Nov 26, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Autism and Significant Support Needs Certificate Program


The Autism and Significant Support Needs Certificate Program is designed for all educators and service providers working with students who have Autism and/or significant support needs. The goal of the certificate program is to increase the number of well-trained school personnel in the areas of autism and significant support needs by preparing them to utilize universal design for learning, differentiated instruction, assistive technology, positive behavior approaches, person- and family-centered transition planning, communication strategies, and other innovative teaching methods that support the success of all learners within inclusive environments.

Certificate Program Requirements

Students must hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 

Gaining Acceptance into MSU Denver

  • Submit MSU Denver graduate application
  • Provide all official baccalaureate transcripts
  • Pay graduate application fee
  • Meet all additional requirements for admission

Gaining Acceptance into the Autism and Significant Support Needs Certificate Program

Submit School of Education graduate application which requires the following:
  • Current resume
  • Personal statement
  • Acknowledgment of need for access to individuals with Autism and/or significant support needs
  • Criminal history agreement
  • Worker’s Compensation agreement

After Acceptance

Students must review a certificate program plan with an advisor prior to enrollment, as well as maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00. No more than two grades of “C” will be counted toward certificate requirements. No grade lower than “C” will be counted toward certificate requirements. Students with similar courses in their prior experience may request up to three credits be transferred to meet part of the certificate requirements.

Financial Aid

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching program with a concentration in Special Education will be able to complete the certificate coursework while they are completing the coursework for licensure in special education and may be eligible for financial aid.

Students who enroll in the certificate program after they have achieved licensure and are taking these graduate-level courses as a non-degree seeking student will not be eligible for financial aid.

Required Courses


Complete the following courses: