Graduate Certificate in Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Program Overview
This graduate certificate program prepares professionals for roles in providing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services to individuals with complex communication needs in school and community settings. Through coursework and field experience, candidates gain expertise in best practices for AAC assessments and interventions, enabling them to support communication for learning, socialization, and vocational pursuits. The program is open to graduate students in related fields and practicing professionals from different backgrounds.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This graduate-level certificate is designed to prepare highly qualified professionals to provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services for children, youth and adults with complex communication needs (CCN) in school and community settings within the context of an interdisciplinary team. Through participation in coursework that includes concurrent field experiences, candidates will acquire a working knowledge of best practice in assessment and intervention to support communication through the application of AAC systems for children, youth and adults to access learning, socialization and vocational opportunities in society. Graduate students who are enrolled in master’s degrees in Communicative Disorders, Special Education, and related fields, in addition to practicing professionals in health, human services, and educational fields at the post-baccalaureate level may complete the certificate program.
Outline:
Coursework for Classified Communicative Disorders MS Candidates
- Semester One:
- SLHS 713 Seminar in Therapy (1 unit)
- SLHS 880 Advanced Communication Therapy (2 units)
- SPED 743 Issues in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 units)
- Semester Two:
- SLHS 881 Interprofessional Internship in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (3 units)
- SPED 746 Teaching Individuals with Physical and Other Health Impairments (3 units)
Coursework for All Other Candidates
- Semester One:
- SPED 601 Observation and Participation in Special Education (3 units)
- SPED 743 Issues in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3 units)
- Semester Two:
