If your work focuses on teaching autistic students or students who have emotional or behavioral disorders, the graduate certificate in Autism and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development will prepare you to be an effective teacher who incorporates principles of inclusion in the classroom. Geared toward post-baccalaureate educators, the certificate teaches students about the theories, research, and skills necessary to work effectively with members of these populations.
In the graduate certificate program, you will learn about autism and emotional/behavioral disorders, their legal definitions, and the impact these disabilities have on students’ performance in schools. You’ll learn how to plan, implement, and evaluate instruction for autistic students and students who have emotional/behavioral disorders. You will also learn to use data to inform decision-making in your classroom, as well as use existing data and current research to guide your practice.
This program has two options: One that leads to the autism endorsement offered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) (26 credits), and one that does not lead to the Autism Endorsement (18 credits).
Dates & Deadlines
Spring & Fall 2025
Aug 15, 2024
Application Opens
Spring 2025 Semester
Dec 15, 2024
Application Deadline
Fall 2025 Semester
Jan 15, 2025
Deadline to Receive Priority Scholarship Consideration
Fall 2025 Semester
Aug 1, 2025
Application Closes
Featured Faculty
The Special Education program faculty are guided in their research, policy, and practice by a shared commitment to ensuring educational equity and opportunity for all students with disabilities and their families. The faculty includes expert practitioners, researchers, and policy-focused advocates who bring a wealth of information, skills, and expertise to the university classroom and the PreK-12 community.
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Linda Banks-Santilli
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Clinical Associate Professor -
Elizabeth Bettini
Associate Professor
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Lindsey Chapman
Program Director, Special Education
Senior Lecturer -
David J. Chard
Professor
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Felicity Crawford
Program Director, Education for Equity & Social Justice
Clinical Associate Professor -
Hank Fien
Director, Wheelock Institute for the Science of Education
Director, National Center on Improving Literacy
Nancy H. Roberts Professor of Educational Innovation -
Jennifer Greif Green
Professor
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Nancy Harayama
Program Director, Undergraduate Program
Senior Lecturer, Special Education -
Nathan Jones
Associate Professor
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Nancy J. Nelson
Assistant Professor
Deputy Director, National Center on Improving Literacy and Lead for Literacy Center -
Zachary Rossetti
Associate Professor
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Boston University’s graduate certificate in Autism & Emotional/Behavioral Disorders are prepared with knowledge and skills to be successful in a variety of professional roles.
- Teacher
- Teacher leader
- Curriculum development specialist
- Special education educator (in formal and nonformal settings)
- Special education advocate
- Autism advocate
More Information about the Autism & Emotional/Behavioral Disorders Graduate Certificate
Field-Based Experiences
The graduate certificate in Autism & Emotional/Behavioral Disorders requires fieldwork for students not seeking autism endorsement and a practicum for students seeking endorsement.
Master’s Degree Program
Students who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree can explore BU Wheelock’s EdM in Special Education, which includes several options for specializations.
Graduate Admissions
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about our graduate certificate program. Get information about admissions deadlines, requirements, and financial assistance. Sign up for one of our upcoming information sessions.