Skip to main content
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota
    • Admitted Students
    • Current Students
    • Families of Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Email
    • Blackboard
    • Campus Connection
    • Employee Self-Service
    • Hawk Central
    • Degree Map
    • Zoom
  • Directory
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
University of North Dakota
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Student Life
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Majors & Programs
  • About
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Visit
  • Apply
autism spectrum disorders students at table
  • Home
  • Program Finder
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate
print Print Page

Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate

Develop a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders so you can support the strengths and challenges of individuals with ASD.

Prepare to serve people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This 100% online graduate certificate program will prepare you to work in home-based settings; schools, hospitals, state and private institutions; or other human service agencies. You'll learn the latest methods, research and training associated with ASD.

Program type:
Certificate - Graduate
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
1 year
Credit hours:
12
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Fees
  • How To Apply

Request Information

Why earn an autism graduate certificate online?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

This part-time, flexible online graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders provides you with the skills and tools you need to effectively address the many and varied challenges they face.

UND's online graduate autism program will allow you to:

  • Learn research supported methods for working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Pervasive Developmental Disorders and their caregivers/families.
  • Receive specialized training and resources designed for professionals, parents and other caregivers.
  • Review the latest research on providing quality, lifelong services.
  • Gain access to a support network for families, practitioners and professionals who work with individuals that have ASD or PDD in rural settings.

CAEP Accredited Graduate Certificate in Autism

UND's graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders online is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Autism Graduate Certificate Online

  • Designed for parents, practitioners, or professionals who work with individuals with ASD.

  • Learn from highly qualified instructors with more than 60 years of combined experience in working with children who have special needs and their families.

  • Get help from responsive faculty, one-on-one advising and customized program of study - all online.

-

Graduate Certificate in Autism Jobs

36 

1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, 2023

Autismspeaks.org

66k

Median annual salary for special education teachers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of this online program are ready to serve individuals with ASD in a variety of settings including at home or in schools, hospitals, state and private institutions, or other human service agencies. You'll gain understanding in:

  • History, characteristics and theories associated with the spectrum.
  • Programs and methods that are most commonly applied in practice with persons with ASD or are most frequently discussed in professional literature.
  • Chronic stressors experienced by caregivers and family members of persons with ASD.
  • Career/vocational options as related to the transition from high school through adult life.
  • Legal issues related to the provision of lifelong supports for persons with ASD.
  • Role and future of medicine and interventions for persons with ASD, including issues related to conducting wellness examinations, medication treatments available and treatments currently being studied.

A graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders online gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Autism (Therapies)
  • Curriculum Development
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Psychotherapy

Autism Graduate Certificate Online Courses

SPED 561. Methods for Autism Spectrum Disorder. 3 Credits.

This is a required course in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Its central purpose is to address commonly implemented intervention strategies, particularly those considered to be evidence based or research supported in the field of ASD. This course examines the current literature base supporting various interventions and strategies with a focus on matching the needs and strengths of individuals with ASD to the most appropriate intervention method based on data driven practice and research support for a particular intervention. F,S,SS.

SPED 567. Assessment in Autism Spectrum Disorder. 3 Credits.

This course is a required course in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This course will address the entire process of program planning for students with ASD including screening, evaluative assessment, ongoing assessment, using assessment to guide intervention planning, and monitoring progress. Students will explore a variety of methods and tools commonly used with individuals with ASD; specifically, standardized assessments, checklists, rating scales, structured observation tools, and curricular based assessments. Its central focus is on assessing the ongoing needs and strengths of individuals with ASD in order to plan successful interventions in further differentiating instruction. S,SS.

SPED 562. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Supports Across the Lifespan. 3 Credits.

This course is in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Issues related to parental reactions to diagnosis, stressors at home and school, strategies for empowering families, transitional situations for individuals with ASD, transitions to jobs and college, and legal issues will be explored. The central purpose of the course is threefold: a) to provide current information related to the chronic stressors experienced by caregivers and/or family members of persons with ASD; b) to provide current information regarding career/vocational options related to transitions from high school through adult life; and c) to provide current information regarding legal issues related to the provision of lifelong supports for persons with ASD. Prerequisite: Completed degree from a related field of study. S.

SPED 564. ASD: Structured Teaching. 3 Credits.

This is an elective course in the sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Its central purpose is to learn and apply the TEACCH methods with fidelity. There is a focus on the design and implementation of visually supported instruction. This method can be applied to instruction for individuals both with and without ASD. Corequisite: SPED 560 and SPED 561. F.

SPED 565. ASD: Level 1 Supports and Foundations. 3 Credits.

This course is in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), specifically regarding individuals without an accompanying intellectual impairment. This includes those requiring level 1 supports such as high functioning autism, Asperger syndrome, or ASD requiring lower levels of support. Assessment, functional analysis, evidence-based practices, and transition will be addressed. Prerequisite: A completed degree from a related field of study. SS.

SPED 566. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Intensive Early Intervention. 3 Credits.

This is an elective course in the sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) birth to age six. Topics addressed will include basic characteristics of young children with ASD, the developmental implications for the children and their families, and research-supported early interventions utilizing a family-centered approach with an emphasis on natural learning opportunities. Prerequisite: A completed degree from a related field of study. F,SS.

Online Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this graduate ASD certificate, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online ASD Graduate Certificate

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Graduate Certificate in ASD

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Request Information

Explore More Options

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover similar graduate certificates.

  • Department of Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice
  • Find Similar Graduate Certificates
Department Contact
Carol Johnson
Graduate Director
P 701.777.0612
carol.a.johnson.2@UND.edu

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.

By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies, Privacy Information.

Ready to Enroll?

  • Request Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Apply Now
  • UND.info@UND.edu
  • 701.777.3000
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • X
  • Contact UND
  • Campus Map
  • Events Calendar
  • Community & Belonging
  • Explore Programs
  • Employment
  • Make a Gift
  • Campus Safety (SafeUND)
University of North Dakota

© 2025 University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND - Member of ND University System

  • Accessibility & Website Feedback
  • Terms of Use & Privacy
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Student Disclosure Information
  • Title IX
©
UND.info@UND.edu
701.777.3000 | 1.800.CALL.UND
UND.edu/programs