Autism Spectrum Disorders
(ASD) CERTIFICATION or
(CAD) CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED STUDY
CREDITS: 12
Program Description:
The Autism Spectrum Disorders program directly addresses the needs of today’s educators and professionals who are working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders throughout the lifespan. This program will add ASD certification to certified special education teachers or a Certificate of Advanced Studies for students with the desire to obtain knowledge in autism awareness, as well as, personal and professional development.
This program provides specialized preparation in ASD through an innovative 12 credit hour graduate program endorsement in ASD that has the provision of socialization opportunities for individuals with ASD and educational outreach materials and resources for parents and community members at its core.
Students can begin this program any term and complete within one year. Courses are offered one in the fall, two in spring (8 weeks each) and one in summer and are completed all online.
Delivery Mode:
100 percent online
Admissions Criteria:
Pennsylvania - ASD Certification
- Minimum overall undergraduate 2.8 GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 48 credits earned
- Graduate School Application plus $25 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts
- Teaching certificate* (Special Education with 3 years experience)
- Current Act 34, 151 and 114 (fingerprint) clearances
- Three years teaching experience (students without three years experience can receive ASD certification after the program is completed and after three years experience is met)
*Other credentials and/or qualifications for educators and professionals applying to this program without a teaching certificate will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
CAD - Certificate of Advanced Study
- Minimum overall undergraduate 2.8 GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 48 credits earned
- Graduate School Application plus $25 nonrefundable application fee
- Official transcripts
- Current Act 34, 151 and 114 (fingerprint) clearances
Curriculum:
| Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| ESP 740: Nature/Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| ESP 741: Communication, Behavior and Instruction: ASD | 3 |
| ESP 742: Life Transitions and Partnerships: ASD | 3 |
| ESP 743: Navigating the Social World: ASD | 3 |
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Kalie Kossar
724-938-4142
Kossar@calu.edu
Department Website:
http://www.calu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/autism-spectrum-disorders/index.htm
Application Questions:
School of Graduate Studies and Research
California University of Pennsylvania
Eberly 202B
250 University Ave.
California, PA 15419
724-938-4187
http://www.calu.edu/academics/colleges/graduate-school/index.htm
Graduate Faculty:
James Burton, Ed.D., West Virginia University; specializes in Life Skills, Transition and Assistive Technology
Kalie Kossar, Ed.D., West Virginia University; program coordinator; specializes in Collaboration, Inclusion, Assessment and Strategy Instruction
Katherine Mitchem, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Utah State University; specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism
Ashlea Rineer-Hershey, Ph.D., Robert Morris University, specializes in Emotional/Behavioal Disorders and Autism
Mary Seman, Ed.D., West Virginia University; specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis, Direct Instruction, Learning Strategies and Content Enhancement Routines
Sherrill Szalajda, M.Ed., University of Pittsburgh; specializes in Special Education Pedagogy and Trends