Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate

Fill a growing need in schools and communities with this 100% online program.

Help individuals with autism spectrum disorders reach their full potential throughout their lifespan. California University of Pennsylvania's innovative, 12-credit online graduate program endorsement in autism spectrum disorders will give you comprehensive training in providing socialization opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as educational outreach materials and resources for parents and community members.

Choose the autism spectrum disorders certification path that's best for you.

Certification: If you're a certified teacher, completing this program will enable you to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to have an autism spectrum disorders certification added to your current teaching certificates.

Certificate of Advanced Study: If you're an educator, education professional or family member of an individual on the autism spectrum, and you do not currently hold special education certification, you can complete this program for a professional development certificate.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Fully Online: All classes in Cal U's autism spectrum disorders graduate certification/certificate program are delivered asynchronously online, which means you can complete your courses from anywhere and adapt your workload to even the busiest of schedules.

Top Accreditation: This graduate degree program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Cal U's education programs have also been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, and we are continuing with the successor organization, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). See CAEP reporting measures of program impact and outcomes.

Learn more about applying

4 Courses

This four-course, 12-credit program can be completed in 64 weeks.

Best Online

U.S. News & World Report has listed Cal U's graduate education program as a Best Online Program three years in a row and counting.

Program Benefits

As a Cal U graduate student studying autism spectrum disorders you will:

Work with faculty who are at the top of their fields.
Learn how to address the unique and complex challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum.
Gain hands-on practice in designing and delivering communication, behavior and instructional support for diverse learners with autism spectrum disorders.
Benefit from top career support from program faculty and Cal U's Career and Professional Development Center.

Graduate Outcomes

One out of every 68 children across the United States has been diagnosed with autism, and the demand for specialist in autism spectrum disorders education is growing. Cal U program graduates are prepared for a range of careers in schools, organizations, counseling centers and medical facilities across Pennsylvania and the United States.

Read about gainful employment.

Curriculum, Admission Requirements, and Related Programs

Autism spectrum disorders online certification/certificate courses directly address the needs of educators and professionals working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. All courses are delivered 100% online.

Curriculum

Course	Credits
ESP 740 Nature/Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders	3
ESP 741 Communication, Behavior and Instruction: Autism Spectrum Disorders	3
ESP 742 Life Transitions and Partnerships: Autism Spectrum Disorders	3
ESP 743 Navigating the Social World: Autism Spectrum Disorders	3
Total	12

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.80 or a 3.00 in last 48 credits earned (Students with a GPA below 2.80 may apply for conditional admission)
Official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution
MEd or MEd plus Certification ONLY: Copy of teaching certificate
Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate ONLY: Copy of teaching certificate is not required if certification is not desired.

Conditional Admission Requirements

Conditional Admission may be granted with the following modifications of the Regular Admissions Requirements:

Bachelor's degree with a GPA under 2.80 will be reviewed for a decision

Program Requirements

Current Act 24, 34, 151 and 114 clearances

How to Apply:

Complete the Graduate School Application
Submit the nonrefundable $35 Application Fee
Mail official transcript to:

School of Graduate Studies and Research
California University of Pennsylvania
Box 91
250 University Ave.
California, PA 15419

Submit unofficial transcripts and other documents by mail (using the address above), email (gradschool@calu.edu) or fax (724-938-5712)

For additional information:
Email: gradschool@calu.edu
Phone: 724-938-4187

Out of State Students:

All students who will be seeking certification outside of Pennsylvania are responsible for securing and following the certification requirements in the state in which they intend to apply for certification.

Related Programs

Bachelor's Degree:

Master's Degree:

Certificates:

Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate

Personal Support

All autism spectrum disorders students at Cal U receive personal academic and professional advisement from both the program coordinator and program faculty - all of whom have real-world experience and are considered among the top in their fields.

Program Alumni Testimonial

The autism spectrum disorders program at Cal U is excellent; the instructors are very knowledgeable in their field, and they work very hard to make sure their students have a clear understanding of how to work with and teach children or adults with autism." - Julie Devirgilio '12, Behavior Specialist Consultant, WJS Psychological Associates.