Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism
The Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism is an online certificate of 12 credit hours that addresses the increasing demand for educators trained to work with autistic children entering the classroom. This coursework is ideal for anyone who is not a degree-seeking student and may also be pursued as part of the M.Ed. K-12 Special Education and Individualized programs.
- Gain an overview of autism and how to identify and assess autism spectrum disorders.
- Design and partially implement a behavioral and academic program as you learn methods of effectively teaching autistic students.
- Complete a practicum project with an autistic student in which you will create an IEP and write a Present Level of Performance and Objectives.
This certificate may help advance your career in teaching and administration by equipping you as an expert in your field.
Note: this is a certificate and not an endorsement from the Virginia Department of Education.
Designed as an introduction to autism and will cover such topics as definition of autism spectrum disorders, language acquisition, behavior management, and autism and the law. This course is required for those students that intend to complete the autism certificate and who have not completed the K-12 Special Education master’s program.
Introduces participants to the history, characteristics, and theory associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders to enhance understanding of autism. Participants will receive an overview of autism as an educational disorder including basic information regarding diagnosis of the condition. Designed to expand on the introductory knowledge gained in the Regent K-12 Special Education Program, content will provide an overview of the seven evaluation areas emphasized in federal law (vision, hearing, health/motor, social/emotional/behavioral, verbal & non-verbal communication, cognitive and adaptive behavior, and academic/vocational). Functional assessment for programming and IEP writing will also be addressed. Prerequisite – completion of the Cross-Categorical Special Education master’s program, ETSP 600, or permission from Department Chair.
Explores the educational methods (including current research and best-practice) of students with autism. Strong emphasis will be placed on practical methods and strategies for teaching language/communication, reading, and appropriate behavior. Topics may include (but are not limited to): Sensory Integration, Applied Behavior Analysis, TEACH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Cognitive Behavioral Methods, etc. Participants will complete a practicum as part of this course. Prerequisite: completion of ETSP 610 or permission from Department Chair.
This applied project will require one to one contact with at least one autistic student. Academic and behavioral assessments will be completed and an analysis and report will be written on each assessment. These assessments will be used to write an IEP with emphasis on writing the PLOP (Present Level of Performance) and Objectives. A four week program (behavioral and academic) will then be designed and partially implemented. The program will include continuous assessment that is intended to guide instructional decisions.
In this exploding age of information, it is the objective of the library faculty to prepare graduates to be on the cutting edge of information technology. Information literacy is the ability to effectively access information for problem solving and decision-making; thus, the knowledge and abilities you glean from this course will open doors to lifelong learning. It is imperative for graduate study research. Since the information learned in this course is a vital foundation for all other coursework, its completion is required within the first semester of study. The course takes approximately ten hours to complete.
2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines
All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 11 | Monday, August 21 |
Application Process – Autism Certificate
- Submit your online application. Please apply for Graduate level, then choose Online, Desired Program: Certificate of Graduate Studies in Education, Major: Autism Certificate. Indicate the term you want to begin the course and Part-time.
- Provide your unofficial college transcripts. We require an official transcript indicating successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program. Regent has partnered with DocuSign to offer a secure, electronic way for your previous college transcripts to be delivered on your behalf once you have registered for your first semester.
- If you have an unofficial copy of your college transcripts, please email those to apply@regent.edu using the subject line: EDU Certificate Application Pieces.
- If you are an international student, or you earned college credit at non-US institutions, please submit your transcripts for a third-party course-by-course evaluation. Learn more and find recommended agencies.
| Certificate | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Total Credits | Tuition Cost for Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in the Law & Higher Education | $250 | 9 | $2,250 |
| Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism | $250 | 12 | $3,000 |
| Certificate of Graduate Studies in Christian Education | $250 | 9 | $2,250 |
| Certificate of Graduate Studies in eLearning Design | $250 | 10 | $2,500 |
| Certificate of Graduate Studies in Gifted & Talented Education for Teachers | $250 | 12-14 | $3,000-$3,500 |
| Certificate of Graduate Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) | $250 | 10 | $2,500 |
| Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – Adult Education-Collegiate | $250 | 15-18 | $3,750-$4,500 |
| Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – K-12 | $250 | 15 | $3,750 |
| Post-Master's Certificate in Advancing Leadership (CAL) | $250 | 9 | $2,250 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
| Library Orientation | $50 (one-time) |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
