Program Description

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate is designed to offer graduate courses in instruction, assessment, and positive behavior supports, which provide educators with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions to meet the needs of students with autism as outlined by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission certification rule. This program consists of three graduate-level courses, which focus on the effective use of evidence-based/research-supported practices and concepts underlying the successful academic experiences and needs of this population. 

This certificate offers two tracks:

1. Endorsement Track: This track is for those who are certified educators in Georgia who wish to add the GaPSC approved Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement to their certifications. Candidates in this track are eligible to add the Endorsement to their GaPSC Teaching Certificate in addition to the three courses appearing on the KSU transcript under Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate. 

• To add the Endorsement to your GaPSC Teaching Certificate, required coursework must be completed, endorsement track declared, and certification steps provided by Bagwell Certification Office adhered to. 

2. Certificate Track: This track is for those educators who are in K-12 settings but not certified in Georgia or who teach in other settings and wish to gain competencies in teaching students with autism. When all requirements have been completed, the three courses will appear on the KSU transcript under Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

1. Implement evidence-based teaching strategies to support students with autism in inclusive settings. 
2. Demonstrate knowledge about the characteristics of students with autism, assessment for learners with autism, and behavior intervention support. 
3. Apply effective communication skills to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including family and school professionals.

This program is a part of the Leland and Clarice C. Bagwell College of Education . 

return to top ↑

Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office:

The admission requirements for the Endorsement Track seekers include: 

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. 
• A GPA of 2.75 from the most recent degree awarded. 
• Clear Renewable Georgia Teaching Certificate.

The admission requirements for the Certificate Track seekers include:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. 
• A GPA of 2.75 from the most recent degree awarded.

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment requirements. 

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

return to top ↑

Program Course Requirements