Autism Spectrum Disorders
Online Graduate CertificateExpand your knowledge and skills of autism spectrum disorder (autism) with our 18-credit hour graduate certificate. The Autism Certificate specializes in assessing and teaching autistic individuals and includes two areas of focus: Early Childhood (birth through 5) and School-Aged (K-12).
Career Options:
Teaching and working with children and students on the autism spectrum is identified nationally and in Kansas as a high-need field. Graduates of the Autism Certificate program leave with the knowledge, skills, and strategies required to enhance their abilities and become outstanding:
- Teachers – early childhood, general, or special education
- Related service providers - school social workers and psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, school nurses, librarians, etc.
- Administrators - school and other organizations
- Autism advocates
- Family members
Admission Requirements:
- Candidate must hold a bachelor's degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in bachelor’s degree program
- Undergraduates may begin the program in their final semester with advisor and Autism Certificate coordinator approval
Procedural Steps for Certificate:
- Apply for the Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate through the Office of Graduate Studies
- Submit an Official Transcript
- Petition for completion of the certificate program during the last semester of coursework
*Students may enter the program in the Fall semester only.
Tuition:
- All students will pay the online in-state graduate tuition rate, no matter where they reside
Financial Aid Eligibility:
- The certificate must be completed within one year with six hours per semester.
- Pitt State and Fort Hays State University have a Consortium Agreement allowing PSU to disperse financial aid for both universities for the spring semester.
Contact:
- Dr. Terri Cooper Swanson, Autism Certificate Coordinator, tswanson@pittstate.edu