Oct 15, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate and Professional Studies Hill Book 
    
2025-2026 Graduate and Professional Studies Hill Book

Understanding Autism Graduate Certificate


The Understanding Autism Graduate Certificate Program is designed to prepare educators to support the complex needs of autistic students while keeping equity, social justice, diversity and accessibility at the center of their work.

In this program, students will: 

  • Develop critical knowledge of the history, theories and prevalence of autism
  • Develop expertise in a range of educational and supportive practices
  • Apply concepts of self-advocacy, advocacy and quality-of-life in educational settings
  • Analyze approaches to, theories of, and supports for autistic individuals through the lens of neurodiversity 
  • Evaluate assumptions, biases and characterizations of autism through sociocultural and self-advocacy lenses 

This program includes late afternoon, evening and weekend online course options and is ideal for working professionals. Pursuing a 15-credit graduate certificate may qualify Massachusetts educators for a salary lane change (master’s+15 credits).

The 15-to-18-credit Understanding Autism Graduate Certificate features a selection of courses designed to prepare educators to create and lead environments that encompass a range of student needs, including those specific to autism spectrum disorder.