College of Education
West Chester University
302 Recitation Hall
West Chester, PA 19383
Call: (610) 436-2321
Fax : (610) 436-3102
Email: kcrouse@wcupa.edu
WCUPA Certificate in Autism Studies: FAQ's
1. How do I go about applying for the Autism Certificate program? Apply online…
- www.wcupa.edu/grad
- Apply Now
- Create your account
- Complete a Graduate Application
When asked to identify “program applying to” go to Early Childhood & Special Education and select “Autism Certificate”
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.
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.
4. Do I have to complete the program in one year?
Yes, usually all students are 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.
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.
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.
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 2010 and finish Spring 2011.
8. What times are the classes being offered?
Summer I 2012: EDA 503 Family Systems in Special Education: Field and Seminar
TBA
Summer II 2012: EDA 520 Intro to Autism: Understanding Autism and the Interdisciplinary Process
July 9-13, Monday – Friday 8a-5p
Fall 2012: PSY 521 Issues in Autism: Diagnosis and Behavioral Treatments
TBA
Fall 2012: EDA 530 Teaching Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Mondays 4:15p-7p
Spring 2013: SPP 565 Communicative Enhancement for Individuals with Autism Spectrum DisordersTBA
Spring 2013: KIN 587 Contemporary Issues in Adapted Physical Activity: Students with Autism Spectrum DisordersTBA
9. How much will each course cost?
Contact the WCUPA graduate studies office to determine current pricing.
10. Are there any prerequisites?
Bachelor’s Degree - Minimum 3.0 GPA
Official transcripts, a professional goals statement, and 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
11. Are the courses offered at West Chester or another site?
West Chester University Main Campus
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:
N-12 |
Special Education-Visually Impaired |
N-12 |
Special Education |
N-12 |
Special Education-Hearing Impaired |
N-12 |
Special Education-Speech/Language Impaired |
Emergency / Public Safety
