Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Neurodiversity

The Graduate Certificate in Neurodiversity is a 9-credit program that consists of 3 courses. This 100% online certificate program provides a comprehensive foundation of knowledge of neurodiversity and practical approaches to supporting neurodivergent individuals.

Curriculum

The program includes the following courses:

• EDSP 502: Introduction to Neurodiversity (3 credits) This course covers the spectrum of human cognition and offers a foundational understanding of neurodiversity and its implications in various contexts. Key neurodivergent conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and more will be examined within neurological, psychological, and social dimensions.
• EDSP 503: Communication and Collaboration (3 credits) This course addresses teambuilding, covering team purpose, stages of team development, team member roles, team communication, team processes, and team leadership. It also looks at the issues and practices concerning family systems and the role of family, models and strategies for consultation and collaboration, effective communication with families, school personnel, and professional ethics, responsibilities, and confidentiality.
• EDSP 560: Mild/Moderate Characteristics & Strategies or EDSP 615: Special Education Law (3 credits) Choose one of the following two courses:
  • EDSP 560: Mild/Moderate Characteristics & Strategies: This course provides a basic knowledge of mild to moderate disabilities, focusing on definitions and diversity in characteristics for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, as well as major past and present educational and legal issues relevant to those individuals.
  • EDSP 615: Special Education Law: Students will learn federal and state laws, along with case law regarding the education of students with special needs.

Admission

Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Neurodiversity must meet the following requirements:

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree To be considered for admission, students must submit:
• A free online application
• One official transcript directly from all colleges or universities attended for any undergraduate and graduate coursework
• A personal essay (if applying coursework to the MED or MS in Special Education degree program)

Tuition

The total program tuition is $5,940, with a per-credit-hour cost of $660. The amounts listed are for the academic year and include classes from Summer 2025 through Spring 2026. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated.

State Authorization

Xavier University is authorized to offer fully-online programs in most states. Students must reside and complete practicum hours in approved states only. A complete list of approved states by programs can be found on the State Authorization page.