Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate

About

The number of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders is increasing. Educators need current information, strategies and support in using evidence-based practices in schools and communities. Appalachian’s Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate is a post-baccalaureate program that prepares educators to meet the range of individual needs of people with a label of autism spectrum disorders.

The program provides participants with research-based methods, communication techniques, and skills in teaching students with autism spectrum disorders, along with proficiency in individualizing instruction and treatment.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Courses

Course titles and information can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Application Essentials

Required Entrance Exam: None

Required number of references to specify in the online form: None

Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission).

Deadlines for Application: Priority screening dates are listed in parentheses, if applicable. Applications that are not complete by the priority screening date risk denial of admission due to no seats being available.

Spring: 11/1
Summer Session 1: 4/1
Summer Session 2: 4/1
Fall: 7/1

Employers

Graduates are working at these and other employers:

Public and private schools across North Carolina and the U.S.
Social and human service agencies
Textbook editors
Colleges and universities

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Degrees

Application Deadlines

Spring: 11/1
Summer Session 1: 4/1
Summer Session 2: 4/1
Fall: 7/1

*See full deadline information below under Application Essentials.

Why Appalachian?

The Special Education program, which houses this certificate, has a strong reputation among employers and graduates are readily hired by public and private schools across the country.
Students engage in meaningful professional relationships with faculty.
Classes are small, and the program emphasizes opportunities for research and applied field-based projects.
This certificate is an excellent add-on to the MA in Reading Education or the MA in Special Education, allowing for expanded learning and marketability.
All graduate programs at Appalachian have small class sizes, providing intimate classroom interaction.
The School of Graduate Studies offers scholarships, fellowships and assistantships to support eligible, full-time, degree-seeking students.

Method of Delivery

On campus and off campus

Careers

Teacher in public or private school setting
ESL Teacher
Adjunct Professor
Child Development Center Director
Child Development Specialist
Director of Special Education
Educational Diagnostician

Contacts

Dr. Rebecca Shankland
Program Director
shanklandrk@appstate.edu

Department of Reading Education and Special Education

Reich College of Education

Department of Reading Education and Special Education
The department offers innovative programs focusing on all facets of reading, writing, language arts and specific areas of special education. A Reading Clinic provides direct services to children with reading disabilities.

Reich College of Education
Approximately 2,400 students
- The Reich College of Education enrolls approximately 2,400 students in its bachelor’s, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degree programs. It houses five departments: Curriculum and Instruction, Family and Child Studies, Human Development and Psychological Counseling, Leadership and Educational Studies, and Reading Education and Special Education.
Teacher preparation
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
- Appalachian offers the largest undergraduate teacher preparation program in North Carolina, graduating about 500 teachers a year. There is at least one RCOE graduate working in every county in North Carolina.
- The Reich College of Education is recognized consistently in the annual Institution of Higher Education Performance Report by the State Board of Education.
Close ties to public schools
- The Appalachian State University Public School Partnership – which includes 125 schools in nine surrounding districts – provides sites for student teachers and interns as well as professional development opportunities for teachers.
- The Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork, located in Walkertown, North Carolina, serves over 300 K-5 students. The Academy provides a balanced education through the implementation of research-based practices, state-of-the-art literacy instruction, and exemplary classroom instruction and administration.
Graduate programs
- The School of Graduate Studies’ Accelerated Admission program, in which select undergraduate students can fulfill both undergraduate and graduate course requirements in their senior year toward the completion of a graduate degree program, is offered in: higher education, reading education and special education.
- Other education-related master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.