Graduate Courses

Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The primary purpose of this 4-course certificate sequence is to prepare experienced educators, administrators and related service providers to assume a leadership role in the development and implementation of educational programs for students with autism in school settings.

The certificate program includes three courses (a total of 12 credits). Courses will be offered annually:

  1. SED 528 Educational Methods for Students with Autism
  2. SED 585 Social Communication for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  3. SED 563 Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  4. SED 556 Assessment of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

More information about the Graduate Certificate Program

Online Application

Graduate Course Schedule

  • Summer Semester: SED 528 Theories and educational practices for students with autism
  • Fall Semester: SED 585 Communication in students with autism spectrum disorders.
  • Spring Semester:  SED 556 Assessment of students with autism spectrum disorders
  • Summer Semester: SED 563 Positive behavioral supports for students with autism spectrum disorders

Registration and Information

 CourseDescriptions

  • SED 528 – Theories and Educational Practices for Students with Autism
    This course is designed to assist educators in developing strategies and techniques to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in accessing the general education environment to the fullest extent possible. This introductory class is designed to familiarize participants with the complexity of the autism spectrum. The course content allows participants to discuss theories and practical instructional strategies that provide students with autism the opportunity to receive instruction in their least restrictive environment. Participants will gain a better understanding of key issues related to inclusive practices, such as how to achieve academic success, adjust to behavioral challenges, and foster social perception and social thinking skills. This course also will address effective strategies for communicating with parents and will include experiences for the educator to see the child with autism through the family’s perspective.  3 credits.  Prerequisite: Permission.  Online format.
  • SED 585 – Communication in students with autism spectrum disorders
    This course examines communication, including an overview of typical communication and language development, the difference in autism speech and language development, assessments of communication, augmentative communication supports, visual supports, and the interrelationships between communication and socialization. Students develop the awareness and the necessary skills to conduct informal observations of communication abilities to identify supports that match the individual’s learning style. Students learn strategies to collaborate with teachers, family members and related professionals to increase communication. Using a combination of observation, practice sessions, lecture and project-based learning, students apply their knowledge of communication and supports across the autism spectrum. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission.  Online format
  • SED 563 – Positive Behavior support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
    This course provides training in behavioral assessment, support, and intervention for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Emphasizes evidence-based practices including functional behavioral assessment and communication training, social skills instruction, self-management, and antecedent and broader environmental interventions.  3 credits  Prerequesite: SED 528 or permission.  Online format.
  • SED 556 – Assessment of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Severe Disabilities             Provides training in assessing individual learning needs of students with autism spectrum disorders and severe disabilities, emphasizing curriculum-based assessment, diagnostic criteria, ecological inventories, adaptive behavior scales, person-centered planning, and quality of life indicators.  3 credits  Prerequesite: Permission.   Online format.