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 and Edwards)
• High-incidence Disabilities (online)
• Low-incidence Disabilities (campus-Lawrence)
• Secondary Transition Education and Services (online)

In Kansas to become a special educator in high or low incidence one must first obtain an initial teaching license in: Early Childhood Unified, Elementary Education, Elementary Education Unified, or Secondary Education

Students seeking to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of your program, it is highly recommended you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure you can obtain a license of certification in your home state or territory. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.

Master of Science in Education - Special Education Admission Information:

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements.

Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Other factors considered by the committee include: strength of the letter of application; strength of the letters of recommendation; quality of previous experience and background in special education or a closely related discipline; availability of an appropriate advisor in the applicant's identified area of emphasis; and the fit between the applicant's professional and graduate program goals and the purpose and mission of the KU.

Application checklist:

• Online Application
• Official transcript of completed bachelor’s degree from accredited university
• Letter of introduction stating your area of interest and licensure status as applicable
• Name, email and position for two professional references
• Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English-speaking applicants)

Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency in the skill areas of reading, writing, and listening. Please read the full policy and acceptable proof of proficiency options on our policy page​.  Additional information can be found here. 

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.

Low-Incidence Disabilities Concentration (campus)

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.

 Additional elective courses may be available, please consult with your advisor.

Master's Thesis or Project Option:

To complete a Master's degree in Special Education (M.S.E.), students must have a total of 30 credit hours.  Within these 30 credit hours a majority of the hours must be taken in Special Education.  In addition, students must also enroll in 3 credit hours of either Master's Project or Master's Thesis and 3 credit hours of EPSY 715.

One of the following courses to complete the Master's Thesis or Project Option:

 **Master's Project or Thesis is to be completed in your last semester of the program.

Written Exam Option:

Students complete 36 credit hours of graduate coursework, a majority of the hours in Special Education and a written comprehensive exam.  Students must be enrolled in graduate credit hours the semester they complete the exam, typically during the final semester.  This option is only available with approval from your advisor.

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.