Autism Studies, Undergraduate Certificate

Visit the Secondary and Special Education Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The Autism Studies Certificate of Proficiency prepares individuals with the essential knowledge and skills to positively impact the lives of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as their families and communities. This comprehensive certificate program offers in-depth insights into the latest research on ASD, along with best practices for assessments, support, and education. Participants will also engage in hands-on learning experiences by working directly with individuals with ASD through our community internship opportunities, fostering practical skills and professional development in a real-world setting. 

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours		19
Discipline Core Requirements		19 Credits
Prerequisites:
Complete one of the following:
ENGL 1010	Introduction to Academic Writing (3)
or ENGH 1005	Literacies and Composition Across Contexts
Writing proficiency determined by Autism Studies program director
Complete the following:
AUTS 2500G	Understanding the Autism Spectrum	3
AUTS 3810	Autism Across the Lifespan I Infants and Children	3
AUTS 3820G	Autism across the Lifespan II Teens and Adults	3
AUTS 3850	Autism Assessment and Treatment	3
AUTS 4650	Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis	3
AUTS 4810R	Field Placement	3
AUTS 4820R	Group Autism Seminar	1

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 19 semester credits.
2. Overall GPA of 2.0 or above.
3. Residency hours -- a minimum of 5 credit hours through course attendance at UVU.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Semester 1		Credit Hours
AUTS 2500G	Understanding the Autism Spectrum	3
	Credit Hours	3
Semester 2
AUTS 3810	Autism Across the Lifespan I Infants and Children	3
AUTS 3820G	Autism across the Lifespan II Teens and Adults	3
AUTS 3850	Autism Assessment and Treatment	3
	Credit Hours	9
Second Year
Semester 3
AUTS 4810R	Field Placement	3
AUTS 4820R	Group Autism Seminar	1
AUTS 4650	Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis	3
	Credit Hours	7
	Total Credit Hours	19

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate the core characteristics of autism spectrum disorder including repetitive and perseverative behaviors, sensory needs and social communication deficits.
2. Demonstrate the application of applied behavior analysis principles in practice.
3. Identify current best practices in assessment, treatment and education of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders across the individual’s lifespan.
4. Examine how autism impacts individuals, families and communities.
5. Articulate available community and online resources for the Autistic Community.
6. Model ethical considerations in assessment and treatment of challenging behaviors.