Add a high incidence disabilities endorsement to your teaching license
Already licensed to teach but need the specialized high incidence disabilities endorsement? This focused, online program is designed for practicing educators who want the credentials and graduate-level expertise to support students with learning disabilities, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, mild cognitive disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder. In as few as two years, you’ll build strength in assessment, instruction, and behavior supports—while completing two supervised practica—so you can advance without pausing your career.
Program details
- 100% online with no campus visits required
- Nine courses (27 credit hours)
- 8-week courses for focused study
- Complete in as few as two years
- Accredited under NCATE/CAEP standards
- No. 2 online special education program in the nation1
- Learn from KU faculty who have led the field for over 50 years
- No GRE required for admission
- Two required fieldwork practica
Expand your skills
High Incidence Disabilities Licensure Endorsement
For licensed teachers seeking specialized credentials
This endorsement-only program* provides focused preparation to work with students with high incidence disabilities in PK-12 settings. You’ll learn to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL), multitiered systems of support (MTSS), evidence-based literacy and content-area strategies, functional behavioral assessment (FBA), and positive behavior supports. Your learning includes two supervised practica where you’ll apply strategies in real classrooms with expert feedback.
Looking for licensure endorsement and an M.S.E.? Check out the M.S.E. in High Incidence Disabilities Teacher Track to amplify your education.
What you'll learn:
- Assess student needs and progress using research-based tools
- Design and deliver evidence-based instruction across content areas
- Implement UDL and MTSS to remove learning barriers
- Conduct FBA and implement proactive behavior supports
- Collaborate effectively with families, paraeducators, and interprofessional teams
- Plan and support transitions from childhood through adulthood
*The online high incidence disabilities licensure endorsement program meets the educational requirements for the added endorsement in the state of Kansas if the candidate already holds an initial or professional teaching license. None of KU’s special education online programs lead to initial licensure.
Note: Practicum planning and site requirements vary by district. Have questions about placements or eligibility? Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor.Choose this program to:
- Complete two supervised practica that align to endorsement requirements
- Earn the educational requirements for the added high incidence disabilities endorsement in Kansas
- Strengthen your impact in inclusive, resource, and co-taught settings
Build skills for careers like:
- PK-12 special education teacher (high incidence)
- Resource or inclusion specialist
- IEP case manager
- Behavior interventionist
- MTSS coach/coordinator
- Special education program lead
Advance your skills, expand your impact
The University of Kansas online education programs are built for people who want to make a difference—in classrooms, schools, and communities. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, nonprofit professional, you’ll find programs that connect research to practice and provide tools you can put to use right away. With flexible online courses and dedicated faculty support, KU helps you grow your expertise while continuing the important work you’re already doing.
- ✓ 8-week focused courses
- ✓ Evidence-based, research-driven curriculum
- ✓ Practical skills you can apply immediately
- ✓ Top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report*
*Retrieved on August 18, 2025 from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
Download Program Brochure
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High incidence disabilities licensure endorsement courses
SPED 730 Characteristics, Methods, and Assessment: Introduction To Struggling Learners & Students With High-Incidence Disabilities
SPED 741 Methods and Assessment: Literacy Interventions for Struggling Learners & Students With High-Incidence Disabilities
SPED 743 Methods: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Behavior Support, and Classroom Management
SPED 841 Advanced Methods and Assessment: Learning Strategy and Content Mastery for Struggling Learners and Students With High-Incidence Disabilities
SPED 843 Advanced Methods and Assessment: Strategies for Students’ Significant Behavior, Social and Emotional Needs
SPED 854 Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education
SPED 856 Transition Education and Services From Childhood Through Adulthood
SPED 775 Practicum With Exceptional Children and Youth: High Incidence
SPED 875 Advanced Practicum With Exceptional Children and Youth
Licensure disclosure
KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training or practicum hours. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure. For more information, visit our licensure disclosures page: soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures
Build the skills to unlock student potential
Today’s students with high incidence disabilities deserve equitable access to rigorous content, supportive environments, and educators who know how to remove barriers. Effective special education goes beyond accommodations; it designs instruction that promotes participation, confidence, and achievement.
Whether you’re seeking specialized credentials, comprehensive graduate training, or targeted professional development, KU offers multiple pathways to build your expertise:
- High incidence disabilities licensure endorsement: add specialized credentials to your teaching license
- Master’s in high incidence disabilities: the most comprehensive preparation for leadership in school-based special education
Each pathway empowers you to make a lasting difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
Trying to decide which high incidence disabilities program is right for you?
Erica and Tatiana are experienced admissions outreach advisors dedicated to supporting education professionals like you. Working one-on-one, they’ll help you clarify your goals, determine which track is the best fit, and guide you through the application process and practicum planning.
Make a lasting impact in education
Ready to join the next generation of educational leaders? KU's online education programs offer three starts per year, making it easier to begin your journey when the time is right for you.
- Retrieved on August 13, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317