FAQ

Who should enroll in this program?

The program is a perfect fit for a variety of professionals, including social workers, counselors, physicians, nurses and other individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher who desire specialized training in autism spectrum disorder.

Can Florida teachers use this program to satisfy the autism endorsement training requirement?

Florida exceptional student education (ESE) teachers can complete the University of Florida ASD Certificate to meet the training requirement for the Department of Education autism endorsement.

Is tuition support available for Florida public school ESE teachers?

Yes. Tuition support of $1,000 per course is available for eligible Florida public school exceptional student education (ESE) teachers who plan to complete the University of Florida ASD Certificate and then go on to add the autism endorsement to their professional certificate. The tuition support program is funded by the FL Department of Education and administered by FIU. Email your completed tuition assistance application form to esesupport@fiu.edu or fax it to (305) 348-2086. For additional information call the program director at (305) 348-2390 or email esesupport@fiu.edu.

Can I apply my military benefits toward the program tuition?

Yes. The program is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for students to apply their GI Bill benefits toward the cost of tuition. Benefits may vary based on your service. Please check your GI Bill Letter or Certificate of Eligibility to see how much of your tuition and fees will be covered by your VA benefits. You may contact the UF Office of Student Veteran Services (vacounselor@ufl.edu, (352) 294-2948) for assistance.

How many credit hours are required to complete the program?

The four required courses total 12 credit hours.

What is the cost per credit hour?

$575/credit hour.

What is the total cost of the Online Professional Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The required 12 credits cost $6,900 in total.

Is financial aid available?

Federal financial aid is not available to students enrolled only in certificate programs. Many students seek financial assistance through private loans or tuition reimbursement programs from their employers.

Tuition support of $1,000 per course is available for eligible Florida public school exceptional student education (ESE) teachers who plan to complete the University of Florida ASD Certificate and then go on to add the autism endorsement to their professional certificate. The tuition support program is funded by the FL Department of Education and administered by FIU. Email your completed tuition assistance application form to esesupport@fiu.edu or fax it to (305) 348-2086. For additional information call the program director at (305) 348-2390 or email esesupport@fiu.edu.

The program is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for students to apply their GI Bill benefits toward the cost of tuition. Benefits may vary based on your service. Please check your GI Bill Letter or Certificate of Eligibility to see how much of your tuition and fees will be covered by your VA benefits. You may contact the UF Office of Student Veteran Services (vacounselor@ufl.edu, (352) 294-2948) for assistance.

Do students have to log in for classes at specific times of the day or a certain number of times each week?

Coursework is completed asynchronously, which means students can log in whenever it suits their schedule. The number of login attempts is not measured, though students are required to complete weekly quizzes and web posts, and take part in discussions. Instructors may offer synchronous teleconference review sessions.

How quickly can the program be completed?

Students completing two courses each term can complete the program in as little two semesters.

What is the lecture format? Do the courses have video or audio lectures, or other interactive pieces?

Courses involve a number of different formats, including video lectures, written content readers, articles and web links. Assessments include activities, discussions and quizzes.

Do courses need to be completed in a certain order?

Students in the certificate must take GMS6778 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder in their first semester of enrollment. Otherwise, students are free to take concurrently whatever number of courses they feel they are able to manage, as soon as those courses become available.

How can I apply the online Professional Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder to my current career?

The online certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder will boost the career prospects of professionals in diverse fields including psychology, medicine, education, nursing, mental health, public health, business and many others. The training will facilitate and improve interactions with patients, students, clients, customers, employees, and others who have ASD.

Does UF accept international students?

Yes, see our Admissions Requirements page for details.

Do students in the program have online access to the UF library?

Yes, UF distance education students enjoy the same library privileges as residential students. Visit http://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/distancelearners.

What special services do you offer online students?

Students in online programs have access to the same support services as on-campus students. This includes webmail and online registration, tuition payment, bookstore, library and course management.

Does the University of Florida offer technical support for online students?

Yes. For technical support for courses, email De-support@ahc.ufl.edu.

What is your online learning center platform?

Canvas

Can I take individual courses without enrolling in the certificate program?

Yes. Students can take up to two courses before deciding to enroll in the certificate. Please note the following:

  • Grades earned while not enrolled in the certificate will appear on a student’s transcript, but will not count toward a certificate or degree until the student is specifically admitted to a certificate or degree program.
  • No more than six credits taken without being enrolled in the certificate can be applied to the certificate later. This is an important point to note if you plan to enroll in the certificate or a degree program later.
  • Credits earned while not enrolled in the certificate can be applied later to the certificate only if the courses taken are required for the certificate, and if students earn a B or higher in those courses.