Autism Endorsement Graduate Certificate Program

The Autism Endorsement Certificate at Temple University provides specialized coursework and a practicum for certified teachers who support students with autism spectrum disorder. The program is designed to give graduates the specific skills and competencies to effectively educate children with autism spectrum disorders.

• Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to receive Pennsylvania’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement Certificate [pdf].
• Convenient night classes are offered on Temple’s main campus.
• Students learn from renowned faculty in Temple’s College of Education, consistently ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News and World Report.
• Flexible practicum options are available.

Pennsylvania is experiencing a considerable increase in the proportion of students with autism eligible for services (see Pennsylvania Autism Census Project Final Report, 2009 at).  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 ASD endorsement is designed to demonstrate that candidates have completed a competency-based sequence of courses and successfully completed an endorsement program. The endorsement enhances the marketability of certified teachers seeking positions in inclusive settings.

The required course work for the endorsement may also be incorporated into a Master’s degree by completing 15-18 additional hours of additional credit. 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. All courses are grounded in applied behavior analysis and demonstrate research-based practices which enable candidates to gain the knowledge and experience needed to work successfully with children with ASD and their families.

 

Program Requirements

Autism Endorsement Certficate (12 semester hours)

• SPED 5103: Building communication in ASD - Overviews strategies for teaching communication to students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. Principles of learning that underscore development of verbal behavior are reviewed, followed by assessment and teaching strategies to increase students’ communicative competence, with an emphasis on augmentative and alternative communication
• SPED 5109: Classroom Management and PBS - Provides an in-depth presentation of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and its application in classroom systems to prevent challenging behavior and academic failure.  The emphasis of the course is proactive, constructive strategies that prevent, rather than react to, classroom difficulties.
• SPED 5302:  Teaching Students with ASD - Overviews instructional, curricular and behavioral intervention strategies for students with autism spectrum disorder based on the science of applied behavior analysis. 
• SPED 9287: Practicum  - Practicum to demonstrate mastery of evidence-based teaching competencies acquired in the program. The practicum can be completed in fall, spring, or summer semesters

Note: Students who choose to matriculate into the M.S.Ed. program may transfer up to 12 semester hours from Autism Endorsement Certificate program upon acceptance into the 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.

Admissions Requirements

A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA or 3.5 graduate GPA is reccommended for admission.

• Completed Online Application
  
• Official transcripts from all colleges & graduate schools attended
  
• TOEFL for non-native speakers of English
  
• Current professional resume (upload with online application)
• Statement of goals (upload with online application)
  

How Your Application is Reviewed:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Typically, applicants receive a decision within 6-8 weeks after all required application materials have been received. As a general guide, applicants who submit their applications Dec 16 -April 15 should anticipate a decision by May 1 (for Summer admission). For applications submitted April 16 - July 15, applicants should anticipate a decision by August 1 (for Fall admission). For applications submitted July 16-Dec 15, applicants should anticipate a decision by Jan 5 (for Spring admission).

Contact Information

If you have additional questions about the Autism Endorsement Graduate Certificate program at Temple, please contact:

Matt Tincani, Ph.D., BCBA-D
phone: 215-204-8073
e-mail: tincani@temple.edu (email preferred)