Graduate Certificate: Autism Endorsement

About the Certificate

Pennsylvania is experiencing a considerable increase in the proportion of students with autism eligible for services. A significant need exists for well-trained professionals holding various Level I and Level II certificates of professional competence to serve students with autism and related Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

The graduate certificate in Autism Endorsement offers a competency-based sequence of courses and a practicum for certified teachers who support students with ASD. All courses are grounded in applied behavior analysis and demonstrate research-based practices that enable students to gain the knowledge, specific skills, and competencies to effectively educate children with ASD and work with their families. Students learn from renowned faculty in Temple’s College of Education and Human Development, which is consistently ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News and World Report. Flexible practicum options are available.

Completion of the certificate program ensures that graduates enhance their marketability as certified teachers when seeking positions in inclusive settings. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to receive Pennsylvania’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement Certificate.

Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 2 years

Campus Location: Main, with convenient night classes offered

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The graduate certificate can be completed on a part-time basis. NOTE: International students may not be eligible to apply for a student visa based on admission to the certificate program. Please contact the Office of Enrollment Management for more information.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may take up to 9 credits of coursework before applying to the graduate certificate program.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:
Applications are accepted for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

APPLY ONLINE to this certificate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained to provide insight regarding the applicant's academic competence. References from college/university faculty are recommended.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A bachelor's degree is required. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is expected.

International applicants should also submit an official document that validates completion and conferral of a degree, diploma, and/or certificate. While not required, international applicants are encouraged to submit transcript(s) to the World Education Services (WES) for evaluation.

Statement of Goals: Outline your interest in seeking a graduate certificate with a specific focus on the career to which you aspire, your interests, and your academic and job-related experiences that are relevant to the program.

Standardized Test Scores:
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

TOEFL iBT: 79
IELTS Academic: 6.5
PTE Academic: 53

Resume: Current resume required.

Other Requirement: Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions attended and/or from which credit was earned must be submitted.

Certificate Requirements

Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 12¹

Required Courses:

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
SPED 5109	Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support	3
SPED 5201	Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities: Effective Teaching Strategies	3
SPED 5302	Effective Teaching Strategies and Academic Interventions	3
SPED 9287	Practicum in Special Education	3
Total Credit Hours		12

Students who choose to matriculate into the M.S.Ed. program may transfer up to 12 credits from the Autism Endorsement certificate upon acceptance into the M.S.Ed. program. Completion of a certificate program does not guarantee admission into the master's program. Students considering matriculating into a master's program are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum