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Autism Spectrum Disorders (Graduate Certificate)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Autism Spectrum Disorders (Graduate Certificate)

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AUTISM, Cert, Education, Elementary Education, Mental Health, Secondary Education, disorder, disorders, educltpe, teachers college

Learn how to support and advocate for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. A curriculum that blends theory with practice provides you with the ability to conduct helpful interventions and promote specialized learning strategies.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Autism Spectrum Disorders (Certificate)

The graduate certificate program in autism spectrum disorders is ideal for educators, interventionists, paraprofessionals, psychologists, behavior analysts and family members who want to enhance their preparation for working with individuals living with autism spectrum disorders.

Students can complete the graduate certificate within a two-year period while concurrently pursuing a graduate degree, or they can complete it as a stand-alone certificate.

Students interested in sitting for the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam should apply for the MA program in special education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis or the applied behavior analysis graduate certificate, depending on interest and need.

At a glance
Degree requirements

15 credit hours

Required Core (9 credit hours)
SPE 521 Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)
SPE 525 Measurement, Data Display, Interpretation and Experimental Design (3)
SPE 540 Family-Centered Practices (3)

Restricted Electives (6 credit hours)
SPE 520 Verbal Behavior (3)
SPE 527 Behavior Analytic Assessment (3)
SPE 541 Consultation Frameworks and Issues (3)
SPE 560 Behavior Change Procedures: Implementing Interventions in Behavior Analysis (3)
SPE 564 Controversial Therapies; Science, Fad and Pseudoscience in Educational Settings (3)
SPE 566 Applied Behavior Analysis in Inclusive Settings (3)
SPE 567 Ethics of Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
SPE 598 Special Topics (3)

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement describing the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree
  4. resume
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

GRE scores are not required for admission.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Career opportunities

Students gain specialized skills and knowledge to work effectively and compassionately with children and adults, including family members, impacted by autism.

Career examples include:

  • adapted physical education specialist
  • clinical psychologist
  • counselor
  • special education teacher
  • speech-language pathologist
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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