Autism Spectrum Disorders C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option)

Program Tracks Available

Blended (online/on campus)

Admission Deadline

Fall*: Rolling
Spring: Rolling
Summer: (CAGS only) Rolling

*Suggested start term for this program

Application Requirements

Partner School Discounts

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Degrees Offered

C.A.G.S.

School

School of Graduate Studies

Department

Education, Psychology

Nanho S. Vander Hart, Ph.D Director

At Assumption, we prepare compassionate special educators and related school professionals. Our rigorous, comprehensive program has been “approved with distinction” by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Only three institutions in the state have this designation.

Our goal is to help beginning special educators to achieve success, and to provide experienced teachers with an opportunity to extend and refine their knowledge and skills. The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) program is an 18-credit program which has been developed closely aligned with the state guidelines and the best practice recommended by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Graduates of the program will be better able to understand students with ASD, to conduct assessments, to collaborate with other school professionals effectively, and to provide evidence-based practice to their students with ASD through field-based experiences.

An Exceptional Program at an Affordable Tuition- $680 per credit

Graduate Virtual Information Sessions

Leigh Blanchard

Special Education C.A.G.S. 2022
Evaluation Team Chairperson, Worcester Public Schools

“The Autism CAGS program has enhanced my understanding of the needs of students with autism. The knowledge I have gained through the program will help me to better assist students and families in my job. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn more about working with students with autism.”

Autism Spectrum Disorders C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option) Program Overview
The number of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who need special education services is rising dramatically. The need for teachers and other school professionals who can provide specialized services and advocate for these students is greater than ever.

To address this area of need, in 2011 the state established a Special Commission which identified improving knowledge about ASD in schools as a priority. This led to the creation of a state Autism Endorsement for licensed special education teachers in order to meet the unique and complex needs of students with ASD.

The purpose of the Massachusetts Autism Endorsement is to enhance the knowledge of special educators working with students with ASD. Assumption’s CAGS in Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders program closely follows the state guidelines.

Our CAGS program will prepare teachers to educate students with ASD in a manner consistent with the student’s potential and in the least restrictive environment, in accordance with federal and state special education law.

The program will offer two paths:
- CAGS with autism endorsement
- CAGS only
Candidates with an Initial or Professional license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, or Teaching of the Visually Impaired will receive the University endorsement upon successful completion of the program. Candidates with Initial License may advance their license to the Professional level.

The endorsement track provides licensed educators opportunities to obtain the Autism Endorsement through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The non-endorsement CAGS track provides opportunities for graduate students to deepen and refine knowledge and skills in autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option) Program Contact

Stephanie E. Plotkin Murin, M.Ed.

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

Schedule a Conversation

508-767-7105 se.plotkinmurin@assumption.edu Admissions House - Room 203

Nanho S. Vander Hart, Ph.D

Associate Professor, Education, Director of Special Education, Director of Transition Specialist Program

508-767-7380 nvanderh@assumption.edu Kennedy Memorial Hall - Room 157

Sabine Prizio

Administrative Assistant to Graduate Programs

508-767-7297 sprizio@assumption.edu Kennedy Hall - Room 169

Program Curriculum

1. Students will effectively communicate subject matter knowledge based on peer reviewed research related to autism spectrum disorders.
2. Students will acquire advanced knowledge of specialized and individualized instructional strategies to meet the needs of pupils with autism spectrum disorders across subject areas and grade levels.
3. Students will demonstrate the pedagogical skills necessary to be effective educators of pupils with autism spectrum disorders in the least restrictive environment.

SED/ASD 600	Foundations and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
PSY/SED 568	Behavioral Assessment and Interventions
OR
ABA 600	Behavioral and Functional Assessment
SED/ASD 620	Educational Assessment and Programs: Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prerequisite: SED/ASD 600 or equivalent)
OR
ABA 601	Behavior-Analytic Interventions I and ABA 602 Behavior-Analytic Interventions II (for non-endorsement students only; Prerequisite ABA 500 or equivalent)
SED/ASD 640	Collaboration and Coordination: Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prerequisite: SED/ASD 600 or equivalent)
SED/ASD 680*	Field Experience and Seminar I: Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prerequisites: SED/ASD 600 and PSY/SED 568 or ABA 600 OR taken concurrently)
SED/ASD 690*	Field Experience and Seminar II: Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Prerequisites: SED/ASD 620 and 640 OR taken concurrently)

*Endorsement candidates only. Prerequisite license: An Initial or Professional license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, or Teaching of the Visually Impaired as indicated in 603 CMR 7.14(5)(a)

Students who are not interested in, or not eligible for, the state credential may enroll for the certificate only. They need to take six (6) CR electives in lieu of field experience and seminar (i.e., SED/ASD 680 & 690).

Electives:

EDU 515	Diversity in Schooling
SED 587	Advanced Application of Positive Behavior Supports
SED 589	Seminar: Research and Practice in Positive Behavior Supports
SED 700	Directed Study
TRS 700	Transition Education and Services
ABA 500	Principles of Learning and Behavior Analysis
ABA 503	Behavior Analysis and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Course Descriptions

Upcoming Course Offerings

A Committed Faculty

Nanho S. Vander Hart, Ph.D

Program Director Associate Professor, Education Director of Special Education Director of Transition Specialist Program

Sheila Bessette BCBA-D, LABA

Lecturer, ABA Programs

Samantha Goldman, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Special Education, Education Department Chair

A broad range of academic options

Pursue a degree in criminology. Begin your journey to become a medical doctor or lawyer. Minor in music. With 35 majors and 47 minors to choose from, Assumption offers degree options to fit every interest and career ambition.

Majors and Minors

Admission Requirements

General Graduate Studies Admissions Requirements

Graduate Application
Three Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcript(s)
Personal Statement
Current Resume
TOEFL or IELTS for applicants whose native language is not English

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Prerequisites: To be accepted into the C.A.G.S. program, you must have: A master’s degree in Special Education or a related field of study from an accredited college or university For Massachusetts Autism Spectrum Endorsement: Massachusetts Initial or Professional teacher license in on of the following:

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities
Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
Teacher of the Visually Impaired

Application Requirements:

Completed Application Dated & Signed
Three letters of recommendation are required* – one professional and at least one academic.
Official Transcript(s)
Personal Statement
Current Resume
TOEFL or IELTS (for applicants whose native language is not English)

*We strongly recommend at least one academic letter of recommendation; the remaining letters may be professional. All recommendations may be professional if an academic letter is not feasible. However, all letters should address the student’s ability to complete graduate-level academic work.

Graduate Research Symposium

Assumption University Graduate School Annual Symposium showcases research, innovative projects, successful case study, and creative work of graduate students and recent alums from every graduate program. We offer all graduate students in every program an opportunity to present their excellent work on diverse topics.

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Veterans at Assumption

Assumption University recognizes that servicemen and women have demonstrated great courage and made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation and its people. The University has introduced a number of programs and services to assist veterans during the application process and while veterans are attending Assumption. We also have a lounge designated only for our veteran students. Assumption University is committed to maintaining recognition as a Military Friendly institution. We strive to eliminate barriers to success for our Service Members, Veterans, and their qualified dependents.

Welcoming Veterans

Program Approved with Distinction

Our program has been “approved with distinction” by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)! The competency-based program is founded upon the principles of effective instruction and the philosophy of inclusive education. Accordingly, students in the program develop a repertoire of instructional, diagnostic, consultative, and collaborative skills, and strategies critical to the role. They also develop an understanding of the full continuum of services available to individuals with exceptionalities.

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Useful Links:

Special Education C.A.G.S.