester.

Important notes when applying

After starting your application: 

  • For residency: Select "Domestic or International"
  • For degree option: Select “Master’s”
  • For campus: Select "Main Campus (Kalamazoo)"
  • For program: Select "Special Education Master Teacher - MA"
  • Are you re-applying to the same graduate program: Select "No" 
  • Grad SPMM Concentration: Select "Interdisciplinary Preparation in Autism" NOT "Autism (AI)"
  • For term: Select "Summer II 2020"
  • Start application

Requirements for Psychology

Resume, writing sample, 3 letters of recommendation, supplemental form (check IPA on the form) and GRE scores.

Upon acceptance, all Psychology applicants will be required to complete the following coursework. This course list is subject to change prior to the start of the semester.

Important notes when applying

After starting your application: 

  • For residency: Select "Domestic or International"
  • For degree option: Select “Master’s”
  • For campus: Select "Main Campus (Kalamazoo)"
  • For program: Select "Psychology: Behavior Analysis - MA"
  • Are you re-applying to the same graduate program: Select "No" 
  • Grad SPMM Concentration: Select "Interdisciplinary Preparation in Autism" NOT "Autism (AI)"
  • For term: Select "Summer II 2020" (if this option is not available select "Summer I 2020")
  • Start application

*When filling out the supplemental application required for psychology applicants, select "MA: IPA" for question 4.