Autism Certificate Program

Frequently asked questions

1. Who is this program designed for? Is this program right for me?
2. I'm a parent/family member of a child with an ASD. Is this program appropriate for me?
3. Do I need a degree or a previous educator's license to be accepted to this program?
4. Will this program meet the requirements for BCBA?
5. Where is the program offered?
6. I've never taken an online course. Do I have to be at my computer at a specific time?
7. Is financial aid available?
8. Can I take one or two courses without applying to the program?
9. How big are the classes?
10. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?
11. What are the application requirements?

1. Who is this program designed for? Is this program right for me?

The certificate program, implemented entirely online, is appropriate for parents, administrators, specialists, psychologists, social workers, early intervention professionals, special education and general educators. The program will focus on strategies to improve success in a variety of settings, including educational, home, and community.

2. I'm a parent/family member of a child with ASD. Is this program appropriate for me?

Absolutely. This information will help parents in a variety of ways, and the program was designed with parents in mind.

3. Do I need a degree or a previous educator's license to be accepted to this program?

An undergraduate degree is required for admission. A license is not required for admission.

4. Will this program meet the requirements for BCBA?

No. The focus of this program is not Applied Behavior Analysis, by design. Because no single intervention has been identified as effective for every child with ASD, this certificate program explores a variety of interventions. It is designed to offer highly individualized yet practical solutions for responding to the needs of students with ASD.

5. Where is the program offered?

All five courses of the certificate are offered online.

6. I've never taken an online course. Do I have to be at my computer at a specific time?

No. Online learning at Lesley University is asynchronous, meaning that you do not have to be present at a specific time. The instructor will post weekly Learning Modules, which contain the course content. They are generally posted with a specific timeframe, and an assignment follow up is expected approximately 1-2 days later. The modules are interactive, and will link you to websites, videos, and articles for further research/reading. Students do not necessarily come together at one specific time, but there are collaborative activities, projects, groups, and discussions.

7. Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is not offered. However, there are alternative loan options that our Financial Aid Office would be happy to assist you with. For more information call: 800.999.1959 ext. 8581

8. Can I take a course before applying to the program?

Yes. It is recommended that people start with ESPED 5013 Understanding the Autism Spectrum.

9. How big are the classes?

Lesley University's online classes are small, averaging 10-15 students per class. Small classes, personal attention, and a great deal of interaction are an important part of our teaching philosophy.

10. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is that a problem?

Being away from class for a week or more is problematic. The online program is not an independent study program; it is very much a classroom environment. While the courses are asynchronous, you still must be present each week. If a situation arises, such as a family crisis or illness, arrangements must be made with the instructor of the course (similar to a traditional face-to-face course).

11. What are the application requirements?

Lesley University admits students to online programs on a rolling admissions basis, so there is no application deadline. Once students are accepted into the program, an advisor will work with them to determine their start date and sequence of courses.

Application to the program requires:

• A Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited institution
• Completed and signed Application Form
• A $50.00 application fee
• Official Transcripts (undergraduate, and any post-baccalaureate work)
• A two-page written personal statement: please describe your interest or experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, your goals for graduate study in this area, and why you believe this Lesley University certificate will assist you in achieving them.

Note: International students may be required to submit TOEFL Scores.