Autism Certificate

Frequently asked questions

1. Who is this program designed for? I already have a Master's Degree in Education. 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 sit at my computer at a specific time?
7. Why does the program require a field experience? What are the requirements?
8. Is there any assistance provided in finding sites to complete the fieldwork?
9. Is Financial Aid available?
10. Can I take one or two courses without applying to the Certificate program?
11. Are you a fully accredited institution?
12. How big are the "classrooms?"
13. What are the application requirements?
14. I know I am going to be away from class for a week or two. Is this a problem?

1. Who is this program designed for? I already have a Master's Degree in Education. Is this program right for me?

This program is suitable for a variety of professionals working in educational settings, including general educators, special educators, paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and administrators. The program has a classroom intervention focus, so anyone working with students with ASD would benefit.

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

Although the program is geared toward educators, the interventions themselves are appropriate for use across a variety of settings, and thus, anyone with an interest or desire to work with children with ASD may benefit from completing this program.

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. No single intervention has been identified as effective for every child with ASD, and therefore, this certificate program explores a variety of evidence and practice-based interventions compatible with a range of public school classroom settings. It is designed to offer highly individualized, yet practical solutions for responding to the needs of students with ASD within the classroom environment, and in acknowledgement of the many demands of the curriculum today.

5. Where is the program offered?

Currently, all five courses of the Advanced Professional Certificate are offered online.

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

No, all online Learning at Lesley University is asynchronous, meaning that you do not have to be present at a specific time. In this program, the instructor will post weekly Learning Modules which contain the online 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 very interactive. They will link you to websites, videos, and sometimes articles for further research/reading. Students do not come together at one specific time, but there are collaborative activities, including a weekly online discussion, collaborative projects and groups.

7. Why does the program require a field experience? What are the requirements?

We feel fieldwork is essential to understanding the unique needs of this population, and helps to enhance the connection between theory and practice. Toward this end, each of the five courses has a required 15-hour field component, for a total of 75-course related fieldwork hours. These hours are completed in a variety of settings related to the course content (i.e. community settings, afterschool programs, hospital settings, family support centers, or educational settings). Additionally, students are required to complete 75 hours individually, in a setting of their choice with approval of the program coordinator.

8. Is there any assistance provided in finding sites to complete the fieldwork?

Yes, there are a limited number of opportunities available to students. For example, Lesley University has a partnership with the Center for Child and Adolescent Development at the Cambridge Hospital, where student interns may complete a medical observation in conjunction with the first course in the program. Other opportunities exist; some opportunities require an interview with the program coordinator.

9. Is Financial Aid available?

Financial Aid is not offered, however, there are alternative loan options that our Financial Aid Department would be happy to assist you with. For more information call: 800-999-1959 ext. 8581

10. Can I take one or two courses before applying to the Certificate program?

Yes. It is recommended that people start with ESPED 5013 Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders course.

11. Are you a fully accredited institution?

Lesley University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (N.E.A.S.C) and is affiliated with other organizations as well. Please visit our accreditation web page for more information: http://www.lesley.edu/accreditation.html

12. How big are the "classrooms?"

By design, Lesley University's online classes are small, averaging 15-20 students per class. All of our instructors have practical teaching experience. Small classes, personal attention, and a great deal of interaction are an important part of our teaching philosophy.

13. What are the application requirements?

Lesley University admits students to online programs on a rolling admissions basis, so there is no application deadline. The online program follows a traditional semester format: Fall starting at the beginning of September, Spring starting in mid to late January and Summer starting in the beginning of June.

Application to the program requires:

• Completed and signed Application Form
• 2 Letters of Recommendation [pdf]
• A $50.00 application fee (can be paid online via the online application)
• Official Transcripts (undergraduate, and any post-baccalaureate work)
• A two-page written personal statement (guidelines outlined in the application instructions)
• A copy of any teaching licenses or certifications you hold (mailed or faxed)
  • Lesley University
    Office of National Programs
    29 Everett Street
    Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Fax. 617-349-8391

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

14. 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).