University Debuts Region’s First Neurodiversity in the Workplace Graduate Business Certificate

This fall, Saint Joseph’s University launched the region’s first graduate business certificate focused on Neurodiversity in the Workplace — a groundbreaking program that prepares professionals to lead with empathy and effective support for neurodivergent employees, including those on the autism spectrum.

With an estimated 700,000 to 1 million young people with autism expected to turn 18 between 2019 and 2029, the need for inclusive, prepared workplaces has never been greater. The certificate, developed in partnership between the Erivan K. Haub School of Business and the University’s nationally recognized Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, aims to close that gap.

“Modern workplaces are still learning what it means to truly be inclusive,” says Eric Patton, PhD, professor and chair of management. “This certificate builds on our long-standing commitment to support neurodivergent individuals. Now, we are broadening that commitment to the companies and communities our graduates will serve.” 

The four-course certificate can be completed as a standalone credential or integrated into Saint Joseph’s MBA, MS in Human Resource Management, or MS in Organizational Development and Leadership programs. 

The certificate builds upon Saint Joseph’s existing undergraduate minor in Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace and strengthens the University’s role as a leader in autism education and advocacy. Kinney Center faculty helped develop the curriculum, ensuring alignment with both cutting-edge research and real-world application.

Saint Joseph’s strong industry partnerships further amplify the program’s value. Organizations such as Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Wawa, Thomas Jefferson University, USLI and Cerity Partners – many of which have established autism-at-work programs – expressed the need for more professionals trained in inclusive management. 

The program also aligns with the University’s strategy to create robust opportunities for students to connect with community initiatives and advocacy work, such as Saint Joseph's ongoing collaboration with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Eagles Autism Foundation.

“We’ve heard directly from industry leaders and employees that this kind of training is urgently needed,” says Joseph McCleery, PhD, associate professor of psychology and academic director of the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support. “Our certificate program students will leave not only with greater empathy, but also with actionable skills to recruit, retain and support neurodivergent talent.”