Teaching Students with Autism (TSA) Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Certificate
- Online
- Online
16 Months
Fall Term (Aug.)
Spring Term (Jan.)
Summer Term (May)
$668/Credit
An Online Certificate for Teaching Autistic Students
Do you want to get better at teaching students with autism? Complete our online Teaching Students with Autism (TSA) Graduate Certificate. This program is focused on helping you teach pre-K through grade 12 students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or other significant needs.
The program is fully online, so you can attend from anywhere. Courses include a variety of instructional methods, including:
- Targeted reading assignments
- Video modules
- Online meetings
- Enhanced discussion
What You’ll Learn
This program will give you the skills you need to help students with ASD succeed. You will learn:
- Teaching Strategies: Use methods based on current research.
- Assessment: Learn how to check student progress to plan better lessons.
- Behavior Support: Discover ways to handle behavioral challenges.
- Student Skills: Learn how to improve students’ communication, social skills and sensory needs.
Your Career Working with Autistic Students
Effective Teaching for Autism
As the number of students with ASD grows, the need for educators with these skills is also increasing. This certificate is great for:
- Licensed K-12 teachers
- Those with a bachelor’s degree in education
- Anyone who works with children with autism
This program will give you the strategies you need to be an effective teacher for a growing student group. Connect with your students and help them flourish.
Course of Study
Delivered Fully Online
Applied Learning: Though you will attend online, these are applied courses. You will need to be able to work with at least one pre K-12 student with autism or severe disabilities. You will apply the knowledge you are learning to an aspect of the student(s) program.
One Course at a Time: You will take one course each term, allowing you to focus on each topic in depth.
Synchronous Sessions: some courses will involve occasional synchronous learning sessions where the professor and students meet online at the same time.
To see specific course offerings, visit the current students page for this program.
Courses and Requirements
This is a 12-credit graduate certificate program.
View Courses & Certificate Requirement Details
Note: you can take individual courses before formal admission to the program. But to receive the graduate certificate you must apply and be accepted. If you want to take an individual course before applying, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Have Questions? Get in Touch!
Anna Taylor
Enrollment Counselor
Katrine Gosselin
Program Coordinator
Tuition Rate
Simple Per-Credit Tuition Rate
You pay the same rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
Per Credit
Rate for the 2025-26 academic year (fall, spring and summer terms).*
No Student / Technology Fees
Certain courses, e.g., field experiences, may include course fees to support added services and materials.
*Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year will be decided mid-June 2026.
Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC’s official Cost of Attendance/Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.
Financial Aid and Support
- The federal government only awards financial aid for courses that count toward completion of a UNC degree, so federal aid is not available for this stand-alone certificate.
- If you will need financial aid, please work with UNC Office of Financial Aid for information about non-federal loans.
- UNC also offers a monthly payment option.
Program Eligibility
General Admission Requirements
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better, on a 4.00 point scale, for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress.
- If you are in the process of completing a previous degree or have special GPA considerations, please read the specific requirements for this program type.
- Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for graduate school admission.
Program-Specific Requirement
- Please note: while enrolled in the certificate courses, you will need to be able to work with at least one pre K-12 grade student with autism or severe disabilities. You will apply the knowledge you are learning to an aspect of the student(s) program.
Eligibility for Out-of-State Students
Eligibility by State
UNC can offer distance learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the major U.S. territories. We check for changes in state rules as needed. Some states may have extra rules for internships, clinical placements, and student teaching. Visit the State Authorization page to learn more.
International Student Eligibility
You are eligible to apply: We accept international students to online UNC programs. We can’t guarantee that our programs meet distance education requirements for every country. Before you apply, check your country’s policies and regulations. You should not apply if you live in a country that is subject to U.S. sanctions.
No student visa: Students in online UNC programs do not need to come to the United States. You will not get a student visa or receive any immigration documentation. You do not need to provide financial documentation when applying.
You will need to provide proof of your English language ability or complete the UNC Intensive English Program. Please visit the International Admissions page for information about:
- Minimum English language requirements
- Applying as an international student
Meet with an Enrollment Counselor
Meet the Program Faculty
Visit the Academic Department
Are You Ready to Apply?
Thank you for your interest in this UNC program! Here are some elements you can check to be sure you are eligible and ready to apply to this program.
Program Eligibility
See the Program Eligibility section above.
International Applicants
Please see the International Student Eligibility section above to check your eligibility for this program.
Recommended Application Deadlines
For the best possible admission, enrollment and orientation experience, we recommend that you complete your application by these dates, which are approximately 60 days before the start of each term:
- Summer term: March 15
- Fall term: June 15
- Spring term: Nov. 15
You can still apply after these dates, but if the date has passed please contact an Enrollment Counselor for support to apply and begin classes in the upcoming term. View the UNC Academic Calendar for the start dates for upcoming terms.
Application Process Details
On the application, you will choose:
- Teaching Students with Autism (TSA) Graduate Certificate
- Start term: Fall Term (Aug.), Spring Term (Jan.) or Summer Term (May)
View the full program-specific application details in the UNC Graduate Catalog.
Apply to This Program
Register & Start Your Application
Submit a Started Application
Application Checklist & Status