Autism Education Teacher Certificate Endorsement
The University of North Georgia offers a fully online Autism Endorsement for Georgia's P-12 teachers. UNG’s College of Education four-course autism endorsement program addresses the critical need of pedagogical knowledge in the area of autism spectrum disorders for general and special educators working with this population. The endorsement may be taken for graduate college credit or for PLU credit. The autism endorsement is officially approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Applicants certified in Georgia should verify with their employer or the GaPSC whether the advanced degree leads to a certificate upgrade or pay increase. The GaPSC provides the Certificate Upgrade Advisor to assist with this process. Out-of-state applicants should also verify with their employer or certification body to verify certificate upgrades.
Autism Endorsement Program Quick Facts
- Program begins summer semester
- Online program, no campus visit required
- Asynchronous classes with some synchronous meetings
- Program length 12 credit hours
- Current teacher certification is required
Program Application Deadlines
If program capacity is met prior to established admission deadlines, we will stop accepting applications for admission and cancel remaining incomplete applicants. Completing your application earlier is better.
How to Apply to the Autism Endorsement Program
What is Autism? Why Get the Endorsement?
Autism spectrum disorder is the fastest growing developmental disorder diagnosed by pediatricians in the U.S. and has been ranked the second most incapacitating disorder by the Center for Disease Control (CDC, 2014). In 2018, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in every 59 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
This staggering increase in prevalence has consequentially sparked a rapid expansion of the availability of specialized services and evidence-based instructional supports to support these students with ASD within the schools. Moreover, the increased need for teachers who are highly-qualified to work with this unique student population is considerable.
Professional Licensure and Certification
The University of North Georgia offers degree programs that meet the educational requirements students need to apply for professional licensure and certifications in Georgia. However, the programs may not meet education requirements for licensure or certification in other states.
For additional information, please review the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure.