Master of Science in Education in Special Education
The Department of Special Education offers graduate online and campus based education for students interested in teaching, research, and professional service related to infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults with low and high incidence disabilities and their families. Since the 1970s, the department has received national and international recognition. The faculty is known for its leadership to the field, commitment to high-quality inclusive learning and development opportunities for children and youth with low and high incidence disabilities, innovative field-based research, and preparation of highly effective educators. The annual U.S. News and World Report graduate program survey consistently ranks KU's Department of Special Education at the top when compared to more than 200 graduate programs in this field. As one of the most comprehensive special educator preparation programs in the country, the department attracts students from many states and countries.
Programs Offered:
Students may pursue a master’s degree in one of 5 areas:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (online)
- Early Childhood Unified (ECU, birth through kindergarten) (campus-Lawrence)
- High-incidence Disabilities (online)
- Low-incidence Disabilities (campus-Lawrence)
- Secondary Transition Education and Services (online)
| Column One | Column Two |
|---|---|
| To obtain initial Kansas teaching License: | *Kansas endorsement add on to license for Special Education: |
| Early Childhood Unified MSE (birth through kindergarten) (campus-Lawrence and Edwards) | Graduate Certificate in High Incidence Disabilities (online) |
| OR | Graduate Certificate in Low-incidence Disabilities (campus-Lawrence) |
| Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Unified (birth through kindergarten) (campus-Lawrence and Edwards) | *You must hold an initial or professional teaching license to be eligible for the endorsement. |
| Low Incidence Disabilities for Paraprofessionals (PreK-12) (campus-based, Lawrence) |
In Kansas, to add an endorsement in high or low incidence disability, one must first obtain an initial teaching license.
Students seeking to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program should refer to our Licensure Disclosures page - https://soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University and departmental admission requirements to be considered for the program.
University of Kansas Graduate Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
Masters of Science in Education in Special Education Application Requirements
- A completed graduate application.
- Application fee.
- Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended and an official transcript for each degree earned.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement stating your area of interest and licensure status.
- Current resume or CV.
Our online masters programs (autism, high incidence and transition) are comprised of rigorous eight week courses. A majority of the work is completed asynchronously, meaning that it does not happen “live.” Courses are generally eight weeks long (2 courses per a typical semester) and typically contain multiple milestones throughout the course. Students are expected to follow the course modules in order, submit assignments on time, and participate in online discussions with classmates. Potential students must ensure that they are prepared to be successful. Online coursework will require approximately 15- 20 hours of undivided attention per week (including readings, online discussions, individual projects, etc.). Consistent access to high speed internet services (basic broadband- 1Mbps) and a personal computer that features Office 2016 or equivalent will be necessary. A tablet or mobile device (i.e., smartphone) will not be sufficient as a primary computer or primary means of accessing the Internet for the online coursework.
NOTE: These are the admission requirements in place at the time this catalog content was published.
Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) Program
Graduates are employed as general educators, special educators, or consultants in a wide range of settings. Many complete course work required for the Kansas educational license or endorsements. Some students from related fields (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapist, social workers) pursue this degree to expand their professional knowledge and skills for working in educational settings with children and youth with disabilities. These students may choose to complete a master's and not complete Kansas endorsement/licensure requirements.
The M.S.E. program ranges from 30 to 36 credit hours, depending on whether one pursues project, thesis or exam program options. The degree requires courses in the area of study (plus any endorsement-related courses); a research class; and completion of a project, thesis, or written examination.
For degree and certificate-seeking students, maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required to remain in good academic standing and in order to graduate.
Further information can be found in the Graduate Regulations section of the catalog.
Early Childhood Unified Concentration (birth through Kindergarten) Curriculum (campus based)
Courses in this program will be taken at the Lawrence campus.
Program completers who pass the Kansas state-required licensure exam and performance assessment are eligible for a Kansas initial license or added endorsement in Early Childhood Unified, Birth-Kindergarten.
We highly recommend that students seeking to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory first seek guidance from their appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certificate boards outside of Kansas.
Early Childhood Masters Requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 752 | Overview of Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 750 | Curriculum and Methods in Early Childhood | 3 |
| SPED 755 | Inclusive Strategies and Interventions for Preschoolers: _____ | 3 |
| SPED 731 | Supporting Children with Significant Learning and Behavioral Concerns | 3 |
| SPED 854 | Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 734 | Inclusive Strategies and Intervention for Infants and Toddlers: _____ | 3 |
| SPED 753 | Assessment in Early Education | 3 |
| SPED 739 | Special Education Early Childhood Unified Practicum (Inclusive Kindergarten/Preschool) | 3 |
| SPED 739 | Special Education Early Childhood Unified Practicum (Inclusive Infant/Toddler) | 3 |
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education (**) | 3 |
| SPED 898 | Master's Project | 3 |
| or SPED 899 | Master's Thesis | |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Master's Project or Thesis to be completed in your last semester of the program.
Education for Students with Disabilities Concentration
Degree Requirements
This program is offered at Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) in Jinhua, China. This program aims to cultivate the international high-quality professionals of science and technology education, and to cultivate science teachers who have international vision. This program includes high-quality teaching and courses, diversified teaching methods, teaching materials and other educational resources.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education | 3 |
| SPED 841 | Advncd Methds&Asmnt:Learng Stratg&Contnt Mastery Struggling Learners&Stdnts High-Incidence Disabilit | 3 |
| SPED 743 | Methods: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Behavior Support and Classroom Management | 3 |
| C&T 803 | Differentiating Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| SPED 798 | Special Course: _____ | 3 |
| Transferred Courses - must meet Graduate Studies Transfer Requirements | ||
| C&T 740 | Foundations of Reading: Process, Theory, and Instruction (Transfer credit from ZJNU: Fundamental Theory of Reading) | 3 |
| SPED 730 | Characteristcs, Methods & Assessment:Intro Struggling Learners & Studnts High-Incidence Disabilities (Transfer credit from ZJNU: Introduction & Overview) | 3 |
| SPED 735 | Introduction to Teaching Learners with Low-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings (Transfer credit from ZJNU: Theory and Practice of Early Education) | 3 |
| SPED 757 | History, Context, and Critique of Special Education (Transfer credit from ZJNU: Issues & Trends) | 3 |
| SPED 775 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ (Transfer credit from ZJNU: Internship) | 4 |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Low-Incidence Disabilities Concentration (campus-based)
Low-Incidence Master's Requirements
Program completers who pass the state-required licensure exam are eligible to add a low-incidence special education endorsement to their existing Kansas license.
We highly recommend that students seeking to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory first seek guidance from their appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certificate boards outside of Kansas.
Along with the required coursework, students successfully complete a thesis, or project which requires a program total of 33 credit hours, or a comprehensive examination which requires a program total of 36 credit hours in the last semester of their program in order to graduate. The comprehensive exam option is only available with approval from the student's faculty advisor. Students must be enrolled the final semester that they complete the thesis, project or examination.
Students not seeking low-incidence special education endorsement, will not enroll in SPED 775 or SPED 875 and instead take 2 elective courses (6 credit hours).
Degree requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Course requirements (licensure): 1 | ||
| SPED 742 | Assessment and Methods of Teaching Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings | 3 |
| SPED 775 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ | 3 |
| or SPED 875 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ | |
| SPED 735 | Introduction to Teaching Learners with Low-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings | 3 |
| SPED 842 | Methods in Access and Inclusion in STEM Curriculum | 3 |
| SPED 723 | Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 844 | Advanced Methods in Access and Inclusion in the Core Curriculum | 3 |
| SPED 856 | Transition Education and Services from Childhood through Adulthood | 3 |
| SPED 746 | Assessment and Supports for Students with Complex Communication Needs | 3 |
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education | 3 |
| Electives (if only seeking masters and not endorsement students enroll in 2 electives - 6 hrs): 2 | 6 | |
| Language Disorders of Special Populations | ||
| Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Literacy | ||
| Overview of Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education | ||
| Special Education Leadership | ||
| History, Context, and Critique of Special Education | ||
| Appropriate Education and Least Restrictive Environment | ||
| Non-Discriminatory Evaluation, Parent Participation, and Procedural Due Process | ||
| Career Development for Youth | ||
| Assessment for Transition Planning | ||
| Interagency Services for Transition to Adulthood | ||
| Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities: Autism | ||
| Introduction to Autism | ||
| SPED 898 | Master's Project | 3 |
| or SPED 899 | Master's Thesis | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
SPED 730 or equivalent is required to be admitted to the program. If equivalency is not demonstrated, SPED 730 will be added to the student's program plan.
- 2
Non-licensure students will work with their faculty advisor to select 2 elective courses in place of SPED 775 and SPED 875.
Master of Science in Education (M.S.E) -Online
The Special Education online graduate programs, with Master's and endorsement-only options, equips students to meet the challenges of being a special educator by building skills to assist both at-risk students and those with identified disabilities.
Graduates are employed as general educators, special educators, or consultants in a wide range of settings. Many complete course work required for the Kansas educational license or endorsements. Some students from related fields (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapist, social workers) pursue this degree to expand their professional knowledge and skills for working in educational settings with children and youth with disabilities. These students may choose to complete a master's and not complete Kansas endorsement/licensure requirements.
The degree requires courses in the area of study (plus any endorsement-related courses); a research class; and completion of a project.
For degree seeking students, maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required to remain in good academic standing and in order to graduate.
Further information can be found in the Graduate Regulations section of the catalog.
The Department of Special Education (SPED) online (Autism, Transition and High Incidence) MSE programs are comprised of rigorous eight week courses. A majority of the work is completed asynchronously, meaning that it does not happen “live.” Courses are generally eight weeks long (2 courses per a typical semester) and typically contain multiple milestones throughout the course. Students are expected to follow the course modules in order, submit assignments on time, and participate in online discussions with classmates. Potential students must ensure that they are prepared to be successful. Online coursework will require approximately 15- 20 hours of undivided attention per week (including readings, online discussions, individual projects, etc.). Consistent access to high speed internet services (basic broadband- 1Mbps) and a personal computer that features Office 2016 or equivalent will be necessary. A tablet or mobile device (i.e., smartphone) will not be sufficient as a primary computer or primary means of accessing the Internet for the online coursework.
Autism Concentration- online
This program WILL NOT lead to any initial teacher licensure/certification or endorsement for the state of KS. State-by-state requirements vary. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure and endorsement requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary for his or her career goals.
We highly recommend that students seeking to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory first seek guidance from their appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certificate boards outside of Kansas.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses For All Students | ||
| SPED 760 | Introduction to Autism | 3 |
| SPED 785 | Application of Assessment Information for Exceptional Children and Youth: Autism | 3 |
| SPED 790 | Methods for Learners Autism | 3 |
| SPED 800 | Teaching Language and Communication Skills to Students with Autism | 3 |
| SPED 860 | Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities: Autism | 3 |
| SPED 854 | Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education | 3 |
| SPED 898 | Master's Project (*) | 3 |
| Course requirements below are based upon current teacher licensure status. | 6 | |
| Teacher & Related Services take the following two classes | ||
| Advanced Practicum with Exceptional Children: Autism | ||
| Methods: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Behavior Support and Classroom Management | ||
| Non-Teacher & Non-Related Services take two classes from he following list | ||
| Characteristcs, Methods & Assessment:Intro Struggling Learners & Studnts High-Incidence Disabilities | ||
| Methods: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Behavior Support and Classroom Management | ||
| Special Education Leadership | ||
| Participation with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ | ||
| Transition Education and Services from Childhood through Adulthood | ||
| Career Development for Youth | ||
| Assessment for Transition Planning | ||
| Interagency Services for Transition to Adulthood | ||
| Blending Academics and Transition | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
*Master's Project to be completed in your last semester of the program.
This program is not designed to lead to licensure or endorsement in Kansas, but coursework may be used toward licensure/endorsement in another state. Please check with the state licensing board for further information.
High-Incidence Teaching Concentration
Courses required for the program:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 730 | Characteristcs, Methods & Assessment:Intro Struggling Learners & Studnts High-Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 741 | Methods and Assessment: Literacy Interventions for Elem and Sec Students with High-Incidence Disabil | 3 |
| SPED 743 | Methods: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Behavior Support and Classroom Management | 3 |
| SPED 775 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ (High-Incidence) | 3 |
| SPED 841 | Advncd Methds&Asmnt:Learng Stratg&Contnt Mastery Struggling Learners&Stdnts High-Incidence Disabilit | 3 |
| SPED 843 | Advanced Methods&Assessment:Strategies for Students with Significant Behavior, Social&Emotional Need | 3 |
| SPED 854 | Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 856 | Transition Education and Services from Childhood through Adulthood | 3 |
| SPED 875 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ (High-Incidence) | 3 |
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education | 3 |
| SPED 898 | Master's Project (*) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
*Master's Project to be completed in your last semester of the program.
High Incidence Disabilities Non-Teaching Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 730 | Characteristcs, Methods & Assessment:Intro Struggling Learners & Studnts High-Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 741 | Methods and Assessment: Literacy Interventions for Elem and Sec Students with High-Incidence Disabil | 3 |
| SPED 743 | Methods: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Behavior Support and Classroom Management | 3 |
| SPED 841 | Advncd Methds&Asmnt:Learng Stratg&Contnt Mastery Struggling Learners&Stdnts High-Incidence Disabilit | 3 |
| SPED 843 | Advanced Methods&Assessment:Strategies for Students with Significant Behavior, Social&Emotional Need | 3 |
| SPED 854 | Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 856 | Transition Education and Services from Childhood through Adulthood | 3 |
| SPED 898 | Master's Project | 3 |
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education | 3 |
| Electives are selected in consualtion with your advisor. | 6 | |
| Possible Elective Courses | ||
| Special Education Leadership | ||
| Introduction to Autism | ||
| Career Development for Youth | ||
| Assessment for Transition Planning | ||
| Interagency Services for Transition to Adulthood | ||
| Blending Academics and Transition | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
The NON Teaching Track program WILL NOT lead to any initial teacher licensure/certification or endorsement for the state of KS. State-by-state requirements vary. Completion of a program is not a guarantee of licensure or endorsement of any kind. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure and endorsement requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary for his or her career goals.
Secondary Special Education and Transition Concentration
This program WILL NOT lead to any initial teacher licensure/certification or endorsement for the state of KS. State-by-state requirements vary. Completion of a graduate certificate is not a guarantee of licensure or endorsement of any kind. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure and endorsement requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary for his or her career goals.
We highly recommend that students seeking to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory first seek guidance from their appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certificate boards outside of Kansas.
Courses required for the program:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 856 | Transition Education and Services from Childhood through Adulthood | 3 |
| SPED 858 | Assessment for Transition Planning | 3 |
| SPED 857 | Career Development for Youth | 3 |
| SPED 861 | Blending Academics and Transition | 3 |
| SPED 862 | Work-Based Learning | 3 |
| SPED 863 | Student Engagement in School and Community | 3 |
| SPED 859 | Interagency Services for Transition to Adulthood | 3 |
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| SPED 898 | Master's Project (*) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
*Master's Project to be completed in your last semester of the program.
Elective course options (consult your advisor for other course options):
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 730 | Characteristcs, Methods & Assessment:Intro Struggling Learners & Studnts High-Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 760 | Introduction to Autism | 3 |
| SPED 800 | Teaching Language and Communication Skills to Students with Autism | 3 |
Early Childhood Unified Concentration
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| SPED 752 | 3 | SPED 750 | 3 | EPSY 715 | 3 |
| SPED 753 | 3 | SPED 731 | 3 | SPED 854 | 3 |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | |||
| Year 2 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| SPED 755 | 3 | SPED 746 | 3 | SPED 898 | 1-4 |
| SPED 734 | 3 | SPED 739 (20hr/wk) | 1-3 | SPED 739 (40 hr/wk for 8 weeks) | 1-3 |
| 6 | 4-6 | 2-7 | |||
| Total Hours 30-37 | |||||
Education for Students with Disabilities Concentration
This program is offered in collaboration with ZJNU. Admission to this program is limited to students from ZJNU. The Department of Special Education is not accepting U.S. based applications to this program at this time.
Low-Incidence Disabilities Concentration
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| SPED 742 | 3 | SPED 746 | 3 | EPSY 715 | 3 |
| SPED 735 | 3 | SPED 723 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Year 2 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | ||
| SPED 844 | 3 | SPED 856 | 3 | ||
| SPED 842 | 3 | SPED 898 | 1-4 | ||
| 6 | 4-7 | ||||
| Total Hours 25-28 | |||||
Students seeking licensure in low-incidence disabilities will require additional coursework.
Autism Concentration
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| SPED 760 | 3 | SPED 785 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| SPED 860 | 3 | SPED 790 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Year 2 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 | SPED 854 | 3 |
| EPSY 715 | 3 | SPED 800 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Year 3 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | ||||
| SPED 871 | 3 | ||||
| SPED 898 | 1-4 | ||||
| 4-7 | |||||
| Total Hours 34-37 | |||||
High-Incidence Teaching Concentration
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| SPED 730 | 3 | SPED 843 | 3 | SPED 841 | 3 |
| SPED 741 | 3 | SPED 775 | 1-10 | ||
| 6 | 4-13 | 3 | |||
| Year 2 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| SPED 875 | 1-10 | SPED 856 | 3 | SPED 854 | 3 |
| SPED 743 | 3 | EPSY 715 | 3 | ||
| 4-13 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Year 3 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | ||||
| SPED 898 | 1-4 | ||||
| 1-4 | |||||
| Total Hours 27-48 | |||||
High Incidence Disabilities Non-Teaching Concentration
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| SPED 730 | 3 | SPED 843 | 3 | SPED 841 | 3 |
| SPED 741 | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Year 2 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| Elective | 3 | SPED 856 | 3 | SPED 854 | 3 |
| SPED 743 | 3 | EPSY 715 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Year 3 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | ||||
| SPED 898 | 1-4 | ||||
| 1-4 | |||||
| Total Hours 31-34 | |||||
Secondary Special Education and Transition Concentration
| Year 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| SPED 856 | 3 | SPED 857 | 3 | SPED 859 | 3 |
| SPED 862 | 3 | SPED 858 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 3 | |||
| Year 2 | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours | Summer | Hours |
| Elective | 3 | SPED 861 | 3 | SPED 898 | 1-4 |
| SPED 863 | 3 | EPSY 715 | 3 | ||
| 6 | 6 | 1-4 | |||
| Total Hours 28-31 | |||||
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical-thinking and analytical skills to facilitate supportive and collegial inclusive learning communities premised on flexible and collaborative practice among general and special educators and parents of students receiving special education services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based and high-leverage practices in special education.
- Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, strengths, and typical areas of instructional need for students receiving special education services.