What you will study
UCM’s Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate certificate program comprises six courses.
You’ll learn the skills you need to improve classroom, school, community and system-level
services and programs that support better learning and life outcomes for individuals
with autism spectrum disorders.
Some of the courses you may study for your Autism graduate certificate include:
- Behavioral Interventions for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Explore evidence-based strategies for analyzing behavioral issues and developing intervention
plans. This applied behavior analysis is a beneficial skill for working with individuals
with autism spectrum disorders and will help you guide your students to achieve their
best learning outcomes.
- Communication and Social Skills in Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Certain assessment and teaching strategies are more effective than others when it
comes to improving learning outcomes for students with autism. In this course, you’ll
dive into what adaptations you may need to use to best support your students as they
develop their cognitive, language and social skills.
- Classroom Strategies for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Gain a clear understanding of how effective classroom programs for students with autism
are designed and implemented. Apply what you learn here about instructional strategies,
IEP development, staff services, parent involvement and more to enhance classrooms
for children with autism spectrum disorders in your school or district.
Excellence in Specialized Education
- The University of Central Missouri's Special Education program is accredited by the
leading authority, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
- UCM's College of Education is accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator
Preparation (CAEP).
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in the Autism graduate certificate program
The University of Central Missouri has provided the highest-quality educator training
for more than 150 years. Our commitment to excellence hasn’t changed — only the technology.
Our robust online learning platform will enable you to feel connected and supported
as you work closely with peers and expert faculty.
Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and
the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), UCM’s Special Education programs, including
the Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate certificate, are taught to exacting standards.
Throughout the course of earning your Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate certificate,
you’ll apply your new knowledge to real-world examples and challenges. UCM’s “hands-on,
minds-on” pedagogy will ensure that you’re engaged in the learning process, no matter
how far away from campus you are.
What can you do with a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from UCM?
Educators with experience assessing, working with and designing services for individuals
with autism spectrum disorders are in high demand across the country. With your graduate
certificate from the University of Central Missouri, you’ll be equipped not only to
enhance your own classroom or district practice but also to offer professional support
and guidance for colleagues seeking to better serve their students with autism spectrum
disorders.
Learn more about autism spectrum disorder careers
Use our interactive tool below to explore career options, trends and compensation
for educators who specialize in working with students with autism spectrum disorders.
Financial assistance options for your Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate certificate
The University of Central Missouri is strongly committed to offering high-quality
education while keeping tuition at low, accessible rates. Our financial aid advisors
can help you identify the best way to finance your graduate certificate program.
In addition to university-wide resources, degree-seeking students may be eligible
for additional funds reserved for students in our Special Education programs. Learn
more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Lead the Way to Better Outcomes
Become a resource for your educational community
A UCM graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders is a valuable asset not only
for your own professional development but also for your school, district and community.
You’ll be ready to facilitate the development of programs and services to support
students with autism and to advise and collaborate with your colleagues to address
complex behavioral and learning challenges.
Earn Skills in High Demand
Increase your career potential
The numbers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders have risen sharply
in recent years. The demand for trained professionals to work with them has kept pace,
but there is a shortage of qualified candidates. Your Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate
certificate from UCM will increase your hiring potential in nearly any district across
the country.
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Take your degree further.
To earn a master’s-level credential in special education or a related field, consider
these UCM degree programs:
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