Graduate Certificate in Autism
This graduate certificate offers the possibility of two tracks: one with an ASD Endorsement and one without the endorsement.
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 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:
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.
more Details
Get an inside look at our Graduate Certificate in Autism Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
Required Credits: 18
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)
Principal
Guidance counselor
School psychologist
Reading specialist
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An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our 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.
