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Program FAQs

General Information | Who Should Join |听About the Courses |听Getting Registered | Program Completion

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General Information

I want to know more about the Assistive Technology Specialist program. How does a student gain hands-on experience? Where specifically?

Hands-on experience in the CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program is built directly into the coursework itself. Most enrolled students have access to various assistive technologies at their local school, district or program. Throughout the three courses students engage with real assistive technology devices, software, and apps through practical assignments completed on a weekly basis. In SPE532 Advanced Assistive Technology, for example, emphasis is placed on the adaptation and application of AT tools within actual classroom and work settings, giving students direct experience implementing what they learn.

Students perform functional assessments, develop technology goals and objectives, and select appropriate AT devices and services for individuals with disabilities 鈥� skills that mirror the real-world responsibilities of an AT Specialist in a K鈥�14 school district. In each course, the student's final project can be tailored to a specific area of interest, such as a particular Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device or other Assistive Technology.

What happens if I don't have access to assistive technology?

Students that do not have direct access to Assistive Technology are encouraged to access external resources for hands-on device exploration. Each state has an Assistive Technology Center (searchable at or ) offers opportunities to trial and test equipment, as does the . Additionally, reaching out to your local K鈥�14 school district's Special Education unit is a great way to gain real-world experience applying your skills in the field while completing the program.

Is this program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)?

CSUDH as an institution is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).

It is important to understand that CAAHEP accreditation is specifically designed for allied health education programs that prepare students for clinical and medical healthcare roles, and the CSUDH program operates in an entirely different professional domain. The program is a professional development certificate program offered through 好色先生, Dominguez Hills 鈥� a fully accredited institution within the 好色先生 system 鈥� and its curriculum is specifically designed to meet the assistive technology needs of K-14 educational settings as defined by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) at 34 CFR 300.5, not medical or clinical healthcare applications of assistive technology.

Our program is intentionally focused on the identification and implementation of Assistive Technology Devices and Services within educational environments 鈥� covering areas such as communication, education, vocation, recreation, and mobility as they apply to students with disabilities in K-14 settings. It is not designed to prepare students for medical applications of assistive technology, such as the fitting of hearing aids, the prescription of durable medical equipment, or other clinically oriented AT services that fall within CAAHEP's scope.

I鈥檓 interested in signing up for these courses, but do they count towards graduate credit?

Yes, these are graduate-level units. Whether they would satisfy any requirements for a graduate program would be up to that program.

Each of the three courses awards four (4) units at the 500 level upon successful completion, for a total of twelve (12) graduate-level units across the full certificate program. These are credits issued by 好色先生, Dominguez Hills, a fully accredited institution within the 好色先生 system and carry the full academic standing that designation implies.

Can these courses be transferred to graduate programs?

The 好色先生 system maintains strict standards when it comes to unit equivalency. For example, a three-unit course from another institution would not be considered equivalent to the four-unit graduate-level courses in this certificate program, and the same scrutiny would likely apply in reverse if another institution evaluated CSUDH credits for transfer or application toward a degree.

We strongly recommend contacting the graduate program you are considering and providing them with the course descriptions, syllabus, and your official CSUDH transcript for their review and determination. If you need any supporting documentation from our end to facilitate that process, please do not hesitate to reach out to the instructor directly.

What do students do with the graduate credits gained from these courses?

In practice, most students enrolled in the program 鈥� including Speech-Language Pathologists, Education Specialists, and Occupational Therapists 鈥� apply these units toward professional CEU requirements or licensure renewal. Whether these units satisfy requirements for a separate graduate degree program is a determination that rests entirely with that program's institution and its transfer credit policies.

What can I NOT do with the Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate?

Earning the AT Specialist Certificate does not alter the scope of practice defined for SLPAs by ASHA and California state licensing boards. An SLPA, regardless of additional certifications, remains a supervised professional and is not authorized to independently interpret clinical data, propose or write IEP goals, make diagnostic decisions, or serve as the sole speech-language representative when changes to a student's service plan are being considered. Those responsibilities continue to rest exclusively with the supervising SLP. The certificate is best understood as a complement to your existing role 鈥� one that deepens your technical expertise and makes you a more informed and effective collaborative presence within your team.

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Who Should Join the Program

I am currently a Speech Language Pathology Assistant; do I need a bachelor's degree to get my Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate?
(I have my associates degree in Speech Language Pathology and would like to get certified as an Assistive Technology Specialist.)

The CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program is a great fit for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, as SLPs, SLPAs, and Occupational Therapists make up most of the enrolled students. It's important to note that this is a graduate-level certificate program, with each of the three courses awarding four (4) graduate-level units (500 level). Because of this, a bachelor's degree is typically expected as a baseline for enrollment in graduate-level coursework at a 好色先生 institution.

Since you hold an associate's degree in Speech Language Pathology along with your hands-on experience as an SLPA you are encouraged to reach out directly to the AT Specialist Certificate instructor, who can best clarify whether your background might support any alternative pathway to enrollment 鈥� or whether completing a bachelor's degree would need to come first. The graduate-level nature of the program is an important factor the university would need to evaluate on a case-by-case basis.

Can SLPAs apply to the Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program?

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) are welcome to enroll in the CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program. There are no formal prerequisites for any of the three courses, and the program has a history of welcoming students from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including those with various types of disabilities. Prospective SLPA applicants who hold an associate's degree in Speech-Language Pathology are encouraged to contact the instructor directly to discuss how their academic background and hands-on professional experience may factor into their pathway through this graduate-level certificate program.

Earning the Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate as an SLPA can expand your skill set, particularly when working with students who have complex communication needs. With this certificate, an SLPA can speak knowledgeably about a student's use of AAC devices, assistive software, and the practical functionality of AT setups within classroom environments. This enhanced expertise also strengthens your role in IEP meetings, where 鈥� under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and with prior approval 鈥� you may contribute objective data on student progress and share informed observations about how a student responds to specific assistive technology interventions.

Is this program intended for current educational professionals, or can someone who has no education background join?

The curriculum is built around the identification and implementation of Assistive Technology Devices and Services as defined by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and the program's primary focus is on meeting the assistive technology needs of students within school and district settings. The typical enrolled student comes from a background in Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology, or Occupational Therapy, and the coursework is framed around applying assistive technology knowledge and skills within inclusive K-14 educational environments. In that sense, individuals who are already working in or adjacent to educational settings will likely find the content most immediately applicable to their professional practice.

While there are no formal prerequisites for enrollment through CCPE, the coursework is graduate-level and designed for professionals prepared for advanced academic study. It is worth noting, that the program's focus is specialized 鈥� centered on IDEA-defined assistive technology devices and services within K-14 settings rather than broader rehabilitation, medical, or community-based applications of assistive technology.

If you are coming from a non-education background and are uncertain whether this program is the right fit, we strongly encourage you to contact the instructor directly to discuss your background, interests, and objectives. The instructor can help you determine whether the program's content and focus align with your intended use of the certificate and point you toward the most appropriate pathway. Additionally, if your interest lies in applying assistive technology in community, vocational, or policy settings 鈥� which represent other recognized categories of Assistive Technology professionals 鈥� the instructor may be able to advise on whether this program complements those goals or whether a different credential pathway might better serve your needs.

I have a bachelor鈥檚 degree and currently work in a public high school as an instructional aide in a special education classroom. I love the doors that are open for students when they have the tools, they need to help them communicate and excess the community. I鈥檓 wanted to get into AT as a new profession. Will your program help me to that?

Your experience in a K-14 special education setting is a very strong foundation for this program, as the CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program is specifically designed for professionals working within exactly that environment. The program's curriculum is built around the identification and implementation of Assistive Technology Devices and Services as defined by IDEA, with a particular emphasis on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and tools that help students with disabilities communicate, access learning, and participate more fully in their educational and community environments.

The certificate program will deepen your knowledge and expand your professional skill set in assistive technology. Across the three courses 鈥� SPE 530: Introduction to Assistive Technology, SPE 532: Advanced Assistive Technology, and SPE 537: Capstone Course in Assistive Technology 鈥� you will learn about functional AT assessments, the selection and implementation of AT devices and services across a wide range of integrated educational settings, technology goal development, and the practical application of emerging tools including AI-enhanced assistive technologies. Each course also includes a final project component, giving you the opportunity to apply what you are learning directly to real-world AT challenges relevant to your current work setting.

Can students who live outside the US participate in this program?

Yes, the program accepts students from anywhere.

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About the Program Courses

How much does the program cost?

As of Fall 2026, each course in the three-course Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate program costs $1,272, for a total of $3,816, plus approximately $150 for books. (Costs are subject to change at any time.)

How are the program courses scheduled?

The CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program offers three courses 鈥� SPE 530: Introduction to Assistive Technology, SPE 532: Advanced Assistive Technology, and SPE 537: Capstone Course in Assistive Technology 鈥� available during the Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions. Each course runs ~13 weeks and awards four graduate-level units upon completion.

How many hours total and how many hours per week are the courses?

Each course in the CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program is ~13 weeks long and is designed to meet the requirements for a four-unit graduate-level course, which works out to approximately 12 hours per week inclusive of all coursework, projects, and assignments. Each course is structured to fulfill the 156 clock-hour total requirements for a four-unit graduate-level course, which amounts to roughly 12 hours per week when factoring in projects and assignments. If you are planning to complete the full certificate, the three courses together represent a total commitment of approximately 468 clock hours of coursework across the program.

Do I have to take the courses in order?

Courses must be taken in the following order:

Intro to Assistive Technology 鈫� Advanced Assistive Technology 鈫� Capstone

How long does it take to complete the program?听

Students will take one course each term (~13 weeks) and complete the program over a span of three (3) terms; all total, the program takes less than one year to complete.

Can I register for just one course?

Yes: students can take the first course, SPE 530 Introduction to Assistive Technology, which provides a detailed overview of Assistive Technology; this course is open to a greater audience, including parents of disabled students, as well as other interested members of the community.

Is it possible to take more than one course at a time?

Before requesting permission to take multiple courses simultaneously, please give careful thought to the workload involved. For example, enrolling in two courses at the same time would therefore mean a commitment of approximately 24 hours per week, so it is worth carefully weighing your current schedule and professional responsibilities before making that request.

The program states the courses must be taken in order. I'm wondering if I can take them all in the same semester?

Students wishing to enroll in more than one course during the same session will require direct permission from the instructor, who can advise on the most realistic and successful pathway through the program based on your background and availability. For many working professionals, a paced approach 鈥� taking one or two courses per session 鈥� strikes the best balance between making timely progress through the certificate and maintaining the quality of engagement that graduate-level coursework requires. The program is offered across Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions, which provides ample opportunity to complete all three courses within a reasonable timeframe without overextending yourself in a single term.

Please note: Before making this request, it is important to be realistic about the workload involved. Taking two courses simultaneously already represents a commitment of roughly 24 hours per week 鈥� and taking all three at once would require approximately 36 hours per week on top of your existing personal and professional responsibilities. That is a very substantial workload, and we strongly encourage prospective students to carefully evaluate their schedule, support systems, and professional obligations before pursuing that path.

Is the Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program considered self-paced?

No, this program is not self-paced. Each of the three courses is delivered asynchronously online, following a structured 13-week session format with weekly assignments and instructor-established due dates. There are no required login times and no campus visits 鈥� you may access course materials and complete your work at whatever time is most convenient for you. However, the weekly assignments are due by the end of day each Monday, giving you the flexibility of evenings and weekends to complete your work, but within a defined and consistent timeline.

How are the courses delivered?

Courses are delivered in a fully asynchronous online format, allowing you to access materials 24/7 without attending scheduled sessions or visiting campus. Each week, you鈥檒l engage with content organized by topic, participate in threaded discussions, and complete assignments by a set Monday deadline. This structured yet flexible approach supports steady progress while accommodating busy schedules.

How many credits are earned in the Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program?

The certificate program is comprised of three (3) online courses, and each course carries four (4) semester units of graduate-level education credit. Therefore, the program totals 12 credits.

When are assignments due?

The only fixed deadline to keep in mind is that weekly assignments are due by the end of day each Monday, so if you plan accordingly, you have the full flexibility of the week to complete your work. Course materials are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, giving you the flexibility to spread your weekly hours across evenings, weekends, or whenever your schedule allows.听

Do I need to buy any textbooks, or are course materials included?

Yes. The Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program requires two textbooks, which students are responsible for purchasing. Additional course materials are provided online through the course.

If I have a documented disability, can I receive reasonable accommodations? What is the process like and with whom can I speak with regarding this matter?

好色先生, Dominguez Hills is fully committed to complying with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that all qualified students with documented disabilities have access to reasonable accommodations. The CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program warmly welcomes students with disabilities and has a history of enrolling students with a range of disability-related needs, including those with various types of vision impairments. No student should hesitate to pursue this program out of concern that their disability may present a barrier 鈥� the university takes its obligation to provide equitable access seriously, and the program instructor is supportive of students who require accommodations.

For the formal accommodations process, the first step is to contact CSUDH's Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC), which is the designated office responsible for coordinating academic accommodations and support services for students with documented disabilities. You will be asked to provide documentation of your disability from a qualified professional, after which the SDRC will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodations are appropriate for your specific needs. Once accommodations are established, the SDRC will communicate those directly with the relevant instructor, so it is beneficial to initiate this process as early as possible 鈥� ideally before your first session begins 鈥� to ensure everything is in place from the start of the course.

It is also worth noting that this program's fully online and asynchronous delivery format may itself be advantageous for many students with disabilities, as it eliminates the need for campus visits, offers flexible scheduling around medical or therapeutic needs, and allows students to engage with course materials at their own pace within the weekly structure. If you have specific questions about how accommodations would be applied within the online course environment, we encourage you to reach out both to the SDRC and to the program instructor directly. 好色先生, they can help ensure that your experience in the program is fully supported and accessible from day one.

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Getting Registered

Is there an application to join the program? How do I get started?

There is no application process. To register for your first course, call the College of Continuing & Professional Education鈥檚 Registration Office at 310-243-3741, option 1.

Do I need to apply to the university and enroll as a student prior to being able to enroll in this certificate program?

No. This is a professional development program and does not require admission to the university. There is no application process, and the program is open to all. Since there are no application or admission requirements to satisfy, and no waiting period associated with university enrollment 鈥� you can move forward with registering for a course directly when a session becomes available in the Spring, Summer, or Fall. While university admission is not required, the courses are still rigorous 500-level graduate coursework, each designed to meet the requirements for a four-unit graduate-level course 鈥� amounting to approximately 12 hours of work per week over ~13 weeks. The accessible entry point into the program does not diminish the academic depth or professional credibility of the certificate you will earn. If you are ready to get started or have any questions about the upcoming session schedule, we encourage you to reach out to the instructor directly for guidance on next steps.

Since there are also no formal course prerequisites, individuals from a wide range of professional backgrounds 鈥� including Special Educators, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and others working in or around K-14 educational settings 鈥� can enroll without having to navigate the lengthy admissions process typically associated with graduate-level study.听

What are the eligibility requirements for the Assistive Technology Specialist program?

You do not need to complete any prior coursework or hold a specific credential before registering for any of the three courses. The program is open and accessible to those who are ready to engage with graduate-level coursework in assistive technology.

The program is a graduate-level certificate offering 500-level courses, and it is designed with a specific professional audience in mind. Most enrolled students come from backgrounds in Special Education, Speech-Language Pathology, and Occupational Therapy, and the curriculum is specifically focused on the identification and implementation of Assistive Technology Devices and Services within K-14 educational settings as defined by IDEA. While there is no stated minimum degree requirement to enroll, prospective students who hold an associate's degree or are in an SLPA role, for example, are encouraged to contact the instructor directly to discuss whether their background and experience would support a successful pathway through the program.

It is also worth noting that if you are hoping to transfer units from a previous course taken elsewhere, the 好色先生 system maintains strict standards regarding the acceptance of units from other institutions. Specifically, a three-unit undergraduate or graduate course from another program would not be considered equivalent to the four-unit graduate-level courses in this certificate program. If you have prior coursework you believe may be relevant, we recommend reaching out to the instructor with your transcript and course syllabus for individual review.

I have already completed an introductory Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) course as part of my graduate program... Can it be substituted for the first course in this series?

Course substitutions are reviewed on an individual basis. Please reach out to the instructor directly to discuss your previous coursework and determine whether it meets the requirements for a substitution.

Do I need to do any internship or have work experience prior to starting?

The CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program does not require any internship or external work experience placement as part of its entry and completion requirements. There are no campus visits, no fieldwork placements, and no externally supervised hours required to earn the certificate.

Each course requires the completion of a custom final project, and the curriculum is built around real-world assistive technology implementation within K-14 educational settings. Each course provides students with opportunities to perform functional assessments, develop technology goals and objectives, and select appropriate assistive technology devices and services for individuals with disabilities鈥攁s well as develop skills to facilitate the delivery of AT devices and services at a systems level. These learning experiences are embedded within the coursework itself rather than through an external placement, making the program well-suited for working professionals who are already active in educational or clinical settings.

(It is also worth noting that many students who enroll in the program are already employed as Special Educators, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, or related professionals within K-14 environments. For those students, their existing professional setting naturally provides a real-world context in which to apply and reflect on what they are learning鈥攖hough this is not a formal requirement of the program. If you have questions about how the coursework and final projects are structured, we encourage you to reach out to the instructor directly for additional detail.)

Can I take breaks between the courses/terms?

Yes. Continuous enrollment is not required, so you may take breaks between courses or terms. The recommended pace is one course per term, which allows students to complete the program in approximately three (3) terms.

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Paying for the Program

Must I pay for all three classes at once, or can I pay as I go, per class?

Payment is due at the time of registration. You may register and pay for one course at a time or enroll in multiple courses that are currently open for registration鈥攚hichever works best for you.

Is the Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program approved for financial aid?

The Assistive Technology Specialist Program is classified as professional development and is not eligible for federal student financial aid (FAFSA). However, you may consider applying for private student loans. Searching online for 鈥減rivate student loan providers鈥� can help you explore available options.

Are there other funding assistance options for the Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program?

Beyond private loans, there are several other funding avenues that may be worth pursuing. Since the program is specifically designed to meet the Assistive Technology needs of K-14 school districts as defined by IDEA, your employer may be a valuable resource 鈥� many school districts offer professional development stipends, tuition reimbursement programs, or categorical funding that can be applied toward coursework directly tied to special education and assistive technology services. It is worth checking with your district's Human Resources or Special Education department to see what funding support may be available to you as an employee pursuing relevant professional growth.

Additionally, because each course awards four (4) graduate-level units recognized by an accredited IHE, professional associations or state-level grants tied to workforce development in special education and related services may also be potential sources of funding. We encourage you to explore options through your professional association memberships, union agreements, or any applicable state or regional workforce development programs. If you have questions about the program's structure or documentation needed to support a reimbursement or funding request, please don't hesitate to reach out to the instructor directly.

Are the courses for the Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate eligible for the CSU Fee Waiver/Reduction Program?

Unfortunately, no. The Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program is run through the College of Continuing & Professional Education (CCPE), a self-support program; fee waivers can only be applied to program state-funded programs.

Does each class offer graduate credit and if is that included in the price?

The certificate program is comprised of three (3) online courses, and each course carries four (4) semester units of graduate-level education credit. There is no additional fee to earn the credit, as it is included in the course fee.

Is the program cost the same for out-of-state students?

Yes, the course price is the same for those who live out-of-state.

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After Program Completion

Does the program provide a certificate of completion or other benefits?

Upon successful program completion, participants will earn an official certificate alongside shareable digital badges. These modern, verifiable credentials offer a secure way to demonstrate expertise and alignment with industry standards on resumes and in professional networks.

Upon completion, do I only obtain a certificate of completion, or will I be able to sit for an exam?

Upon completing the CSUDH Assistive Technology Specialist Certificate Program, you will receive a signed Certificate of Completion as an Assistive Technology Specialist. The certificate is awarded upon successful completion of all three courses: SPE 530: Introduction to Assistive Technology, SPE 532: Advanced Assistive Technology, and SPE 537: Capstone Course in Assistive Technology.

Can the graduate units earned be used for continued education units at my district?

In most cases the graduate units earned through this program can be applied toward your professional continuing education needs. Each of the three courses awards four (4) graduate-level units upon completion, and most enrolled students 鈥� including Speech-Language Pathologists, Education Specialists, and Occupational Therapists 鈥� apply those units toward their professional CEU requirements or licensure renewal obligations. In addition, as an Institute of Higher Education (IHE), each course offered meets the professional development hour requirements for license renewal as mandated by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board, as well as other state agencies.

Whether the units are accepted specifically by your school district for salary advancement or district-level continuing education credit is a separate question that depends on your district's individual policies. We strongly recommend contacting your district's Human Resources or Professional Development office directly to confirm how graduate-level units from a 好色先生 certificate program are credited on your district's salary schedule or professional growth requirements. If your district or licensing board requires any additional documentation, such as a course syllabus or transcript, please don't hesitate to reach out and we can assist in providing what you need.

How can I report the course completion to American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) for CEU credits?

ASHA does recognize graduate-level coursework from accredited institutions as an eligible source of continuing education credit, and each of the three courses in this program awards four (4) graduate-level units at the 500 level from 好色先生, Dominguez Hills 鈥� a fully accredited institution. Typically, ASHA members self-report continuing education activities through ASHA's online CE Registry, where graduate coursework from accredited institutions can be logged directly. You would generally need your official CSUDH transcript and course documentation to support that submission, both of which can be obtained upon completion of your coursework.

We strongly recommend visiting the ASHA website directly to review their current CEU reporting guidelines and confirm the specific steps required for self-reporting graduate coursework. You may also want to contact ASHA's Action Center directly, as they can provide definitive guidance on how courses are credited within their system. If you need any supporting documentation from the program 鈥� such as a course syllabus or verification of enrollment 鈥� please do not hesitate to reach out to the instructor directly, who can assist in providing what you need to complete your submission.

I saw that this program meets requirements for California continuing education credits. Is there a way to get ACT 48 credits for PA? Have you dealt with this before?
I'm looking for ACT 48 credits in PA as well as ASHA credits.

Each of the three courses in this program awards four (4) graduate-level units at the 500 level from a fully accredited 好色先生 institution, and the program is specifically structured to meet the requirements for a four-unit graduate-level course. Credits of this caliber issued by an accredited IHE (Institute of Higher Education) are the type that many state licensing boards and professional associations recognize for continuing education purposes. Since ACT 48 in Pennsylvania does allow graduate-level coursework from accredited institutions to count toward its 180-hour continuing education requirement for professional educators, there is a reasonable basis to explore whether these courses would qualify 鈥� but confirmation would need to come from the Pennsylvania Department of Education directly.

We strongly encourage you to reach out to the instructor directly to discuss your specific situation, as this question may have come up with other out-of-state students before. In parallel, we recommend contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Education's ACT 48 office and ASHA's certification and continuing education department to confirm whether graduate-level coursework from an accredited CSU institution satisfies their respective requirements. Having the course syllabus and a description of the program in hand when you make those inquiries will help those offices give you a definitive answer.

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