2023-2024

Assistive Technology, Graduate Certificate

Institute for Human Development

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This plan is offered entirely online.

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
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Fieldwork Experience/Internship is required.
Some online/blended coursework Required

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Assistive Technology Graduate Certificate is to provide students with expertise and skills to provide evidence-based assistive technology evaluation and implementation services to children and adults with disabilities to improve participation in educational, work, and community settings. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will describe and discuss applications of best practice and ethical practice within the field of assistive technology.
  • Students will be able to address individual needs for assistive technology, through assessment and implementation, using a professionally recognized assistive technology framework with a collaborative team approach.
  • Students will be prepared to consider all persons with disabilities as potential candidates for assistive technology assessment.
  • Students will be prepared to address the individual assistive technology needs of persons with disabilities through dynamic, ongoing, responsive, and data driven assessment, system procurement, and system implementation using collaborative team approaches.
  • Students will be prepared to compare, contrast, and identify necessary features of assistive technology tools and strategies to meet the individual needs of consumers considering a progression of assistive technology from light technology to high technology.
  • Students will be prepared to demonstrate professional leadership, specialty area knowledge, and serve as a resource within their individual professional discipline in the area of assistive technology.

Graduate Admission Information

  • 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.

Certificate Requirements

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.

Additional Information

  • 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.