Online Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate
UC Online’s Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Graduate Certificate offers a program open to individuals with a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), people with ASD have:
- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people.
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.
- Symptoms that impact the person’s ability to function in work and life.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Highlights
High Quality Education
The Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate program supports students in:
- Understanding the characteristics of ASD.
- Locating and linking evidence-based instructional practices (e.g., structured learning environments, visual supports, systematic instruction) to the characteristics of ASD.
- Implementing interventions for individuals with ASD.
At the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Describe the components of a well-structured learning environment for individuals with ASD.
- Locate and evaluate research related to ASD.
- Describe the characteristics of ASD and link these to evidence-based interventions (including assessments) for individuals with ASD.
- Implement evidence-based interventions with individuals with ASD.
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Start in the fall, spring, or summer semester
- Other Special Education Opportunities
- Scholarships available now: Eligible students applying for the certificate program may qualify for the Professional Development Award equating to $132 off per credit hour, fees included, and the application fee is waived as well.
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate takes 15 credit hours to complete and can be finished in just one year.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| SPED6004 | Autism Spectrum Disorders This course examines the psychological models and behavioral characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Participants examine and develop an in-depth understanding of the underpinnings of autism, how autism manifests in an individual’s life, and the influence of autism on daily functioning at home, school, and in the community. Course content includes the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (triad), the historical context, the brain-behavior connection, and the three major psychological models (i.e., Theory of Mind, Executive Function, and Central Coherence). The purpose of the course is for participants to understand the cognitive underpinnings of ASD and how these influence everyday life. This course may be applied towards the Master’s in Special Education. |
3 |
| SPED7007 | Promoting Positive Behaviors The primary purpose of this course is to help teacher candidates acquire the understanding and skills related to increasing, decreasing, maintaining, and generalizing behaviors. Teacher candidates enrolled in this course will gain an understanding of applied behavior analysis, and how to create a positive and safe learning environment in schools by carefully assessing socially significant students’ needs and the context in which (both desired and problem) behavior occur. Teachers can prevent or decrease problem behavior by: (1) applying effective primary prevention and early intervention strategies in the classroom, and (2) identifying students, with and without disabilities, who need additional behavioral support. Teachers can apply an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a safe learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active participation, academic engagement, and independence. This course may be applied towards the Master’s in Special Education. |
3 |
| SPED7055 | Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theory to Practice Education professionals gain insights in the theories of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Based on theoretical understanding, professionals learn evidence-based practices for students with ASD and implement these practices in their educational settings with support from instructors. This course may be applied towards the Master’s in Special Education. |
3 |
| CSD7037 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication This course includes an overview of augmentative communication systems – candidates, symbol & vocabulary systems, devices, and funding. Additionally, strategies for assessment and intervention will be addressed. This course may be applied towards the Master’s in Special Education. |
3 |
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| SPSY8010 | Applied Behavior Analysis I This course, the first in a sequence of courses inapplied behavior analysis, provides an in-depth introduction to the philosophy, concepts, and principles of behavior analysis in general, and toapplied behavior analysis in particular. The conceptual foundations developed in this course will be the basis for understanding academic and behavior problems in applied settings and in the development and implementation of: behavioral assessments, functional behavioral hypotheses, intervention procedures directly related to problem function, and data-based decisions about intervention effectiveness. |
3 |
| SPED7009 | Assessment and Curriculum Planning: Moderate to Intense This course addresses assessment and planning for students with significant disabilities. Topics include formal and informal assessment, curriculum planning, individualized instruction. Participants will be expected to observe and plan instruction from those observations. |
3 |
| SPED7010 | Instructional Strategies: Moderate to Intense Instructional Strategies (MI) provides students with an overview of the instructional strategies necessary for students with moderate to intense disabilities. Teacher candidates understand how students differ in their approaches and responses to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners. |
3 |
| SPED7012 | Language and Foundations of Literacy This course is designed to assist intervention specialist candidates develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to address the communication and literacy needs of students with complex learning needs. Through course readings, activities, and required course assignments, intervention specialist candidates will gain practical experiences that will prepare them to facilitate student learning. |
3 |
Prerequisites
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
Admission Materials
- Statement of academic and professional goals.
- One (1) Letter of Recommendation.
- Resume or CV.
- Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
- All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
- Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
- Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
- For questions regarding international students, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $65.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $70.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- $20.00 for domestic applicants to Graduate Certificates
- $25.00 for international applicants to Graduate Certificates
- Application fees are waived for Summer 2026 applications submitted by March 1st, 2026
- Application fees are waived for Fall 2026 applications submitted by July 1st, 2026
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts during the application process, showing all undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including degrees granted and dates of conferral.
Official transcripts are not required until the student has received and accepted an offer of admission from the university. Once the offer has been confirmed, the student must submit official transcripts.
Students who have received degrees from the University of Cincinnati do not need to submit official paper copies of their UC transcripts.
Transcripts can be submitted electronically or by mail. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly. Then, mail your sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
Please mail sealed, unopened, official transcripts to:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
One letter of recommendation is required.
- Recommendations should come from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional skills. References from current and former employers are always desirable. Additionally, recommendations from contacts within academia or professional organizations you’re involved in are also desirable.
- Those writing letters should explain who they are, their relationship to the applicant, and what they know of the applicant’s academic and professional abilities.
- Letters of recommendation from family, friends, or current students are not accepted.
- Recommendations are submitted by the recommender themselves; they cannot be completed or submitted by the applicant or another party on behalf of the reference.
- Professional Resume: A resume relevant to academic and professional data. It should include the applicant’s name; phone; email; colleges attended with degrees, dates conferred, and grade point average; employment history; professional experience; present employer; and names of references.
- Curriculum Vitae: A detailed look at the applicant’s career path, including achievements, publications, and awards. Including comprehensive information about candidate’s research background, presentations, publications, committee memberships and other experience of an academic, clinical, or scientific nature.
The goal statement serves as a sample of the applicant’s writing quality and ensures their goals match with the program. It should denote applicant’s desired program concentration (if applicable) and highlight applicant’s motivation for pursuing a career in the field, and how the program will benefit them.
International students are required to submit official TOEFL, TSE, and TWE scores for tests taken within the last seven years, prior to the application deadline for the term of the application. These scores must be submitted directly to the program office.
More information about these tests can be found here.
Applicants who have earned a degree in China must submit an English-version verification report from the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC) of their final transcripts and degree certificates. All verification reports must be sent to the University of Cincinnati directly by the CDGDC to be considered official. No other verification will be accepted. Applicants with Chinese transcripts must contact the CDGDC after their degree is completed and request that their degree verification report be submitted directly to the University of Cincinnati. Students who request a verification report prior to degree conferral will be required to submit a second report after conferral.
Verification reports can be ordered at the following websites:
- Chinese
- English
For questions regarding international student admissions contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
April 24, 2026 August 8, 2026 December 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
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