More than 2% of the U.S. population is on the autism spectrum. Over time, autism has
gone by a variety of labels, from “childhood schizophrenia” to “Asperger’s syndrome.”
It has also gone from being viewed largely as a disorder to be fixed to a different
way of being to be celebrated. As debates about the nature of autism continue, we
are all living, learning, and working beside autistic people. Debates include those
about language, with many institutions using "person-first" language ("person with
autism") while many adults on the spectrum prefer "identity-first" language ("autistic
person"). People who understand autism are needed in schools, clinics, hospitals, universities,
workplaces, public agencies, and beyond.
This PBC provides a stamp of autism expertise that validates your commitment to working
in the field and prepares you to broaden your role as an educator, early childhood
professional, mental health professional, occupational therapist, speech-language
pathologist, agency staff, disability specialist, researcher, advocate or policymaker.
The PBC requires about half the coursework, time, and tuition as a master's degree.
The 16-credit program — including five 3-credit courses and one 1-credit course —
generally takes about two years to complete. Courses are offered online (“live” via
webcam) and in the evening to accommodate working professionals. View the certificate requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog.
Combine Your Certificate with a Master’s Degree
Graduate degree programs with up to 9 units of electives can integrate this PBC program
to enhance your professional credentials.
This option may be of particular interest to students in advanced degree programs
in:
- occupational therapy
- child life
- education (including early education, elementary education, secondary education, and
special education)
- speech-language pathology
- psychology
Bridgers-Moore Autism Studies Scholarship
Students may be eligible for this generous scholarship if they have been admitted
to the Autism Studies PBC program and already possess or are working towards a Towson
University master’s or doctoral degree in a related field.
Students can apply here for all scholarships.
Why Towson
School District Access
This 100% online program is also offered through the Towson Learning Network (TLN) to employees of Maryland school systems.
Ready to get started? Here's how to apply.
Apply Now
News Features
Adjunct Faculty member, Dena L. Gassner, was recently featured in an L.A. Times article,
"Voices from the spectrum: Autistic people deal with the coronavirus".
