Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders Option - AA (020A)
Division: Social Sciences Division
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements (45 Credits) | ||
| Written & Oral Communication (9) | ||
| ENG 101 | College Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II | 3 |
| ENG 109 | Effective Speech | 3 |
| Quantitative/Scientific Knowledge, Skills & Reasoning (12) | ||
| Select any two Science courses (prerequisites are enforced for certain ones) and one Math course OR one Science course and two Math courses | 12 | |
| Science courses: BIO 101, BIO 102, CHM 101, CHM 102, GEO 101, GEO 102, PHY 113, PHY 114 | ||
| Math courses: MTH 101, MTH 103 | ||
| Society & Human Behavior (6) | ||
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3 |
| PSY 219 | Child Psychology and Develop. | 3 |
| Humanistic Perspective (9) | ||
| Select two English Literature courses | 6 | |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| ART 100, ART 101, ART 102, ART 200, CIN 101, CIN 103, DRA 100, FRN 101, FRN 102, MUS 100, MUS 109, MUS 110, MUS 117, PHI 101, REL 105, SPN 101, SPN 102 | ||
| Historical Perspective (6) | ||
| Select any two History (HST) courses | 6 | |
| Global and Cultural Awareness of Diversity (3) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| ANT 101, ANT 105, ART 101, ART 102, ART 200, CIN 103, | ||
| ENG 205, ENG 215, ENG 232, ENG 237, ENG 238, ENG 242, ENG 263, ENG 264, ENG 270, | ||
| HST 101, HST 102, HST 121, HST 122, HST 131, HST 132, HST 134, HST 135, HST 136, HST 137, HST 204, HST 205, HST 206, HST 208, | ||
| MUS 109, MUS 110, MUS 117, PSY 232, REL 105, SOC 108, SOC 205, SOC 207 | ||
| Major Requirements (15 Credits) | ||
| EDU 101 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| EDU 203 | Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| EDU 234 | Education Fieldwork I | 3 |
| EDU 240 | Foundations of Autism Spectrum | 3 |
| EDU 241 | Applied Behavioral Analysis | 3 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Notes:
- For an explanation of why General Education courses are included in this Program, please refer to the Section on General Education for an explanation of its Purpose and Requirements.
- This plan assumes the student is eligible to enroll in College Level Courses (designated as 100 +, e.g., ENG 101 College Composition I, HST 101 World Civilization I, MTH 100 Intro. to College Mathematics). Placement results will determine College Level Readiness in English and Mathematics.
Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders provides students with specialized knowledge and practical skills to support individuals with autism in educational and community-based settings. Offered within the A.A. in Education Degree Program in the Division of Social Sciences, the program prepares students for entry-level employment, internships, and employment-in-training opportunities in K-12 classrooms, special education programs, and related human services fields.
Coursework emphasizes the characteristcs of autism, evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies, applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles, and inclusive education practices. Students also gain experience in implementing individualized education program (IEP) goals, supporting positive behavioral development, and collaborating with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams. The certificate is designed to provide a workforce-ready credential, while also serving as a foundation for transfer to bachelor's degree programs in education, special education, or human services.
Upon successful completion of the Education: Autism Spectrum Disorder , students will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders, including diagnostic characteristics, developmental patterns, and the impact of ASD across educational settings.
- Apply evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies to support individuals with ASD in inclusive, self-contained, and community-based learning environments.
- Support positive behavioral development through the application of basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), classroom management techniques, and behavior support plans under professional supevision.
- Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by supporting instructional goals, accommodations, and modifications in collaboration with certified educators and related service professionals.
- Promote inclusive and culturally responsive practices that respect neurodiversity, family engagement, and the diverse needs of individuals with ASD.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in educational and human services settings, including confidentiality, legal responsibilities, and appropriate communication with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Utilize effective communication and collaboration skills when working with teachers, specialists, families, and community agencies serving individuals with ASD.
- Prepare for entry-level employment or internships in autism-related educational and support roles and for continued academic study toward degrees in education, special education, or related fields.