The MEd in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Teaching will prepare you to help children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Emphasizing curriculum design, the program focuses on advanced teaching or instructional support positions with public, private or nonprofit organizations. 

The four autism courses are offered as a special graduate certificate program. They can also be taken as a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction track. The program offers advanced study of pedagogy for working educators or other interested individuals. Teaching certification is not required for enrollment and completion of the program. It does not lead to initial teaching certification, nor does it lead to an autism endorsement unless you are a licensed teacher. 

A Carlow students smiles at the camera during class. She is surrounded by other classmates.
Credits required:

30 credits

Cost per credit: 

$600/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 12 months

Delivery:

On campus or online

Carlow’s four-course graduate certificate program in autism spectrum teaching provides the competencies set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Courses are offered in a hybrid or online format with January, March, August or October start dates. Upon completion, Level I or II certificate holders are eligible for the PDE autism endorsement. 

Community partnerships in the Pittsburgh area offer workshops and activities with guest speakers.

Quick facts

  • Take advantage of flexibility with night and online classes in an 8-week format 
  • Complete your degree in 1 year or 2 years 
  • Take a course highlighting technology fluency and emerging technologies through Carlow University’s satellite partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab 
  • Apply without your GRE  
Girl student freelancer working with laptop at home by the window, education and remote work, programmer, online business

Graduate Certificate in Autism Teaching

This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.

Career opportunities for MEd in Curriculum and Instruction: Autism Teaching

It’s estimated that more than 1% of U.S. children are diagnosed with autism, which has contributed to a high demand for qualified professionals to work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Carlow’s graduate certificate program will prepare you to be a special education teacher, behavior analyst, autism spectrum disorder specialist, behavioral interventionist or child advocate.

If you work with children or young adults with an autism spectrum disorder, the autism teaching track will prepare you to design effective programs for your students and enhance your skills as a general or special educator.


Testimonials #1
Meet our Alumni

RACHEL OWENS, 2010

Director of Special Education, Provident Charter School

"When deciding to attend graduate school, Carlow University was a natural choice, not only because of its familiarity, but also because of the various degree options."

ANTWAN CARTER, 2018

Head Teacher, Child’s World Daycare

"I especially loved The Campus Laboratory School. It was a chance to experience the design of different classrooms, closely observe many teaching styles, and practice using different instructional strategies in a supportive environment."

MICHAEL SHOATS, 2020

Chemistry Teacher, Avonworth School District

"I want to take this moment and thank Dr. Keely Baronak and the whole Carlow team for the education and experiences I've gained from the MEd Secondary Education program. I'm excited to represent Carlow in my new home."

Testimonials #1

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

  • Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
  • Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.

Certification information: Any teacher or other education professional who holds a current Level I or Level II certification and who successfully completes the four-course certificate sequence, is eligible for the Autism Endorsement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Students who successfully complete the four-course sequence, but do not hold a current Level I or Level II certification are eligible for the Carlow issued certificate of completion but not the PDE Endorsement. 

An Innovative Way to Address the Teaching Shortage in Early Child Care

Mar 02, 2023

Increasing evidence shows that early childhood education significantly impacts a child’s performance in school and beyond. The teaching shortage in…

A Path to Educational Leadership

Feb 09, 2023

Whether you’re starting with a bachelor’s degree in education or going for your M.Ed. after a degree in something else,…

Importance Of Effective Educational Leadership

Jan 05, 2023

What is the importance of effective educational leadership? Education leaders guide the values of their organizations, motivate students, and encourage…

If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

Follow us and stay up-to-date on events and opportunities to learn more about our program and faculty.

© Copyright 2024 Carlow University. All rights reserved.