Course Requirements
Candidates earn their authorization by taking the courses listed in one of the following areas below:
| Autism Spectrum Disorders | 12 units | |
|---|---|---|
SPED 503 Behavior Support to Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities | 3 | |
SPED 512 Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice | 3 | |
SPED 522 Collaboration and Communication Skills of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3 | |
SPED 542 Meeting the Academic Needs of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3 | |
| Resource Specialist (RSP) | 12 units | |
|---|---|---|
SPED 546 Resource Specialist Communication Skills | 3 | |
SPED 547 Implementation of Special Education Legislation | 3 | |
SPED 548 Staff Development and Parent Education Techniques | 3 | |
SPED 549 Supervised Field Experience: Resource Specialist | 3 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units do I take each semester?
Students may take no more than 8 units per nine-week term, which includes a maximum of two methods or education classes and their corequisite field experiences (if appropriate).
How long is a semester?
Each semester has two terms (Fall I and Fall II, Spring I and Spring II). Each term is nine weeks in length. The 18-week student teaching semester covers Fall I and II or Spring I and II.
How often do I need to be online for the online program?
You must be online sufficiently throughout each week to participate in threaded discussions and to complete all assignments by their designated deadlines. However, there is no prescribed amount of time or designated time that you will be required to be online because assignments and their deadlines will vary throughout each nine-week course.
Does APU require theses, dissertations, or capstone projects?
Students are required to complete a thesis/capstone project for this program.
Are scholarships available?
Several types of financial aid, ranging from federal loans and state grants, to fellowships and scholarships, are available. Learn more about the financial aid opportunities available to you.
How soon can I finish this program?
This program can be completed in a year. Depending upon the desired course load, working individuals usually finish this program in 4–6 months.
