Gain the skills to more effectively teach individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
UMass Boston’s Autism Endorsement Certificate focuses on the characteristics, assessments, and strategies for effective instruction and collaboration to support teachers working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across a variety of settings. The program is designed for educators across Massachusetts who want to become certified to work with students with ASD. It is also appropriate as an add-on endorsement for individuals across a variety of license areas in special education. Explore evidence-based practices and strategies in an interactive online learning environment and apply what you're learning in class to your classroom or individual setting. This program fulfills the requirements to receive the credentials for the Autism Endorsement for Educator License from Massachusetts's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This certificate is appropriate as an add-on endorsement for individuals across a variety of license areas in special education.
This endorsement is available to educators who hold a teacher license and at least three credits in special education OR a license in one of the following areas of special education:
Moderate Disabilities
Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of Hearing
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
or who are currently enrolled in an existing program.
Why Get an Autism Endorsement Certificate from UMass Boston?
The online program provides a flexible way to take additional courses to learn how to more effectively teach individuals with ASD. Courses are designed to be interactive and applied so they clearly link to your classroom or setting. The program will provide key instruction related to characteristics, assessment, evidence-based practices, and collaboration across personnel. It's appropriate for educators across Massachusetts.
Tuition
This program consists of four 3-credit courses, or 12 credits.
Online tuition is $575 per credit.
Total estimated cost to complete this program is $6,900.
Other fees may apply. Request Info to connect with a program representative for further details.
Deadline
Applications to start in the fall are due by July 1.
Application Checklist
Online application
Statement of purpose
Résumé
Transcripts — Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
Two letters of recommendation
Writing sample
Licensure — Possession of an Elementary or Middle/Secondary teacher license (and at least 3 credits in special education) OR Possession of license in one of the following areas of special education: Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of Hearing, or Teacher of the Visually Impaired OR Proof of enrollment in a license program for one the areas defined above.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Foundations & Characteristics (SPE G 661)
Develop an understanding of autism, including the co-morbid conditions associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the differences between a medical diagnosis of autism and the definition of the term autism under state and federal special education laws. You'll study the knowledge of unique characteristics of autism as related to communication, social/emotional development, behavior, sensory processing, cognition, and learning.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Assessment and Collaboration (SPE G 662)
Learn how to assess students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gain the ability to identify, administer, and interpret a range of formal and informal tools in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner that assess the unique strengths, skills (including academic , social, behavioral, and adaptive), and learning styles of students with autism, ages 3-22. You'll develop knowledge of how ongoing assessment and data collection can be used to inform instruction, services, and supports; monitor progress and rates and patterns of skill acquisition; and ensure the maintenance and generalization of skills across settings. You'll gain an understanding of how to support the roles of other disciplines and professionals involved in the education of students with autism and facilitation coordination and collaboration of relevant IEP team members, including parents or caregivers, related service providers, and medical professionals, to meet the unique needs of students with autism and a culturally sensitive manner.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Programs, Services, and Supports (SPE G 663)
Focus on the design of effective educational programs and individual supports for students with ASD based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable to support students in the least restrictive environment. You'll gain knowledge of the range of specialized and individualized instructional strategies and supports for students with autism, including assistive technology, to address needs related to the core symptoms of autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Field Experience (SPE G 664)
In this course, you'll focus on the field-based experience required for the Massachusetts Autism Endorsement for Educators (603 CMR 7.00). Due to the varying nature of the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within individuals, you'll be evaluated based on your demonstration of course- and field-work experiences and assignments that comprehensively and specifically address the required competencies. This course meets the requirement of field experience working with students with ASD and includes related experience to focus upon core areas, e.g. classroom climate, assessment, instructional practices, social skill development, working with paraprofessionals and other school staff, and working with families.
At the end of this nine-month program, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Autism Endorsement. The certificate will demonstrate your expertise in the field on your résumé, as well as in interviews and workplace evaluations. You will earn the credentials for the Autism Endorsement for Educator License from Massachusetts's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). You will be prepared to effectively teach and support individuals with ASD in a variety of settings.
Christopher B. Denning, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor, College of Education and Human Development
Songtian (Tim) Zeng, Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education and Human Development & Director of Research, Institute for Early Education Leadership & Innovation
