Autism Endorsement Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate

Through unique and specialized coursework, extensive practical experiences, and service delivery innovations in the field, Mercyhurst University has earned a reputation for expertise in autism. This expertise allows us to provide top-level training for both established professionals and clinicians and educators new to the field. Our program graduates have become some of the most highly regarded educators and behavior analysts in the region and beyond working with students with autism.

To solidify our reputation as experts in education for this population, the university's Education Department has become the first program in northwestern Pennsylvania approved to offer an Autism Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to any teacher or other education professional who holds a current Level I or Level II certificate.

Program Overview

Options: Graduate certificate, master’s concentration
Location(s): On campus; limited online courses available
Credits: 12 (three courses, plus one lab)
Duration: Minimum nine months
Cost: $953 (Special 667 per credit rate for PA teachers and veterans) per credit; $12,000-$19,000 total
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Start term(s): Fall (preferred) and spring semesters
Careers: Behavioral health, autism support, developmental disability services

The Special Education and Applied Disability Studies graduate program seeks to produce the most skilled special education and behavioral health professionals in the region. Small graduate classes allow students to actively engage with faculty and peers. In fact, regular lab meetings push students to share ideas, collaborate, and think critically about coursework and discussions.

Learning Outcomes

Mercyhurst graduate programs are designed to give our students a competitive edge in the marketplace. Our curriculum will prepare you as an educator who can:

Analyze and critique educational research
Apply dimensions of applied behavior analysis
Utilize evidence-based practices and assessments in clinical settings
Write measurable objectives, such as those found in an Individual Education Plan (IEP)

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Ready to Apply?

Applicants must fulfill the following admissions requirements.

-Completed free online application
-Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited school with a preferred overall minimum GPA of 3.0
-Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended
-Resume
-500-750 word personal statement outlining your reasons for enrolling and personal and professional goals

Admission decisions are made by the program director on a rolling basis after a holistic review. At the discretion of the program director, admission may be granted to applicants who have not fulfilled all the admission requirements provided they agree to the conditions of the acceptance prescribed by the director.

Start your online application today!

Course Requirements

EDUC 540: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
EDUC 541: Instructional Assessment and Methods: ASD
EDUC 501: Behavior Management: Intro to ABA and Behavior Change
EDUC 504: Behavior Management: Intro to ABA and Behavior Change Clinical

Career Paths

Depending on your background and/or choice to continue on for a master’s degree, the Autism graduate certificate program will prepare you for careers related to: