Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Certificate Level: Graduate
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 15.0
Instructional Delivery: Online, Campus
Calendar Type: Quarter
Expected Time to Completion: 1 year
Financial Aid Eligibility: Aid eligible
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 13.1013
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 25-2059
About the Program
Within the past decade, the number of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased drastically. Consequently, the need for professionals trained in this specialized area has significantly increased. This course sequence is designed for those who seek additional expertise in this critical-need area. Students who complete the graduate-level Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders are equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, teaching methods, interventions, and supports needed to work with students with ASD who have varying profiles.
The program is a part-time graduate program consisting of 5 courses (15.0 credits). Teacher certification is not a requirement for admission to this program, however applicants are expected to have completed a bachelor's degree. Upon completion of the program, students with an active PA Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate are eligible for the Pennsylvania Department of Education Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement.
Admission Requirements
Students applying to this program should have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA).
- Completed graduate school application.
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended.
- Two letters of recommendation - professional or academic.
- An essay describing why the applicant is interested in pursuing graduate study in this field.
Program Requirements
| Introductory Course | ||
| EDEX 555 | Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3.0 |
| Core Courses | ||
| EDEX 556 | Characteristics & Methods: Autism | 3.0 |
| EDEX 558 | Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism | 3.0 |
| EDEX 560 | Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3.0 |
| EDEX 562 | Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
A field component is required in each course.
Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | |
| EDEX 555 | Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3.0 |
| EDEX 556 | Characteristics & Methods: Autism | 3.0 |
| EDEX 558 | Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 9.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| EDEX 560 | Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3.0 |
| EDEX 562 | Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 6.0 | |
| Total Credit: 15.0 | ||
Additional Information:
For more information about this program, contact the program manager:
Kyra Dukes, MS
Program Manager
