The University of St. Thomas in Minnesota now offers 100% online graduate credentials in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Ranked a Best National University by U.S. News & World Report, St. Thomas is the only university offering a master’s degree, licenseandcertificate in ASD online. Furthermore, both initial and add-on ASD license options are available. Open enrollment begins July 15, 2013, with classes starting October 21, 2013.
St. Thomas’ online graduate program is geared toward teachers; childcare workers; paraprofessionals; teaching assistants; and behavioral, physical, occupational and speech/language therapists. The university’s unique approach to special education focuses on what students with autismcando, instead of on their weaknesses.
“We have high expectations that every student can learn and grow,” says Dr. Terri Vandercook, Chair of the Special Education and Gifted Education Department. “Our program isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about identifying each student’s abilities and building on these strengths to help them become as independent and successful as possible.”
One of the program’s course developers and instructors, Dr. Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan, Associate Professor and Autism Society Professional of the Year, adds: “Students on the autism spectrum sometimes communicate in different ways and may learn on different timetables. We support our adult learners with evidence-based teaching practices for helping children and youth with autism communicate with people and the world around them.”
University of St. Thomas – Graduate Credentials 100% Online:
St. Thomas offers four online tracks in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders, all featuring professors who are experts in their fields:
Individuals new to teaching can also obtain an initial special education teaching license online. Class time learning is 100% online, with the exception of the clinical practice student teaching if choosing the ASD license track. Out of class work includes practical applied assignments in educational and community settings that students personalize to their learning situations.
With technology powered by University Alliance, the St. Thomas online special education master’s degree, license and certificate programs featureanytime, anywhere learning from your desktop, laptop, tablet or other mobile device. Each track features professor-led video-based lectures, downloadable audio and video files, live sessions with visual whiteboards and more. A vibrant virtual community includes professor-hosted discussion boards, live chat rooms, email, social networking, group study and sharing, and 24/7 technical support.
Courses start every eight weeks, and no campus attendance is required. There is no application fee, and financial aid is available for the master’s and license tracks to those who qualify.
For more information or to enroll in the St. Thomas special education-ASD master’s degree, Autism Spectrum Disorders license or certificate tracks, visit www.StThomasOnline.com or call toll-free at 855-295-1867.
About the University of St. Thomas
Founded in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is a Catholic university based in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The largest private university in Minnesota, St. Thomas offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 90 major fields of study and 60 graduate degree programs, including master’s, education specialist, juris doctor and doctorates.
About University Alliance
The University Alliance (UA) facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, its university partners have surpassed 450,000 online enrollments – making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country. University partners include Villanova University, the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, Florida Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, New England College, University of St. Thomas, University of San Francisco, Jacksonville University, University of Vermont, The University of Scranton, and Dominican University.