I-SPAN is Ideal For

• Matriculated or non-matriculated graduate-level students in any of Nazareth's master's degree programs who are seeking a specialization in autism.
• Anyone who wants to be better prepared to teach, parent, or support individuals on the autism spectrum.

Career Information

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reported that an estimated one in 36 children in the United States has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder.
• Supporting individuals on the autism spectrum requires specialized knowledge and skills in evidence-based practices and there is a continued shortage of highly qualified professionals in this field.
• Employers in disciplines such as education, speech language pathology, nursing, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy and the medical professions are seeking candidates who have this specialized knowledge.

Affordability

• Grants, scholarships, veterans benefits, partner benefits, loans, and loan forgiveness are options for paying for education graduate degrees. Autism certificate program tuition >
• Tuition discount is available through the Educational Partner Network.

What to Expect

• Work and study collaboratively across disciplines
• Three specific courses are required (detailed below under Curriculum), offered in a live online format.
• Receive a New York state advanced certificate of specialization in autism upon completion
• Earn continuing education units or professional development credits upon completion

Curriculum

This specialization requires these three evening courses in the following sequence:

• Exploring Autism from Multiple Perspectives (fall semester) 
• Autism Supports Across the Lifespan (spring semester)
• Autism: A Contemporary Lens (May/June — summer Session A)

Registration Process

• Current Naz students: Talk to your academic program director to determine whether you are eligible to enroll in this program.
• Non-matriculated students: Complete the Certificate Application.
• Registration occurs on a rolling basis for fall and spring terms. Starting classes in the fall is recommended. Students must take AUT 660 and AUT 661 before taking AUT 662.
• If you have questions, contact the I-SPAN directors listed on this page.

Tuition and Fees

See Nazareth's fees and tuition per credit hour.Program costs »