Purpose of the Program

The 18 credit hour certificate is designed for graduate students who seek additional expertise in the field of autism.  This program is designed to provide multidisciplinary training experience in competencies to work effectively with individuals with autism in a variety of educational and community settings.  Special educators seeking an additional endorsement in autism should apply for the autism endorsement, not the certificate program.

Admission Requirements

Admission is through the College of Graduate Studies. Students pursuing this certificate should have a background in education, psychology, communication disorders, or another related discipline and have met the graduate admission requirements for non-degree status.  Students pursuing the autism program in conjunction with another graduate program must adhere to the corresponding admission requirements for that graduate program.

Course Requirements

SPE 530 / PSY 575 (3) Autism Spectrum Disorder: Characteristics and Etiology
                   (prerequisite for all other classes)
SPE 531 (3) Autism Spectrum Disorder: Educational Implications
CDO 550 (3) Communication Assessment and Intervention in Children with
                     Autism Spectrum Disorders
PSY 682 (3) Psychology of Child Development
PSY 586 (3) Applied Behavior Analysis in Education

To Receive the Graduate Certificate:

At least two months before graduation (commencement) the student must apply for the graduate certificate through College of Graduate Studies.  There is a $35.00 application fee that must accompany the application. The above information is additionally available on the Autism Certificate Program Form.