Saint Joseph's University's minor in human resources and people management prepares you for a career in the HR field by developing the functional knowledge and strategic skills necessary for navigating people management in contemporary business organizations.
Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace Minor
Today, 1 in 44 people are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but only 14% have paying jobs. Individuals with ASD are often more productive than their neurotypical peers. As more organizations see potential in hiring this untapped employee base, there is an increased demand for managers who are equipped to navigate the unique challenges and capitalize on the many talents of a neurodiverse workforce.
What is the Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace Minor?
Offered at the undergraduate level, the managing neurodiversity in the workplace minor focuses on the challenges and opportunities of working with neurodiverse individuals with conditions such as ADHD and, primarily, autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support took a multidisciplinary approach when building this minor, partnering with the University’s College of Arts and Sciences, Haub School of Business and School of Health Studies and Education. This unique tri-college minor includes courses from management, psychology, special education and autism behavioral studies.
What Can I Do With a Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace Minor?
Position yourself as a standout candidate for companies who are actively building neurodiversity-at-work programs. Whether you are going into HR, plan to manage a team or aim to be a supportive colleague, this minor will teach you the skills and experience needed to collaborate with and empower an increasingly neurodiverse workforce.
A number of organizations across various industries are already implementing autism-at-work programs to attract talent and hire candidates who have the unique skill set to manage a neurodiverse workforce. Companies implementing autism-at-work programs include:
- Lincoln Financial Group
- SAP
- Merrill Lynch
- Ernst & Young
- KPMG
- Giant Martin
Students participating in this minor will be equipped to support these and other organizations’ commitment to hiring more individuals on the spectrum or with other neurological differences.
What Sets Our Program Apart
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The minor builds on existing efforts to train students in various professions to better serve a neurodiverse world, including Saint Joseph’s and Thomas Jefferson’s autism physician specialists partnership.
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Students will be required to participate in a semester-long internship coordinated by Saint Joseph's Kinney Center. Through this internship, participants will have the opportunity to serve as job coaches and managers for individuals on the spectrum, working directly with the ASPIRE program and the Adult Day program — two of the Kinney Center’s support programs. The internship requirement could also be fulfilled through opportunities with partner organizations that are champions in the area of neurodiversity, and who have provided support for the new minor.
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You’ll engage in neurodiversity-related research under the guidance of our renowned faculty. Faculty members will also provide you with the resources necessary to understand the changes impacting neurodiversity in the workplace.
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You’ll have the opportunity to connect with our strong network of alumni who are well-respected leaders in business, human resources and other industries that focus on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Why Study Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace in Philadelphia?
By studying in Philadelphia, you will have the opportunity to work closely with Saint Joseph's University's Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, a community-facing organization that provides support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in a unique joint program through Saint Joseph’s University and Thomas Jefferson University. Saint Joseph's students who choose to pair this minor with a major or double minor in autism behavioral studies can participate in Jefferson’s Sidney Kimmel Medical College scholars program in their junior year and potentially enter medical school MCAT-free following graduation. The collaboration builds on the work and impact of Saint Joseph’s Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, which leads the country in education of autism professionals, as well as the clinical expertise offered by Jefferson, a top-ranked medical school. The first of its kind in the country, the program will offer a pre-medical pathway for Saint Joseph’s autism behavioral studies students to continue medical training.
Program Details
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Affordable tuition rates can be found on our tuition and fees website.*
*Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our tuition & fees page for a detailed breakdown.
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Click here to access the Academic Catalog and view required courses. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.
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Double Majors and Minors
Saint Joseph’s University’s managing neurodiversity in the workplace minor offers the flexibility to add a double major or additional minor based on your interests and career goals. Students studying the minor in managing neurodiversity in the workplace typically major or double minor in the following:
Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace Admissions Information
To apply for the managing neurodiversity in the workplace minor, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.
Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student. You can also get a feel for life as a Hawk with our in-person and virtual visit opportunities.
Explore Other Degree Programs
The Department of Psychology at Saint Joseph's University provides students with an understanding and appreciation of behavior and mental processes. Our major prepares students to continue toward a career in mental healthcare, become a psychological researcher, and to work in industry in a variety of jobs that require the skills we teach.
The Bachelor of Science in autism behavioral studies at Saint Joseph's University is designed to meet the growing need for qualified, professionally trained clinicians, educators and researchers.