2020-2021

Assistive Technology, Graduate Certificate

Institute for Human Development

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This graduate certificate program gives you in-depth skills and practical competencies in delivering assistive technology services to people with disabilities. The certificate content is based on nationally recognized competency statements of various professional organizations.

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
  • Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program).  See the “Details” tab for additional information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 14
Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Fieldwork Experience/Internship is required.
Some online/blended coursework Required

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Scholars will be prepared to provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality of assistive technology care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, health literacy, and communication needs.
  • Scholars will be prepared to articulate the need for consumer driven services, empowerment, self-advocacy, and self-determination related to the field of assistive technology.
  • Scholars will be prepared to implement processes necessary to initiate assistive technology services and procurement inclusive of agency and supplier collaboration across funding sources.
  • Scholars will be prepared to communicate 1) definitions of assistive technology categories, 2) a range of products from light technology to high technology across each category, and 3) the need for and use of the products across each category to increase access and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
  • Scholars will be able to describe and discuss common pathologies (CP, TBI, CVA, SCI, developmental disorders, and degenerative disorders) and the potential benefits of assistive technologies for persons with these disabilities.
  • Scholars will be prepared discuss and apply ethics, research, and evidence based practices across the field of assistive technology including the RESNA Code of Ethics.
  • Scholars will be prepared to identify and describe factors which influence assistive technology systems success versus abandonment.
  • Scholars will prepared to read and critically analyze assistive technology evaluations and implementation plans.
  • Scholars will be able prepared to identify major frameworks of assistive technology and discuss how these frameworks apply to assessment and implementation across the field of assistive technology.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Personal Statement or Essay
    • Professional experience working with individuals with disabilities
    • Computer with high speed internet access
    • Must be able to attend two workshops at the Flagstaff campus. Alternative arrangements may be approved by the program director for students completing the program outside of the state of Arizona.
Certificate Requirements

  • Take the following 14 units:

    Core Courses (6 units)


    Specialization and Practicum

    • Application of Assistive Technology 

      Specialization course 

  • Independent Study 

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.