Online master’s in autism
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Autism Master's

Online master’s in autism at KU

No two learners with autism are alike—and their educators shouldn’t be either. KU’s online master’s in autism* equips current educators and related service professionals with evidence-based strategies you can apply immediately to support communication, behavior, social interaction, and learning. Build a strong foundation in assessment and instruction; deepen your skills with focused electives; and complete a field-based practicum that connects research to real classrooms and community settings.

This nationally recognized online master’s program is taught by KU’s renowned Department of Special Education faculty—leaders who have advanced autism education for more than 30 years.

Jump to Curriculum

This program is an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in special education with an emphasis in autism. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission.

*This online graduate degree does not lead to initial or advanced licensure in special education.

Program details

  • 100% online with no campus visits required
  • 12 courses (36 credit hours)
  • 8-week courses for focused study
  • Complete in as few as two years
  • No GRE required for admission
  • CAEP accreditation ensures quality standards

Choose your elective pathway

Behavior

Develop the knowledge to understand behavior function, conduct functional behavior assessments (FBA), and design function-based intervention plans. Learn proactive classroom management and positive behavior reinforcement that improve social communication and adaptive behavior.

Choose this pathway to:

  • Implement evidence-based, function-based interventions
  • Strengthen classroom- and schoolwide-behavior supports
  • Build skills aligned with roles in behavior support and coaching

Leadership

Build capacity to lead inclusive special education programs. Examine IDEA foundations, LRE, policy implementation, and practical leadership strategies that promote equitable systems and outcomes.

Choose this pathway to:

  • Prepare for department, school, or district leadership roles
  • Navigate special education law and policy with confidence
  • Drive systems-level improvement and inclusive practices

Secondary/Transition

Prepare adolescents and young adults with disabilities for life beyond high school. Explore assessment for transition planning, UDL-aligned access to academics, and collaboration that supports college, career, and community engagement.

Choose this pathway to:

  • Guide high-quality transition planning and services
  • Blend academics and transition skills using UDL
  • Collaborate across schools, agencies, and families
A close-up of a smiling autistic boy with a teacher behind him.

Practicum experience

Apply your learning in authentic settings through a supervised, field-based practicum. With faculty coaching and reflective feedback, you’ll translate research into practice while supporting learners with autism in classrooms or community programs.

What to expect:

  • Site-based application: Complete one eight-week practicum in your school or an approved community setting when possible
  • Expert support: Receive structured feedback and small-group guidance from KU faculty
  • Real-world impact: Document and reflect on measurable outcomes for learners and families
  • Planning guidance: Complete the zero-credit Practicum Gateway Course to access the resources and support you need for practicum placement and registration
  • Have practicum questions or need help planning your placement? Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor.

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

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Online master’s in autism course descriptions

All courses listed are worth 3 credits. Please note: Course list and sequence are subject to change.

Core Courses

SPED 760 Introduction to Autism

Establish a foundation in characteristics, current trends and issues, and effective practices for structuring, managing, and promoting social skill development and interactions among learners with autism.

SPED 785 Application of Assessment Information for Exceptional Children and Youth

Analyze assessment instruments and procedures used to measure social and cognitive development. Identify data needed for IEP development, design informal assessments, and prepare/present assessment findings for instructional planning. Prerequisite: An undergraduate or graduate course in educational measurement, and SPED 760.

SPED 790 Methods for Learners With Higher-Functioning Autism

Examine methods with emphasis on learners with higher-functioning autism. Focus on effective practices and strategies for teaching, managing, and promoting social communication and positive social interactions.

SPED 800 Teaching Language and Communication Skills to Learners With Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Study milestones in language acquisition, approaches to language instruction, assessment techniques, and instructional methods. Design individualized plans to embed language into daily curriculum. Prerequisite: SPED 425 or SPED 725.

SPED 860 Education of Children and Youth With Disabilities: Autism

Prepare to implement specialized strategies for individualized and group instruction; plan/choose curriculum and service models; manage personnel and resources; coordinate with families and service providers; and monitor overall program effectiveness. Prerequisite: SPED 760.

SPED 854 Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education

Develop skills to build strong partnerships with families, paraeducators, and colleagues. Implement federal and state mandates; coordinate paraeducators; lead interdisciplinary planning; and address multicultural considerations across home, school, and community.

EPSY 715 Understanding Research in Education

Gain foundational knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods, historical and descriptive research, and program evaluation to read, interpret, and critique education research.

SPED 871 Advanced Practicum With Exceptional Children Needing an Autism Spectrum Curriculum

Engage in intensive, supervised field experiences teaching children and youth with autism in diverse educational settings. Apply methods from prior coursework and reflect on outcomes. Prerequisite: SPED 760, SPED 785, and SPED 743.

SPED 898 Master’s Project

Complete an individual project focused on current problems in special education aligned to your interests. Conclude with a presentation/defense to your faculty committee.

Elective options

SPED 743 Functional Behavior Assessment, Positive Behavior Support, and Classroom Management

Use a problem-solving approach to assess problem behavior, determine function, and design pro-social alternatives across home, school, and community.

SPED 843 Advanced Methods and Assessment: Strategies for Students With Social and Emotional Needs

Explore prevention and intervention for antisocial, aggressive, and behavioral challenges; crisis response; school/system-oriented interventions; and ethical/legal considerations.

SPED 756 Special Education Leadership

Gain an introductory understanding of special education law and policy with emphasis on IDEA, LRE, procedural requirements, implementation practices, and strategies to advance equitable, inclusive programs.

SPED 757 History, Context and Critique of Special Education

Survey the history of disability and special education policy, examine current issues in the field, and analyze leadership and civic professionalism through a final paper and presentation.

SPED 758 Appropriate Education and Least Restrictive Environment

Deepen understanding of IDEA principles of appropriate education and LRE; analyze critiques and remedies; and apply learning to IEP development and inclusive practices.

SPED 856 Transition Education and Services From Childhood to Adulthood

Build background in career development and transition education, including IDEA requirements, assessment, curricular implications, and collaborative services.

SPED 858 Assessment for Transition Planning

Review psychometric principles and apply formal/informal assessment across transition domains. Emphasize curriculum-based assessment, rating scales, situational and functional assessment. Prerequisite: SPED 856 or instructor permission.

SPED 861 Blending Academics and Transition

Examine research supporting UDL’s multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to increase access to the general curriculum. Prerequisite: SPED 856.
A young autistic boy is playing with building blocks while a male teacher observes.

Make a difference for learners with autism

Learners with autism deserve skilled educators who can design supportive environments, teach communication and social interaction, and collaborate with families and teams to promote meaningful participation. KU offers flexible pathways to build your expertise.

  • The master’s in autism provides comprehensive preparation for school- and community-based roles
  • The graduate certificate in autism offers focused training you can complete quickly—and may be stacked into the master’s degree

Each pathway empowers you to create inclusive, high-expectation learning experiences grounded in evidence-based practice.

Explore Careers

“The University of Kansas online master’s in autism has really challenged me academically and pushed me to further understand evidence-based practices in the field of autism. It has also pushed me to challenge my own thinking and perceptions about autism and other disabilities. I would highly encourage others to pursue a master's program at KU.”
Janine G., online M.S.E. in autism ‘22

Trying to decide which autism 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, choose an elective pathway, and navigate application and practicum planning.

Schedule a Call
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Application Instructions
Close-up of KU Admission Advisors, Erica and Tatiana.

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.

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Admissions Information

Jan
6
Application Deadline
January 6
Spring 2026 Term
Jan
20
Next Start
January 20
Spring 2026 Term