Autism Graduate Certificate
The online Graduate Certificate in Autism has a focused curriculum designed to prepare graduates to address the needs of children and youth with autism.
This 15 credit hour certificate program provides critical knowledge and practical skills to help address social, behavioral, academic, and communication skills development. Students complete a four-course (12 hr.) sequence in addition to a field observation course (3 hr.).
This program WILL NOT lead to recommendation for initial teacher licensure/certification or endorsement of any kind.
The Department of Special Education online programs are comprised of rigorous eight week courses. A majority of the work is completed asynchronously, meaning that it does not happen “live.” Courses are typically eight weeks long (2 courses per a traditional semester) and typically contain multiple milestones throughout the course. Students are expected to follow the course modules in order, submit assignments on time, and participate in online discussions with classmates. Potential students must ensure that they are prepared to be successful. Online coursework will require approximately 10-15 hours of undivided attention per week (including readings, online discussions, individual projects, etc.). Consistent access to high speed internet services (basic broadband- 1Mbps) and a personal computer that features Office 2016 or equivalent will be necessary. A tablet or mobile device (i.e., smartphone) will not be sufficient as a primary means of accessing the Internet for the online coursework.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University and departmental admission requirements to be considered for the program.
University of Kansas Graduate Admission Requirements
Certificate in Autism application requirements
- A completed graduate application.
- Application fee.
- Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended and an official transcript for each degree earned.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement stating your area of interest and licensure status.
- Current resume or CV.
Current KU graduate students who wish to add a graduate certificate to their academic record must complete a brief application through the KU Graduate Admissions Application Process. This application process is for currently admitted and enrolled KU Graduate Students. Submitting this free application ensures the certificate is officially recorded on your transcript. There is no fee for this application. The application must be submitted by the student (it cannot be completed on a student’s behalf).
If you have technical issues with this application process, please contact the KU Graduate Admissions office directly at graduateadm@ku.edu or by calling 785-864-3140.
NOTE: These are the admission requirements in place at the time this catalog content was published.
The 15-credit hours required for the online Autism Certificate program include:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SPED 760 | Introduction to Autism | 3 |
| SPED 860 | Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities: Autism | 3 |
| SPED 785 | Application of Assessment Information for Exceptional Children and Youth: Autism | 3 |
| SPED 790 | Methods for Learners Autism | 3 |
| SPED 772 | Participation with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ (Autism Spectrum Disorder) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required to remain in good academic standing and in order to graduate. Additional information can be found in the graduate regulations section of the catalog.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical-thinking and analytical skills to facilitate supportive and collegial inclusive learning communities premised on flexible and collaborative practice among general and special educators and parents of students receiving special education services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based and high-leverage practices in special education.
- Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, strengths, and typical areas of instructional need for students receiving special education services.
