Are you a teacher or other professional who works with individuals with Autism? Would you like to increase your ability to help them learn to live independent and productive lives? At the University of St. Thomas, you can prepare to do so by participating in the Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders program. Learn more about it here.
<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3>
<p>The For Credit Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) online program was designed for special education or general education teachers or other related professionals, parents and caregivers. It could be an ideal program to help you expand your knowledge of the communication and social differences of learners with ASD without the requirements of a licensure program. While enrolled in this University of St. Thomas program, you will have opportunities to learn to effectively teach various academic subjects as well as the rules of acceptable behavior in social and at-home settings. If you would like to continue your education upon completion of this program, your credits may be applicable to a master's degree.
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<h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3>
<p>Prior to enrolling in the For Credit Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders program at the University of St. Thomas, you must have already earned a bachelor's degree.
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<h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3>
<p>The program consists of five courses, all of which are offered online. You must complete 15 credits in order to earn this graduate certificate. The courses, which are each worth three credits, are outlined below:
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<p><u>Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders Courses</u>
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<table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code </th><th> Course Title</th></tr>
<tr><td>SPED 750 </td><td> Survey of Exceptionality (co-requisite to SPED 785)</td></tr>
<tr><td>SPED 785 </td><td> Behavior Management (co-requisite to SPED 750)</td></tr>
<tr><td>SPED 716 </td><td> Fundamentals for Students with Mild to Moderate Needs</td></tr>
<tr><td>SPED 702 </td><td> Communication and Social Skills for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders</td></tr>
<tr><td>SPED 703 </td><td> Methods and Materials for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3>
<h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4>
<p>Through your enrollment in the For Credit Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders program, you will gain an understanding of various developmental disabilities many learners with Autism have. These will include behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and health-related conditions. Such competencies could benefit you in your existing vocation, as a(n):
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<ul><li>Special Education Teacher (in states where ASD licensure is not required)
</li><li>School Psychologist
</li><li>Instructional Coordinator
</li><li>Preschool, Elementary, or Secondary School Teacher
</li><li>Childcare Worker
</li><li>Speech-Language Pathologist
</li><li>Recreational Therapist
</li><li>Occupational Therapist
</li><li>Social Worker
</li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4>
<p>You might also acquire the knowledge required for advanced positions by studying for a master's degree. Depending on your program of study, you could gain an understanding of current educational issues and trends as well as methods in behavior analysis, curriculum development, behavior management, and special education assessment. Examples of relevant graduate degree programs include:
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<ul><li>Master of Arts in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Licensure)
</li><li>Master of Arts in Special Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Non-licensure)</li></ul>
