Special Education Autism (Endorsement)
About Our Special Education Autism Endorsement
Are you ready to make a profound difference in the life of a child? With one in 54 children now being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, your ability to create a supportive and effective learning environment is critical. Many of these students thrive in a typical classroom setting when guided by a professional who understands their unique needs. If you want to become that knowledgeable, confident educator, this is your opportunity.
Why Get a Special Education Autism Endorsement?
- A 100% online program convenient for the working professional educator and completable in two semesters.
- Highly specialized courses that address the social and communication needs of children with Autism, an Applied Behavior Analysis course to prepare teachers for academic instruction, and curriculum and program needs for children with ASD.
- Program approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education leading to an endorsement on your teaching certificate.
- Classes taught by professors with expertise in ABA and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Curriculum aligned with CEC standards and Pennsylvania Department of Education competencies.
Accredited. Respected. Proven.
Slippery Rock University's Special Education Autism Endorsement is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This accreditation is the gold standard for teacher preparation programs, which means our curriculum has been rigorously reviewed by professionals and meets the highest national standards for excellence. Graduating from a CAEP-accredited institution gives you a competitive edge, showing school districts that you're a highly qualified educator who is well-prepared to lead a modern, effective classroom.
Career Outcomes
An Endorsement in Special Education with a focus on Autism prepares you for highly in-demand, specialized roles in education and human services. With the increasing need for qualified professionals who understand autism, this degree positions you to become a leader and an expert in your school or agency. Graduates are equipped with the evidence-based strategies needed to create effective and inclusive learning environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. This endorsement prepares you for advanced roles such as:
- Autism Support Teacher (inclusive or self-contained classroom)
- Special Education Teacher with a specialization in Autism
- Autism Specialist or Consultant for a school district
- Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC)
- Lead Special Education Teacher or Department Head
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Transition Coordinator for students with ASD
- Advocate or Program Coordinator for autism-focused organizations
Requirements
What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!
Program Director / Coordinator
Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Eric Bieniek
Special Education
724.738.4106
eric.bieniek@sru.edu
Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.
Attention: To apply for admission, please use the following link to apply now.
- $25 Application Fee
- Copy of Teaching Certificate (optional for Autism degree)
- Resume
- Two Electronic Recommendation Forms: two from a professional or one from a professional and one from a faculty member
- Official Transcripts- Undergraduate/Graduate (Official transcripts must be sent by institution via electronic transcript e-share to graduate.admissions@sru.edu or via mail- faxed copies will not be considered official)
- SRU current/Alumni/former students click here to order your official SRU final transcript and have it sent to graduate.admissions@sru.edu
Please Note:
- If you are requesting a review of your graduate transcripts for transfer of credit, please complete the transfer of credit form and submit it to the Office of Graduate Admissions with official graduate transcripts. Please also review SRU's transfer of credit policy.
- Applicants may submit supplemental materials as a PDF or JPEG file via email (graduate.admissions@sru.edu), fax (724.738.2146), or mail.
- If you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, please check the list of states approved for online classes and internships by clicking here. The Autism Endorsement must be applied for through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Clearances are due no later than one week prior to the course registration deadline for any practicum/field experience. No student will be permitted to register for these experiences without clear clearances on file at SRU. The following are required:
- Clear Act 34 Criminal History Record: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Clear Act 114 FBI Record Check: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Clear Act 151 Child Abuse Background Check: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Act 24 Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification: Students must file an updated Act 24 with SRU if any additional arrests/convictions occur while enrolled.
- Testing and PDE certification requirements can be found here.
Please note: For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.
Resources from SRU
From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.
