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Postbaccalaureate Certificate inEducating Individuals with Autism

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Learn to assess individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and develop evidence-based practices to enhance social, behavioral, communication, and academic gains. As the number of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise, so does the demand for skilled professionals with expertise.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by November 15 to start January 11

12 Credits$1,048 per credit

Effectively Assess and Educate Students with Autism

  • Develop professional skills to work with families of individuals with ASDs.

  • Enhance the language development and communication skills of students through effective educational programming.

  • Acquire professional competencies to collaborate with other educators and related personnel.

The 12-credit program will provide you with advanced training in the area of autism spectrum disorders and can help prepare you for an ASD endorsement by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), or to accumulate continuing education credit in your profession, such as Pennsylvania Act 48 hours.

Course topics include:

  • character and learning traits, classification systems, and special emphasis on selecting evidence-based interventions
  • applied behavioral analysis, stimulus control, punishment, prompting, fading, generalization, and maintenance, as well as other issues affecting persons with autism and their families
  • language development and communication strategies, pragmatics, communication systems, augmentative and alternative communication systems, social deficits in autism, and approaches for teaching skills
  • screening, diagnosis, identifying skills in developmental domains, such as sensory, oral motor, and communication

Required Courses (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    This course will include an overview of characteristics and learning traits, classification systems, assessment strategies/issues, approaches, and interventions related to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Special emphasis will be given to selecting evidence-based practices and enhancing collaboration among individuals with ASD, their families, and supporting professionals.

  • 3
    credits

    The course content includes an overview of basic principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and elements of empiricism in education settings. Basic principles include reinforcement, stimulus control, punishment, prompting, fading, generalization, and maintenance. Special emphasis will be given to the application of ABA principles to classroom settings. A historical perspective will be outlined concerning the application of ABA to individuals with autism as well as the use of ethics in treatment and education. Empirically based interventions for persons with autism will be covered, including discrete trial, analysis of verbal behavior, and direct instruction. Finally, issues affecting persons with autism and their families will be addressed, including functional analysis, sleeping, eating, toileting/grooming, and determining credibility of treatments.

  • 3
    credits

    Language development and communication strategies, issues, pragmatics, communications systems, augmentative and alternative communication systems (AAC), social deficits in autism, and approaches for teaching social skills.

  • 3
    credits

    Types of assessment, such as screening, diagnosis, and identification of skills in development diagnosis; identification of skills in developmental domains, such as sensory, oral motor, play, and communication; practical strategies detailing what to teach based on assessment results; and an overview of curricula approaches and materials.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by November 15 to start January 11. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2026–27 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,048 per credit
12 or more$12,572 per semester

2027–28 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2027, Spring 2028, and Summer 2028 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,069 per credit
12 or more$12,823 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Program Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree program:

Learn to support students with special needs. This online degree program focuses on current issues and topics in the field of special education and gives you the opportunity to choose an emphasis in academic and behavioral supports, applied behavior analysis, or autism.

Learn more

As a student in this program, you have the option to receive an ASD Endorsement approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). To receive the endorsement, you must successfully complete the 12-credit certificate and participate in integrated practicum field experience requirements.

Upon successful completion of the course work and practicum, you will be eligible to apply to PDE to add the ASD Endorsement to your existing Pennsylvania instructional certificate. Only students with current Level I or II certification are eligible for the courses with the additional ASD Endorsement course work.

Who Should Apply?

You can benefit from the program if you are in one of these professions: 

  • general education teacher
  • behavior specialist
  • mobile therapist
  • educational consultant
  • speech and language pathologist
  • occupational therapist
  • school counselor
  • school psychologist
  • school nurse
  • social worker

Act 48–Approved

Penn State is an Act 48–approved provider for Pennsylvania educators, so the courses for the postbaccalaureate certificate in autism education may count toward your professional development hours.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Certificate in One Year

  • Take 2 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Certificate in Two Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

 

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Professional Licensure / Certification

Disclosures

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map for more information.

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Apply by November 15 to start January 11

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 15 to start January 11

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by March 31 to start May 17

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by June 30, 2027, to start August 23, 2027

You may start the program with any of the four courses, although we strongly recommend that you begin in the spring semester with SPLED 461: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders, particularly if you are new to the field or don’t have any experience working with individuals with autism.

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    You do not have to provide a cover letter, letters of recommendation, or test scores with your application.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educating Individuals with Autism, please contact:

Kelly A. Mercorella, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Phone: 814-863-2286
[email protected]

One of the primary reasons Penn State is recognized around the globe as a distinguished university is its faculty. The Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Educating Individuals with Autism is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Education and as a student, you will enjoy the opportunity to learn from the same instructors who teach traditional, face-to-face classes on Penn State's campuses across Pennsylvania.

Faculty

  • Lauren Cozad

    • Ph.D., Special Education, Penn State
    • M.Ed., Special Education PreK–21, Penn State
    • B.S., Elementary Education K–6, Penn State

    Dr. Lauren Cozad serves as the coordinator of teacher education in special education with the Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education (EPCSE) at University Park and teaches online courses through World Campus. She loves working with students from the beginning of their programs through student teaching. As a former special education teacher, she enjoys blending her own classroom experiences with evidence-based practices. Her research focuses on high-incidence disabilities, mathematics interventions, teacher preparation, teacher well-being, and supervision.

  • Katie Endicott Harris

    • Ph.D., Special Education with emphasis in ABA, Utah State University
    • Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Doctoral Level
    • Special Education Credential, Chapman University
    • B.A., Psychology, University of California at Berkeley

    Dr. Katie Endicott Harris is an associate professor of special education. She has more than 30 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in many environments; most of her experience is with children with autism and severe disabilities. She earned her Ph.D. at Utah State University in the Department of Special Education & Rehabilitation with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis. She is passionate about helping educators effectively assess and treat challenging behavior and establish programs through ABA. She teaches courses in the online M.Ed. program in the ABA and autism areas.

  • Kelly Mercorella

    • Ph.D., Applied Behavior Analysis, Columbia University
    • M.S., Applied Behavior Analysis, Columbia University
    • B.S., Psychology, Fordham University

    Dr. Kelly Mercorella is a BCBA-D and an associate professor of special education at Penn State. She teaches a variety of courses across the M.Ed. in Special Education, ABA graduate certificate, and autism certificate programs. Her research interests center around facilitating reading comprehension for elementary students with disabilities, particularly designing interventions to instruct students on visualization strategies related to reading.

    Learn more about Dr. Mercorella.

  • Jonte C. Taylor

    • Ph.D., Special Education, Auburn University
    • M.Ed., Collaborative Education, Auburn University
    • B.A., Special Education, Tuskegee University

    Jonte C. Taylor (JT), Ph.D., is a professor of special education. His research includes examining effective strategies for inclusive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) education for students with disabilities, evaluating innovative classroom practices, and improving school/classroom climates for students, families, and teachers. His work spans applied behavior analysis, classroom and behavioral motivation, and work with students with Autism and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.

    Learn more about Dr. Taylor.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by November 15 to start January 11. How to Apply