Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate

>>Click here to refer to the Autism Spectrum Certificate program website.

The Autism Spectrum graduate certificate is designed to prepare highly qualified professionals to meet the unique educational needs of learners on the Autism Spectrum in diverse settings. Through participation in coursework that includes embedded field experiences, students will acquire working knowledge of current training models, strategies and philosophies to guide them in working with individuals on the autism spectrum at the early childhood, elementary and secondary/transition level.

Graduate students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Special Education may pursue coursework for the certificate and the degree concurrently. Graduate students may also be eligible to apply coursework to the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential. Students possessing a master’s degree in special education or a related field may complete the certificate program, including prerequisites, as a postmaster's degree program.

>Click here to download this as a program flyer.

Admission to Program: The specific requirements and procedures for acceptance to the graduate certificate program are as follows:

• Applicants are required to meet standards for a master's degree program in special education or provide evidence of an advanced graduate training degree in special education or a related field;
• Applicants who wish to concurrently pursue the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential with the Certificate and/or Master of Arts degree must complete all Level I coursework prior to certificate coursework;
• Applicants complete a department application, which includes the following:

  - demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission;
  - two current professional letters of reference;
  - official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended;
  - current resume; and
  - statement of purpose documenting interest in the program

An interview with program faculty may be included upon request.

Completion Requirements: Two-thirds of program units must be completed in residence at SFSU.

English Writing Proficiency Requirement: Students will be required to demonstrate entry-level writing proficiency in English at a level consistent with the expectation of advanced work in this field. This proficiency will be demonstrated by successfully passing the SFSU Graduate Essay Test (GET) prior to their first semester of enrollment in program coursework. Students who do not demonstrate entry-level writing proficiency will be required to complete a GET course or an equivalent, prior to the end of their second semester.