Graduate Certificate in Autism | Online
Cairn University’s Graduate Certificate in Autism equips aspiring and current professionals with essential skills to support individuals diagnosed on the autism spectrum. This specialized autism education program focuses on evidence-based strategies for special education, behavior intervention, and effective practices, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in schools, clinics, and community settings.
Why a Graduate Certificate in Autism?
Enhance your career options on the graduate level with your certification. A Graduate Certificate in Autism will better prepare your educational career as you are not only equipped to teach, but you are also equipped to serve all kinds of students.
Graduate Certificate in Autism at Cairn
Biblical Integration
Students' teaching and perspective of their career will be within a biblical perspective.
Career Preparation
Students in the program will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them for a teaching career. they will cultivate a biblical worldview as they meet the need for teachers in special education.
Hands-On Education
Cairn’s Graduate Certificate in Autism intentionally gives our students the opportunity to serve the future generation.
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Get an inside look at our Graduate Certificate in Autism Program
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Certificate is available to graduate students who are state-certified and wish to pursue a certificate. Upon successful completion of this program, including all coursework and field experience requirements, candidates are eligible to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to add the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement to their existing teaching certificates. In addition, students earn a certificate of completion from Cairn University.
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The Graduate Certificate in Autism offers two options:
Graduate Certificate in Autism without ASD Endorsement
This graduate certificate is for individuals who do not hold PA a teaching certificate but desire to expand their knowledge and skills of how to assist students on the autism spectrum. Upon graduation, the student will receive a graduate certificate from Cairn University but will not be recommended to the state of PA for any type of license or endorsement.
Graduate Certificate in Autism with ASD Endorsement
This online Graduate Certificate program leads to Pennsylvania Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Endorsement for individuals who (1) hold or concurrently complete a Level I or Level II certificate, including but not limited to regular and special education, school psychologist, principal, guidance counselor, speech and language clinician, occupational and physical therapist, reading specialist, and home and school visitor; and (2) are U.S. citizens or have completed a declaration of intent to become a U.S. citizen. Graduate students need an initial teaching certificate to earn this endorsement. Graduate students need an initial teaching certificate to earn this endorsement. The endorsement can be added to their Level I or Level II certificates.
Required Credits: 15
Curriculum Highlights:
- SPE 680 Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
- SPE 683 Instruction and Interventions for Individuals with ASD
- SPE 684 Family, Interagency, and Community Collaboration for Individuals with ASD
- SPE 721 ABA for Autism and Other Disabilities
- BIB 621 OR THE 601
- SPE 661 (as foundational course OR another SPE elective)
Pre-requisites:
Graduate students need an initial teaching certificate to earn this endorsement and certificate. This can be added to their existing Level I or Level II certificates.
All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements:
- Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters and we will waive the fee.
- Transcripts: Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Request transcripts to be sent to Cairn through the application portal.
The tuition rates are posted on this page.
Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Additional Accreditation Information is available from this page.
A graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) equips professionals with specialized knowledge in behavioral interventions, educational strategies, and support services for individuals with autism. This credential often builds on a bachelor’s degree and enhances employability in education, healthcare, therapy, and community services. It can lead to roles as an autism specialist, behavior analyst, or educator, among others, with opportunities for advancement into leadership or clinical positions.
Special Education Teacher
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist
Behavior Analyst / Behavioral Specialist
Autism Specialist
Developmental Disabilities Case Manager
Special Education Paraprofessional
Rehabilitation Specialist
Social Worker (ASD Focus)
Occupational Therapist (ASD Specialization)
Speech-Language Pathologist (ASD Focus)
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Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition rates are posted on this page.
Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Featured Faculty
Barbara Cooper
Chair, Special Education; Assistant Professor, School of Education
Barbara Cooper teaches classes in Special Education. She began her teaching career as a missionary, training people from around the globe. From there she taught in public and private school settings teaching in elementary levels and special education. She also has been an adjunct professor at Biblical Theological Seminary for seven years, teaching international students English and American culture. She is married to Derek, and they have three children.
Juliana Duprey
Faculty, School of Education
Mrs. Duprey taught in Autism Support for 7 years in the School District of Philadelphia and also has experience with ESL tutoring and working with children in early childhood programs. At Cairn she teaches education courses such as Foundations of Special Education and Diagnosis and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners. She has been married to her husband, Marques, for seven years, and they have two boys. She grew up in Philadelphia but now lives in the Abington area where she and her family are excited to be part of a church plant in Brewerytown.