Course Overview!

The Ball State University online Graduate Certificate in Autism is a 15-credit program designed to prepare professionals to work with students with autism spectrum disorders. The curriculum follows rigorous standards equivalent to on-campus courses. The program is entirely online, enabling students to learn from home or office. It's structured to provide specialized training for those working with this rapidly growing disability group and can integrate into a master's program in special education. The certificate complements teaching licenses (elementary, secondary, or special education) but does not lead to a teaching license itself. The program includes a field-based experience component, requiring students to secure a placement in an appropriate setting (schools, clinics, group homes, hospitals, etc.) for a minimum of 10 hours per week and it can be integrated with a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis to partially satisfy the requirements for a master's degree in special education. Ball State University offers reduced tuition rates for eligible federal government employees.

Course Structure

The Graduate Certificate in Autism requires the completion of 15 credit hours. Before starting the field experience course (SPCE 683), students must complete SPCE 609 (Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis), SPCE 680 (Introduction to Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders), and SPCE 682 (Interventions and Treatments for Persons with Autism), all with a 'B' or higher grade. The sequence of these courses needs to be planned with an academic advisor. The field-based experience involves securing a placement in a relevant setting (schools, clinics, etc.) and involves a minimum of 10 weekly worked hours. Students must complete a field experience form before course registration. The program also allows for additional coursework to create a customized plan of study enabling for a master degree in Elementary Education.