Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 12

Next Session Start: August 25, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

The Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism is an online certificate of 12 credit hours that addresses the increasing demand for educators trained to work with autistic children entering the classroom. This coursework is ideal for anyone who is not a degree-seeking student and may also be pursued as part of the M.Ed. K-12 Special Education and Teaching (IDP) programs.

Gain an overview of autism and how to identify and assess autism spectrum disorders.
Design and partially implement a behavioral and academic program as you learn methods of effectively teaching autistic students.
Complete a practicum project with an autistic student in which you will create an IEP and write a Present Level of Performance and Objectives.

This certificate may help advance your career in teaching and administration by equipping you as an expert in your field.

Note: this is a certificate and not an endorsement from the Virginia Department of Education.

Featured Courses

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
Code	Name	Credits
ETSP 600	Autism Overview	3	Designed as an introduction to autism and will cover such topics as definition of autism spectrum disorders, language acquisition, behavior management, and autism and the law. This course is required for those students that intend to complete the autism certificate and who have not completed the K-12 Special Education master’s program.
ETSP 610	Introduction to Identification & Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders	3	Introduces participants to the history, characteristics, and theory associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders to enhance understanding of autism. Participants will receive an overview of autism as an educational disorder including basic information regarding diagnosis of the condition. Designed to expand on the introductory knowledge gained in the Regent K-12 Special Education Program, content will provide an overview of the seven evaluation areas emphasized in federal law (vision, hearing, health/motor, social/emotional/behavioral, verbal & non-verbal communication, cognitive and adaptive behavior, and academic/vocational). Functional assessment for programming and IEP writing will also be addressed. Prerequisite – completion of the Cross-Categorical Special Education master’s program, ETSP 600, or permission from Department Chair.
ETSP 620	Methods for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders	3	Explores the educational methods (including current research and best-practice) of students with autism. Strong emphasis will be placed on practical methods and strategies for teaching language/communication, reading, and appropriate behavior. Topics may include (but are not limited to): Sensory Integration, Applied Behavior Analysis, TEACH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication Handicapped Children), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Cognitive Behavioral Methods, etc. Participants will complete a practicum as part of this course. Prerequisite: completion of ETSP 610 or permission from Department Chair.
ETSP 630	Autism Practicum Project	3	This applied project will require one to one contact with at least one autistic student. Academic and behavioral assessments will be completed and an analysis and report will be written on each assessment. These assessments will be used to write an IEP with emphasis on writing the PLOP (Present Level of Performance) and Objectives. A four week program (behavioral and academic) will then be designed and partially implemented. The program will include continuous assessment that is intended to guide instructional decisions.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 9	Monday, August 19

Application Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Certificate	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Total Credits	Tuition Cost for Certificate
Certificate in the Law & Higher Education	$250	9	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Artificial Intelligence for Education	$250	12	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism	$250	12	$3,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Career Switcher	$250	24	$6,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Christian Education	$250	9	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership	$250	12	$3,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in eLearning Design	$250	10	$2,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Gifted & Talented Education for Teachers	$250	12-14	$3,000-$3,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)	$250	10	$2,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – Adult Education-Collegiate	$250	15-18	$3,750-$4,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – K-12	$250	15	$3,750
Post-Master's Certificate in Advancing Leadership (CAL)	$250	9	$2,250

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750
Library Orientation	$50 (one-time)

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

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“The program offered a great financing opportunity for teachers, and it also had that caliber of education I was looking for but at a reasonable price. Plus, it’s local, yet also accessible from a distance.”

Kristin Garmin, M.Ed. , 2016 Reading Specialist (with endorsement)

“One of my professors actually called me while I was in the program. That really opened up the door for me. Even though I'm doing this online, I still have a person and a face to talk to. Just having those lines of communication is awesome.”

Rahni Jenkins, MA, 2016

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Sharon Byrdsong, Ed.D., 2008 K-12 School Leadership

“Regent University taught me how to be a servant leader when it comes to reaching children. I've learned to not just teach students, but to serve them according to what they need.”

Anthony Swann, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, 2014 5th Grade Teacher, Rocky Mount Elementary

“A great teacher learns how to love and care for the students. At Regent this isn't only taught as our responsibility to others but it is modeled. The caring instructors seek to grow leaders with a Christian worldview and a heart to serve others.”

Wilbur Chapman, M.Ed., 2011 TESOL