Autism Spectrum Disorder (Graduate Certificate)
The Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is designed for in-service general education and special education teachers, related service professionals (e.g., speech/language pathologist), and parents wishing to acquire advanced instructional skills and knowledge in the area of communication, social, and behavioral interventions for students with significant support needs. The Graduate Certificate program is open to students pursing a graduate degree in Special Education and in other related fields (e.g., Speech Language Pathology, Family Studies, Early Childhood Education) at the University of New Mexico, and to individuals who minimally hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in having specialized training in working with students with ASD. To obtain the certificate, students must successfully complete a minimum of 18 credit hours and an approved final capstone project.
Application Deadlines
Application Deadline for Domestic Applicants:
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline for International Applicants:
Spring Semester
Priority: May 1 (for scholarship consideration)
Final: August 1
Post-offer materials: Must be received Sept 1
Fall Semester
Priority: March 1 (for scholarship consideration)
Final: May 1
Post-offer materials: Must be received June 1
Cathy Qi, Ph.D.
Hokona Hall 257
505/277-4452
hqi@unm.edu
Veronica Moore, Ph.D.
Co-coordinator
Hokona Hall 280
505/277-4462
vmoore@unm.edu
How do I apply?
- Go to http://www.unm.edu/apply/ to complete the online Graduate Application. There is a non-refundable application fee
(paid with credit card online as part of your Graduate Application). - Click “Albuquerque Campus Applications”.
- Click “Graduate Application”. It will take you to Graduate & Professional Program page.
- Create an account. Follow the Submission Instructions below and submit your online application. Every degree or certificate program needs a separate application. Even if you are a current student, this step still needs to be completed for the ASD Certificate.
- Write a one-page letter of intent, addressing why you are interested in Autism Spectrum Disorder and how you will benefit from this graduate certificate.
- Submit one (un)official transcript from each college you have attended, except UNM. Official transcripts must be sent to Office of Admissions.
- Complete and attach the Special Education Graduate Certificate Application. Please upload the completed form in the special requirements section of your online application. Completed form may also be added to addendum section in your online application after submission.
- Obtain three letters of recommendation. Letters from professors or supervisors are preferred. If you are already in a UNM Special Education program, letters from your original application file that are less than three years old are acceptable.
Questions? Contact our Graduate Program Coordinator at 277-5018 or specialeducation@unm.edu
Program Requirements
Required Course Work: 18 Credit Hours
- SPCD 519 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis
- SPCD 552 Teaching Students with Intellectual Disability and Severe Disabilities
- SPCD 582 Teaching Students with Intensive Communication Needs
- SPCD 583 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
- SPCD 584 Research and Teaching/Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder
- SPCD 595 Advanced Field Experience
In addition to the required coursework, each student in the Graduate Certificate in ASD will be required to complete a Capstone Project that demonstrates synthesis of theory, professional literature, and application to practice in ASD.
All six courses must be taken at UNM. Courses taken at other universities will not count toward this certificate.
