Graduate Programs
Autism Certificate
The Autism Certificate Program is offered through the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Fine Arts and Humanities and the Departments of Educational Leadership and Community Psychology and Special Education in the College of Education.
The purpose of the Autism Certificate Program is to provide advanced, specialized training for individuals who work with K-12 pupils with autism spectrum disorders. Undergraduate or graduate licensure is required in special education, speech-language pathology, behavior analysis, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or related areas.Although this program does not lead to licensure, it enhances the knowledge and skills of graduate students who are employed in public school and clinical settings.
Most students with professional licensure in the aforementioned areas have already met the requirements for the two courses that are prerequisites to the three core courses in the Autism Certificate Program. The program consists of two prerequisite courses and three core courses, for a total of 15 credits. Prerequisite courses include SPED 503 Special Education Foundations (or graduate/undergraduate equivalent) and SPED 505 Behavior Theories and Practices (or graduate/undergraduate equivalent). Core courses include SPED 623 (Learning Environments for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders), CSD 624 (Language/Communication Assessment and Interventions), and CPSY 625 (Behavior/Social Skills Assessment and Interventions).
Summer 2008 Schedule
STUDENTS MUST BE ADMITTED TO THE GRADUATE AUTISM CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies)
Prerequisite Courses:
• Introductory special education or disabilities course
• Course that emphasizes positive behavioral supports and the fundamentals of functional behavioral assessment
• Professional license in special education, speech and language pathology, behavior analysis, occupational or physical therapy, school psychology or counseling; OR current enrollment in graduate program.
SPED 623 Learning Environments for Students with Autism
Spectrum Disorders (3 cr.)
Instructor: Deb West, M.S.
Thursday-Friday: June 12-13, June 19-20; June 26-27
8:30-4:30
Overview of current topics regarding effective program planning for students with ASD, including identification and eligibility criteria; developmental profiles and needs; medical, neurological, legal, and family/caregiver issues.
CSD 624 Language/Communication Assessment and Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 cr.)
Instructor: Teri Estrem, Ph.D.
Monday-Tuesday: June 30-July 1, July 7-8; July 14-15
8:30-4:30
Communication, speech, language, and pragmatic characteristics of children with ASD; methods for assessing these characteristics; identification of appropriate communication objectives; and use of evidence-based practices for teaching communication skills.
CPSY 627 Behavior/Social Skills Assessment and Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 cr.)
Instructor: Chaturi Edrisinha, Ph.D.
Two Sections: 8:30-4:30
Section 1: Monday-Tuesday: July 21-22, July 28-29, August 4-5
Section 2: Thursday-Friday: July 24-25, July 31-August 1, August 7-8
Behavior analytic assessment and instructional planning for individuals with ASD. Functional assessment and behavioral treatment planning for challenging behaviors.
For further information, please contact Mary Beth Noll at mbnoll@stcloudstate.edu.
