Graduate Certificate in Autism

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

Potential Electives
CED 526 (3) Families with Exceptional Children
SPE 504 (3) Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings

Those pursuing a certificate with a Special Education focus must also take:
SPE 536* (3) Field Experience: Autism (final course)
* Students who already hold a teaching certificate and current special education endorsement may contact a Special Education advisor if interested in pursuing an endorsement in autism from the state of Michigan.

Those pursuing a Graduate Certificate with a Psychology focus must also take:
PSY 792 (3) Supplemental Supervision (final course)

Those pursing a Graduate Certificate with a Communication Disorders focus must also take:
CDO 749 (3) Clinical Practicum in Speech Pathology or Audiology (final course)

Total: 18 Semester Hours

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.