Course of Study Coordinator: Laura T. Eisenman

The 15-credit Autism/Severe Disabilities certification is embedded within the M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth and can also be obtained through the completion of a Course of Study. Courses are offered on campus and online. This certification can be an add-on certificate for anyone holding Delaware special education teacher certification. It may also lead to a “plus 15” salary increment for Delaware teachers who already hold a master’s degree. Certified special education teachers are able to take the courses listed below.

Top Ten Reasons to choose University of Delaware

Why earn Autism certification at the University of Delaware?

• As a leading university in the field, UD had the first Delaware Department of Education-approved Autism certification program.
• The School of Education graduate program is ranked #35 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
• UD is a Research I university with acclaimed and productive faculty.
• Classes are taught by experts in the field: staff in the program collectively have over 150 years experience in Autism research.
• UD faculty conduct ongoing research on Autism issues, ensuring they stay current on new approaches.
• UD has a number of affiliated research centers and schools on campus, including the Center for Disabilities Studies, the Laboratory Preschool, the Early Learning Center, and The College School (a school for students with learning differences on campus).
• Faculty and staff in the program are regularly contacted for technical assistance, professional development, and other support by school districts, the Delaware Department of Education and other Delaware agencies.
• Families of children, adolescents and adults with Autism bring family members to UD faculty for assessment and treatment.
• UD has vibrant, beautiful, energetic campuses that are “East Coast Classics.”
• Newark, Delaware was voted one of most affordable and fun cities in the U.S.

Required Courses (15 credits)

• EDUC 624: Introduction to Autism and Severe Disabilities
• EDUC 625: Special Education Instruction/Curriculum: Autism/Severe Disabilities
• EDUC 626: Functional Communication for Individuals with Autism and Severe Disabilities
• EDUC 681: Techniques for Behavior Change and Positive Behavior Support
• EDUC 729: Behaviorally Based Teaching Practicum

Enrollment

To enroll in one of this course of study or for additional information, please the program coordinator. Once the program coordinator and/or instructor of the course approves the enrollment, you may register for courses through the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies as a Continuing Education Student.

Upon Completion

Upon completion of the course of study leading to certification, the candidate should complete the online application for certification through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS) and send an official transcript, showing completion of the courses, directly to the Delaware Department of Education.

Upon completion of the course of study leading to a salary increment, the candidate should complete the online application for a salary increment through the Delaware Educator Data System (DEEDS) and send an official transcript, showing completion of the courses, to their school district for approval. Upon approval by the school district, the information will be forwarded to the Delaware Department of Education.