Graduate Certificate in Autism

Coursework

SPED 585 Introduction to Autism 3
SPED 586 Behavior and Autism 3
SPED 587 Social Skills and Autism 3
SPED 588 Communication and Autism 3
Total Required Credits   12

Notes:

  1. students must apply to this program before half of the credits are completed
    • Apply with Intended major: Graduate Certificate
      Concentration: Autism Spectrum Disorders
      Degree expected: Graduate Certificate- Autism Spectrum Disorders
  2. if already enrolled in an MA program, students must still apply separately to the graduate certificate program to have a certificate noted on the transcript

Flyer: Autism Certificate Program

Link to Gainful Employment information: https://nmsu.edu/gainfulemployment/asdi/13.1013-Gedt.html

  • Graduate Certificate –
    Autism Spectrum Disorder

    Program Description:  The graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders helps prepare highly qualified personnel, including special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, educational diagnosticians, school psychologists, and social workers to work with children with ASD and their families.  The courses comprising the requirements for the graduate Certificate include patterns of development in autistic spectrum disorders, theories of underlying deficits and strengths, general and specific strategies of intervention, classroom-based approaches to communication, behavior, and social development, and methods of evaluating effectiveness as recommended by the National Research Council.  The Certificate program is ONLINE.  For additional information please contact TPAL Director, Dr. Rick Marlatt at rmarlatt@nmsu.edu

    Courses Required for the Graduate Certificate –
    Autism Spectrum Disorder

    SPED 585 Introduction to Autism (3 credit hours)
    Course Description: This course will provide an overview of autism spectrum disorders as a triad of impairments, including historical and theoretical perspectives, assessment issues, characteristics of autism, intervention programs, and family issues.

    SPED 586 Behavior and Autism  (3 credit hours)
    Course Description:  This course will cover the first of the triad of impairments.  Students will gain an understanding of the behaviors of children with autism.  Students will examine several behavior management philosophies and research based interventions and how they can be applied in the educational setting.   Attention will also be given to play skills. The family perspective and participation in the proactive behavior management process will be incorporated throughout the course. Prerequisite:  Introduction to Autism or Consent of Instructor.

    SPED 587 Social Skills and Autism  (3 credit hours)
    Course Description:      This course will cover the second of the triad of impairments.  Using a blend of researched based models and evidenced based practical applications, students will gain an understanding of the social skill deficits often associated with autism spectrum disorders.  Review a variety of social cognition theories and explore effective social skill interventions for children functioning at a variety of levels along the autism spectrum. Prerequisite:  Introduction to Autism or Consent of Instructor.

    SPED588 Communication and Autism  (3 credit hours)
    Course Description:      This course will cover the third of the triad of impairments.  Students will gain an overview of communication characteristics and difficulties often associated with autism spectrum disorders. Review current tools and strategies used to assess speech, language, and interaction skills. Use assessment results to identify needs and implement appropriate interventions. Explore a variety of intervention strategies aimed at building receptive, expressive, and pragmatic language of children functioning at a variety of levels along the autism spectrum. Prerequisite:  Introduction to Autism or Consent of Instructor.

    Link to Gainful Employment information: https://nmsu.edu/gainfulemployment/asdi/13.1013-Gedt.html

 

Graduate students in TPAL often pursue additional graduate certificates, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees following the completion of their current program. For instance, students completing a graduate certificate program often transition into an associated master's degree within their field of study. In most cases, graduate students are welcome to pursue concurrent and/or subsequent programs. Please note that you must submit a new application to the NMSU Graduate School in order to be considered for admittance into a concurrent or subsequent graduate program. When submitting a concurrent or subsequent graduate application, please notify your advisor or program coordinator right away so that the proper coordination of your new application can be completed.