Autism Studies BA

Aurora Universitys Autism Studies major is designed to prepare students to serve, support, and advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S., and that growth is sparking a movement to increase awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity in all settings at school, at work, and in the community.

As an Autism Studies major, you will develop an understanding of the characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, as well as the many systems and institutions involved in the diagnosis and treatment. Your studies will include coursework, an internship, and hands-on experience working with individuals with autism. As part of your practical learning experience, you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience by working in AUs Pathways program for students with autism. Pathways, a new initiative at AU, is a multi-faceted program that provides summer camps, college preview experiences, and support services for college degree-seeking individuals with autism.

The Autism Studies major is designed intentionally as a secondary major to supplement a primary major. You can pair Autism Studies with any major as a way to expand your skill set and enhance your employment potential.

If you are interested in the helping professions, a double major in Therapeutic Recreation, Parks and Recreation Leadership, or Human-Animal Studies may be a good choice. If you want to work in business or human resources or workforce training, a double major in Business Administration or Psychology could be a good fit. Nearly every career field allows for opportunities to work with individuals with autism.

The Autism Studies major also serves as a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in such fields as occupational therapy, education, social work, speech language pathology, clinical psychology, or rehabilitation therapy.

Your academic journey will take place under the guidance of AU professors and academic advisors who will support your curiosity and help you discover your career path. As an Autism Studies major, you will engage in transformative educational experiences that will prepare you to provide quality services to individuals with autism and to work alongside peers and colleagues with neurodiverse backgrounds.

We consider students for regular freshman admission who have graduated from an accredited high school (in a college preparatory curriculum) or have earned a GED credential. We review students' completed admission files on an individual basis.

Students who apply to Aurora University benefit from a rolling admissions policy. AU reviews applications as they are completed and students are notified about admissions decisions throughout the admission cycle. Undergraduate students who have a strong desire to attend Aurora University are encouraged to apply early in their senior year.

1. Apply online here.
2. Official transcripts from schools attended in the United States must be sent directly to the Office of Admission as part of the admission process. Undergraduate applicants must request official transcripts from all secondary and/or post-secondary schools. Graduate applicants must request official transcripts from all post-secondary schools.
3. Certified copies of all official transcripts from international schools attended must be sent directly to the Office of Admission as part of the admission process.
4. Official certified evaluations of all non-English academic transcripts from international schools attended must be evaluated by one of the following companies: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE); World Education Service (WES); Center for Educational Documentation (CED). Evaluations must be sent directly to the Office of Admission.
5. English competency test OR standardized test
   1. Official English competency test results (for non-English speaking countries and all graduate applicants) Official scores must be sent directly to the Office of Admission. Below are the minimum scores required for admission from one of the following:
      • TOEFL paper-based: 550 or higher
      • TOEFL computer-based: 213 or higher
      • TOEFL Internet-based: 79 or higher
      • IELTS: 6.5 or higher
   2. Official standardized test results (for English-speaking countries only) Official scores must be sent directly to the Office of Admission. Below are the minimum scores required for admission from one of the following:
      • American College Test (ACT) – minimum composite score of 19 (online college code = 0950)
      • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – minimum score (Math and Critical Reading) of at least 910, for tests taken prior to March 1, 2016 (online college code = 1027)
      • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – minimum score (Math and Critical Reading) of at least 980, for tests taken after March 1, 2016 (online college code = 1027)
6. References must be academic or professional based (All items are required).
   
   • 1 Letter of Recommendation
   • 1 Personal Statement
   • 2 References providing contact information (email preferred)
7. Statement of Financial Resources International students applying for an I-20 Student Visa must submit the Statement of Financial Resources form as required by Aurora University and the guidelines from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. This form must be signed and notarized and be accompanied by an original letter from a bank official certifying the availability of funds for study at Aurora University.
8. Copy of current passport.
9. Copy of I-94 may be obtained online here.
10. Copy of Visa only if applicants are currently in the U.S. or holding a valid U.S. Visa.
11. Additional Documentation for graduate applicants may be required. Please contact the Center for Graduate Studies at 630-947-8955 for more information.