Autism and Neurodiverse Learners Graduate Certificate
Transform learning for neurodiverse students in today’s classrooms!
Why Choose the Autism and Neurodiverse Learners Graduate Certificate at USJ?
- Fully Online Cohort
Study from anywhere while staying connected to a supportive peer group.
- Live Virtual Classes
Just one evening per week—built for working educators.
- 8-Week Courses
Focused, fast-paced, and designed for immediate classroom application.
- Integrate Technology Tools
Learn how to use emerging technologies to help support students in the classroom.
- Innovate Your Practice
Deepen impact with inclusive, research-informed strategies.
- Designed for Balance
Finish in 1 year—without stepping away from your classroom.
Transformative Learning for Today’s Classrooms
Make a meaningful difference in the lives and learning of neurodiverse students. The Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodiverse Learners at the University of Saint Joseph is designed for educators and related professionals seeking to advance their skills in supporting students with autism and neurodivergent learning profiles across inclusive K–12 settings.
Grounded in the latest research and best practices in special education, this program emphasizes strength-based, inclusive instruction and responsive support for learners with diverse cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social needs. Throughout the program, students learn to function as active members of interdisciplinary teams, using collaboration and communication to improve outcomes for children and adolescents with autism and other neurodiverse learning profiles.
Program Design
Built for working educators, this fully online program combines the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the richness of live, weekly online sessions that promote collaboration and real-time engagement.
- Follows a cohort model for peer support and community
- Courses are offered in eight-week blocks, one at a time
- Live class sessions meet one evening per week from 4:45 PM – 8:45 PM
- Program can be completed in approximately one year
Prerequisites
This program welcomes certified teachers, parents, and related service professionals. All applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (minimum GPA of 2.5)
- Access to a classroom or educational setting for completing field-based assignments throughout the program
- Parents and related service professionals are invited to participate in the program
What You’ll Learn
Courses prepare candidates to:
- Understand the unique needs of neurodiverse learners
- Apply inclusive, evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies
- Integrate assistive technology and communication tools
- Support student mental health and social-emotional development
- Collaborate effectively with families, schools, and community agencies
Degree Requirements and Career Outcomes
The requirements for this program are successful completion of the program’s respective courses (listed below). Upon completion of this program, students will have earned a university graduate certificate. This is not a licensure or endorsement program, but students who complete the program will be eligible for a University of Saint Joseph Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodiverse Learners. Students who complete the certificate program will be eligible to continue their study to complete a 30-credit MA in Special Education with a focus on Autism and Neurodiverse Learners.
Plan of Study
| Course | Title | Hours |
| SPEC 560 | Introduction to Autism and Neurodiverse Learners This course provides historical and current views regarding the characteristics, etiology, and prognosis of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in schools. Issues such as diagnostic procedures, classroom structure, research- based instructional strategies, and family involvement are surveyed | 3 |
| SPEC 561 | Behavioral Interventions This course will examine the factors that contribute to behaviors demonstrated by students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and the coordinating best practices for analyzing student behavior, developing intervention plans and evaluating the effectiveness of these plans | 3 |
| SPEC 562 | Communication and Technology for Neurodiverse Learners This course explores the tools and strategies designed to help meet the complex communication needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| SPEC 565 | Supporting Mental Health Needs of Neurodiverse Learners This course examines the social and mental health challenges commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Etiology, assessment and intervention strategies will be discussed as well as their application in a variety of school and community-based settings. | 3 |
| SPEC 564 | Application of Instructional Strategies for Neurodiverse Learners This course addresses teaching methods for students with ASD. | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Please Note:
The courses for this program may be offered in a different order. This list should not be considered the finalized course sequence.