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School of Education - George Mason University

Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, software, or product system that’s used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Our master’s degree program is designed to develop professionals who can effectively implement, assess, and research applications of Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services that provide greater independence for those with disabilities. It provides important training for practitioners, family members, and caregivers who make use of assistive technology while working with people with disabilities. Graduates learn to use technology to assist educators, professionals and individuals to function more effectively in school, home, work, and community environments

What Makes Us Unique?

  • 100% online
  • Coursework Spans Consumer Needs, Abilities, Environments & Age Groups
  • Dynamic Online Learning Environments
  • Nationally-recognized AT faculty

The AT Master's is a fully online program enabling students to take coursework from anywhere. Courses are designed to provide individuals with training on current assistive technology tools and techniques using a tool-based, hands-on, direct-learning approach. Online courses are designed to provide meaningful engagement and interaction with the course content, course instructor, and with classmates to create a community of learning.

Why Choose Mason?

  • The online format removes barriers of time and location that would be encountered with a face-to-face program.
  • Mason boasts the second oldest Assistive Technology program in the nation.
  • You will learn from diverse faculty, including practitioners, PhDs, and those who utilize assistive technologies.
  • The courses are project-based and will allow you to gain experience working in the community with real clients.
  • Mason’s Assistive Technology program has produced more PhDs than any other similar program in the country.
  • A virtual lab will provide you with all the software programs you need, for free. Hardware necessary for courses will be sent to you by your professors, or obtained from an organization in your community.
  • Courses in the program may count towards recertification credits for K-12 teachers.
  • Your professors are recognized experts in the field who are regularly awarded Federal and State grants for research and present at professional conferences including CEC, ISAAC, RESNA, Closing the Gap, and ATIA.

How Do I Know If I’m Right for This Degree?

Our graduate program is for those who wish to grow their careers with the benefits of a master’s degree, including the possibility of increased pay. Our program is most appropriate for general and special educators, rehabilitation and medical personnel, related service personnel (OT, PT, SLP, etc.), adult service providers, family members, and caregivers who work with various individuals with disabilities and need to apply assistive technology solutions. For those working in school settings, our degree gives graduates further opportunities to be voices for leadership at their schools.

What Types of Jobs Can This Degree Lead To?

Graduates of our program are well-prepared for a variety of career options within government agencies, school systems, private consulting practice, and community service. Students who complete an the Assistive Technology graduate program at Mason have been offered positions as Assistive Technology Specialists, and Assistive Technology trainers within government agencies, school systems (that have required professional certification/endorsement), private consulting practice, and/or community service/outreach organizations. In addition, some program graduates have gone on to become sales representatives for AT vendors throughout the nation.

While the Virginia Department of Education does not award teacher licensure in the area of assistive technology or professional certification related to assistive technology. AT professionals employed in a school system who complete the program may qualify for a pay band increase, based on specific school system requirements.

What Do Our Graduates Say?

“Mason professors constantly create active learning environments that are engaging and produce meaningful work. Along with fantastic professors and meaningful curriculum, the labs in general at Mason were fascinating, allowing us to study how every kind of assistive technology impacted students in special education, from pencil grips to eye gaze computers and software to speech, and more. You really had the sense that you were working on the cutting edge at the school, every day.”
—Kevin Good, MEd Special Education '12, PhD Education '19

Program Format

All courses are delivered 100% online; students never have to come to campus. Most courses are asynchronous only, with only a few that have one or two synchronous class sessions within the semester-long course. Students can complete the program part-time or full-time. Students participate in a range of online learning activities designed to provide a hands-on, high quality educational experience.

Dynamic Learning Environments
Our courses go beyond just webinars. The program is designed to provide dynamic learning environments that offer:

  • Direct, hands-on opportunities with AT tools
  • Application of AT skills with real clients within authentic settings
  • On-going guidance from knowledgeable faculty
  • Shared experiences with classmates and instructors
  • Opportunities to customize learning based on personal interests and/or professional goals
  • Exposure to a wide range of AT developers and vendors