WCUPA Certificate in Autism Studies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for the Autism Certificate program?

2. Is there an application deadline?

3. What happens once I submit my application?

4. Do I have to complete the program in one year?

5. How many students are accepted?

6. Can I take classes from the certificate program if I am not enrolled in the program?

7. When are the courses offered?

8. What times are the classes being offered?

9. How much will each course cost?

10. Are there any prerequisites?

11. Are the courses offered at West Chester or another site? 

12. Is this an official PDE teacher certification?

1. How do I apply for the Autism Certificate program?  Apply online…

              b.           Apply Now

              c.           Create your account

              d.           Complete a Graduate Application

When asked to identify “program applying to” go to Early Childhood & Special Education and select “Autism  Certificate”

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2. Is there an application deadline?

No, applications are processed throughout the year – Accepted applicants will be placed in a cohort (a group of students    taking the classes together for the entirety of the certificate program). Cohorts are filled on a first come, first served basis.

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3. What happens once I submit my application?

The graduate office reviews your application. Within 4-6 weeks of receiving your application, you will receive a decision letter from the university. If accepted, you will be notified of whom to contact to schedule your classes.  Classes for the autism certificate are considered “closed” so students will be hand enrolled by the departments.   

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4. Do I have to complete the program in one year?

Yes, all students will be enrolled in a cohort. The cohort will take certificate classes at the same times during the same semesters. Individual exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis only.

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5. How many students are accepted?

There is no limit to enrollment in the program.  However, cohorts will be filled on a first come, first served basis.  One cohort runs each academic year. Therefore, if you are accepted but the current cohort is full, you will be asked if you would like to be placed in the next cohort to participate in the program.

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6. Can I take classes from the certificate program if I am not enrolled in the program?

No, the program is closed to accepted applicants only.   

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7.  When are the courses offered?

All cohorts will begin classes in the summer. Two classes will be offered during summer semester, fall semester, and spring semester. The next cohort will start Summer 2009 and finish Spring 2010.

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8.  What times are the classes being offered?

Summer I 2009

EDA 503

Family Systems in Special Education: Field and Seminar 

Every other Thursday from 5p-8p beginning May 28th

Summer II 2009

EDA 520

Intro to Autism: Understanding Autism and the Interdisciplinary Process

July 6 – 10, Monday – Friday 8a-5p

Fall 2009

PSY 521

Issues in Autism: Diagnosis and Behavioral Treatments 

Wednesday TBA-Evening

EDA 530

Teaching Children with ASD 

Monday TBA-Evening

Spring 2010

SPP 565

Communicative Enhancement for Individuals with ASD

TBA-Evening 

KIN 587

Contemporary Issues in Adapted Physical Activity: Students with ASD

TBA-Evening 

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9.  How much will each course cost? 

Contact the WCUPA graduate studies office to determine current pricing.

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10. Are there any prerequisites?

Bachelor’s Degree - Minimum 3.0 GPA

Official transcripts, a professional goals statement, and a $35 application fee must be mailed to:

                 Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education
                 McKelvie Hall, 102 Rosedale Avenue
                 West Chester University
                 West Chester, PA 19383-2600

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11.  Are the courses offered at West Chester or another site? 

West Chester University Main Campus

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12. Is this an official PDE teacher certification?

No, the certificate is an indicator to potential/current employers of deep knowledge and exploration in the field of autism. PDE does not at this time have an autism teaching certificate. PDE special teacher certificates are:

.

(data retrieved on January 22, 2009 from http://www.teaching.state.pa.us/teaching/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=22599&teachingNav=|93|