Teacher of Students with Autism/Severe Intellectual Disabilities (15 credits)

Purpose

The purpose of this certificate in Teacher of Students with Autism/Severe Intellectual Disabilities is to prepare master’s level educators to teach children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and other developmental disabilities. The goal of this certificate is to provide research/evidence-based techniques and strategies to assess students and use the results to develop goals and implement plans based on student needs and targeted outcomes. The coursework will prepare teachers to design and implement evidence-based instruction aligned to alternative learning standards.  

Fieldwork/clinical experiences are embedded across the coursework, enabling the teachers to demonstrate mastery of the CEC Specialist Standards through performance-based tasks. 

Students who satisfactorily complete the coursework described below will qualify (on application to the Office of the Registrar) for a Wilmington University Graduate Certificate in that topic area. This is not to be confused with a Delaware Department of Education endorsement or certificate to teach exceptional children in any category. Such endorsements may only be granted by the Delaware Department of Education after all state-mandated requirements are met (e.g., candidates must have passing scores on all tests required by the DE Professional Standards Board; must hold a current Initial, Continuing or Advanced License and DE certification to teach in a specific subject area or grade level). 

Please note that Delaware requirements for public school educators are subject to change by the Delaware Department of Education. Wilmington University makes no guarantees that students who complete the coursework outlined below will qualify for state licenses, certificates or endorsements. Candidates seeking such credentials must submit an application through DEEDS (Delaware Educator Data System). 

The most recent information about Delaware licensure and certification requirements can be accessed at the Delaware Department of Education/Professional Standards Board website. Wilmington University has not made determinations for licensure in states outside of Delaware. For state-by-state contact information to inquire about individual state licensure requirements, please visit NC-SARA's Professional Licensure Directory.

Candidates must have a valid Special Education teaching certificate to enroll in this certificate.

Course Requirements

Teacher of Students with Autism/Severe Intellectual Disabilities (15 credits)

If you have already taken MSE 7402 as part of the Special Education K-12 Teacher of Students with Disabilities curriculum, you will need to take one three-credit elective in place of MSE 7402 in this certificate.

MED 6102 E-Folio

MSE 7501 Introduction to Autism & Severe Disabilities

MSE 7402 Applied Behavior Analysis

MSE 7506 Functional Communication for Individuals with Autism and Severe Intellectual Disabilities

MSE 7409 Methods of Instruction in Academic Standards and Functional Skills

MSE 7507 Competency-Based Practicum in Behaviorally-Based Teaching Techniques

This information applies to new students who enter this degree program during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. All enrolled students should log in to MyWilmU Degree Works to view their personalized course and program completion requirements. You may also refer to the academic catalog for the general curriculum for this program from previous academic years.