An Ideal Career Focus for Aspiring K–12 Educators and Clinicians
- Finish in 18 Months
- Approved by PDE
The number of students with autism spectrum disorder is growing. With the online Graduate Certificate in Autism from Arcadia University, you can develop professional skills for designing educational experiences that empower students to reach their potential.
- Extend your teaching credential. Arcadia’s online autism certificate program helps you attain an autism endorsement with approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
- Receive personal guidance. Collaborate with your instructors and receive career mentoring in online courses with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Tailor instruction for student needs. Gain qualifications for leading inclusion classrooms that support the success of students with autism spectrum disorder.
Build Qualifications for Rewarding Education and Clinical Careers
Gain Expertise for Empowering Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder
CDC data shows that 1 in 44 children was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2018.5 With Arcadia’s online Graduate Certificate in Autism program, you can prepare for careers that focus on meeting the development and education needs of learners in this growing community. Our expert faculty members bring special education and behavior analysis backgrounds to each online class, teaching you to provide educational opportunities that meet each student’s needs.
- The top 10% of special education teacher salaries exceeded $100,000 in 20211
- Annual funding for research on autism spectrum disorder increased by 168% from 2008 to 20226
- 48 of 50 states do not have enough special education teachers for students with autism and learning disabilities7
Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired
What You Will Learn
- Describe the historical perspectives on the nature, characteristics, and etiologies of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Describe speech, language, and communication acquisition of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
- Identify the strengths and challenges of individuals on the autism spectrum in various developmental domains.
- Describe identification, assessment, and intervention approaches from different theoretical perspectives and describe the integration of various models.
- Identify evidence-based and non-evidence-based approaches to working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Applied Behavior Analysis.
Skills You Will Gain
- Behavior assessment
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Data collection
- Intervention design
- School programming
- Student evaluation
Career Services
Arcadia University provides ongoing guidance to put you on track for success in your online classes and career.
Practicum Assistance
We can help you find placements through practicum connections with organizations in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Career Launchpad
Career Launchpad lets you access career advice, resources, and news in a single online hub.
Networking Opportunities
Our small online classes provide valuable chances to engage faculty members with professional backgrounds and other students with similar career ambitions.
Writing Assistance
Schedule an online session with a consultant to receive collaborative guidance on your writing.
Sources
- Special Education Teachers. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm#tab-1.
- Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2021: 11-9032 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119032.htm.
- Average Board Certified Behavior Analyst Salary. Payscale. Retrieved August 18, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Board_Certified_Behavior_Analyst/Salary.
- Average Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Hourly Pay. Payscale. Retrieved August 18, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Board_Certified_Assistant_Behavior_Analyst/Salary.
- “Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html.
- “Research funding for autism in the United States from 2008 to 2022.” Statistica. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1237464/autism-research-funding-united-states/.
- “Students with disabilities have a right to qualified teachers — but there’s a shortage.” NPR. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.npr.org/2022/04/20/1092337446/special-education-teacher-shortage.
