Therapist working with an autistic child.

Certificate of Graduate Study

Autism

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Impact the Lives of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Learn how to effectively understand and address the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan and in varied contexts such as general and special education classrooms and community settings.

The three-course sequence in the Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism program provides you with a comprehensive overview of autism spectrum disorders, applied behavior analysis and intervention methods to improve outcomes for individuals with autism.

Interactive courses and fieldwork will prepare you for careers in areas such as general and special education, speech pathology, psychology, school psychology, social work, counseling, behavior analysis, care and service coordination and program management.

Program of Study

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The three-course sequence (9 credits) focuses on the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders and the science of applied behavior analysis. You will study empirically validated intervention techniques for individuals with autism that emphasize cultural, ethical and practice standards.


Required Courses

Autism I: Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Online)

Learn about the characteristics of autism, its biological bases, and historical perspectives. Gain an in-depth understanding of research designs and the process of conducting functional behavior assessments.


Autism II: Introduction to Intervention (Online)

Master evidence based intervention methods used to improve lives of individuals with autism. Learn about programmatic efforts to increase appropriate behaviors and decrease challenging behaviors. Study how to design interventions allowing an individual with autism to successfully navigate a variety of environments.

Autism III: Practicum in Intervention (completed at a university-approved location)

Utilize your knowledge in a supervised human service-agency setting, serving individuals with autism spectrum disorders to gain experience with practical and ethical applications.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Kristin Christodulu at 518-442-5418 or [email protected].

The institution has not made a determination regarding the educational requirements for any other state in regards to licensing requirements or eligibility.

Applied Learning

You will learn and work with faculty who are active researches in the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). This university-affiliated resource center integrates research, practice and training in community settings to provide support to families and professionals through workshops, seminars and conferences.

A man reads a book with an autistic child
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Career Outcomes

Use the knowledge and skills you gain immediately in the workplace to improve student outcomes, coach staff and develop professionally.

Earning a CGS in Autism will prepare you for positions such as:

  • General Education
  • Special Education
  • Social Worker
  • School Psychologist
  • Counselor
  • Care and Service Coordinator
  • Program Management and Behavior Analyst

 

 

Therapy session
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Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
  • Fall: Rolling  
  • Spring: Not Available
  • Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Resume
  • Statement of goals
Special Notes

Potential students for the program should hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in psychology, education, special education, social work, counseling, school psychology, applied behavior analysis, speech-language pathology or related field. In your Statement of Goals please include a description of your background and how it is related to this program. 

This program is not eligible for federal financial aid.

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.   

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Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

CGS
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to discuss autism spectrum disorders, applied behavioral analysis and intervention methods for autism and related problems
  • Demonstrate competence in client assessment and the implementation of appropriate interventions for autism spectrum disorders
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