Autism Spectrum Disorders, Grad. Certificate, or M.Ed. Option w/Superv. Endorse.
The Autism Spectrum Disorders program offers candidates holding a standard New Jersey instructional or educational services certificate or its out-of-state equivalent an in-depth study of the pervasive developmental disorders including teaching strategies and interventions, assessment, and social communication development for students with autism or related developmental disorders. The program’s focus is on developing 21st-century curricular leadership skills for inclusive schools and districts.
Students who complete the program’s five courses in autism spectrum disorders satisfy the requirements for the GCU Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Students who complete the program’s additional 21 credits of courses in school supervision satisfy the requirements for a Master of Education in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Following graduation with this master’s degree, candidates will qualify for a Certificate of Eligibility for New Jersey administrative certification as a School Supervisor. The school supervisor endorsement authorizes the holder to be employed as a supervisor of instruction and athletic director (for those who do not hold a standard principal’s endorsement). The supervisor shall have the authority and responsibility for the continuing direction, evaluation and guidance of teaching staff members.
Upon successful completion of the program of studies for Autism Spectrum Disorders, the student will receive a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree and/or GCU certificate and will have given evidence of the following outcomes and goals.
- In-depth study of the pervasive developmental disorders of autism, evaluated through research assignments and in-class testing.
- Application of teaching strategies and interventions for students with autism and related developmental disorders, including collaborative models of teaching, as evidenced by observation reports and research studies.
- Assessment of students with autism and related developmental disorders, using case studies to apply the appropriate approaches to instruction.
- Implementation of techniques to support social communication development of students with autism and related developmental disorders, through direct observation and practicum experiences.
- (Master’s Degree) Advanced professional leadership within the area of services to support students with autism and related developmental disorders, through academic research and program evaluation.
Requirements for Admission
- An earned bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by one of the institutional accreditors previously designated as "regional" accreditors (e.g., Middle States Commission on Higher Education);
- Evidence of a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA; and
- For teachers: a copy of a valid New Jersey instructional certificate (P–3, K–6; or K–12).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Autism GCU Certificate | ||
| EDC5301 | Nature & Needs Indivs w/Aut&PervasDevDis | 3.0 |
| EDC5302 | Strategies Teach Students w/Aut & DevDis 1 | 3.0 |
| EDC5303 | Soc Communic Intervent Students w/ASD | 3.0 |
| EDC5304 | Assess & Curr Inter for Autism Spec Dis | 3.0 |
| EDC5305 | Intervent & Supports Level 1 Char ASD | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15.0 | |
- 1
Requires 10 hours of clinical experience.
Additional courses required for master’s degree:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDC5002 | Diversity in Inclusive Education | 3.0 |
| EDC5010 | Curr Leadership for the Incl Sch | 3.0 |
| EDC5013 | Curr Lead & Mang for Diverse & Incl Sch | 3.0 |
| EDC5014 | Methods of Res for Leaders in Incl Sch | 3.0 |
| EDC5102 | Superv of Instr in the Incl School | 3.0 |
| EDC5158 | Instr Technology for Incl Education | 3.0 |
| EDC6401 | Superv & Leadership of Instr & Learning | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 21.0 | |