Online master’s in high incidence disabilities

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High-Incidence Disabilities Master’s

Help every learner thrive: Earn your master’s in high incidence disabilities at KU

Every classroom includes students with high incidence disabilities: learning disabilities, emotional and/or behavioral disorders, mild cognitive disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder—who benefit from specially designed instruction and skilled advocacy. KU’s online master’s in high incidence disabilities equips you with research-backed methods you can apply right away, from Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to multitiered systems of support (MTSS), so you can remove barriers and improve academic and behavioral outcomes.

For more than 50 years, the KU Department of Special Education has set the standard in both research and practice. Ranked among the top online special education programs in the nation,¹ this master’s program offers two paths:

Teacher track: Prepare for the added high incidence endorsement in Kansas
Non-teacher track: Build advanced expertise without pursuing licensure

Jump to Curriculum

This program is a Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in special education with an emphasis in high incidence disabilities. In order to enroll in this program, a bachelor's degree is required.

Program details

100% online with no campus visits required
Two options: Teacher track and Non-teacher track
11 courses (33 credit hours)
8-week courses for focused study
Complete in as few as two years
Accredited under NCATE/CAEP standards
No GRE required for admission

Choose your high incidence disabilities track

Teacher track (M.S.E.)

For licensed educators ready to earn a high incidence endorsement

If you hold a teaching license and want to specialize in serving students with high incidence disabilities, the teacher track integrates rigorous coursework with two supervised practica so you can apply evidence-based strategies in real educational settings and complete the requirements for an added endorsement.*

What you'll master:

You’ll develop deep expertise in assessment, instructional design, and behavior supports for students with high incidence disabilities across grade levels. Coursework emphasizes UDL, MTSS, content-area strategy instruction, functional behavioral assessment, positive behavior supports, and effective collaboration with families and interprofessional teams. Your learning culminates in a master’s project: a professional online portfolio that showcases growth, artifacts, and reflections.

The online master’s in high incidence disabilities teacher track 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.

Choose this track to:

Complete two supervised fieldwork practica in PK-12 settings
Build a professional portfolio aligned to program competencies
Prepare for the Kansas high incidence disabilities endorsement requirements

Build skills for careers like:

PK-12 special education teacher (high incidence)
Resource/inclusion specialist
IEP case manager
Behavior interventionist
MTSS coordinator
Special education consultant

Non-teacher track (M.S.E.)

For education professionals not seeking teaching licensure

Designed for professionals who want graduate-level expertise without pursuing an endorsement, the non-teacher track focuses on high incidence disabilities knowledge and practical application across educational and community contexts. Instead of practica, you’ll complete two graduate electives that broaden your instructional and cultural competence.

What you'll master:

You’ll learn to assess student needs, implement evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies, and apply UDL and MTSS frameworks to improve learning conditions for students with high incidence disabilities. You’ll also strengthen collaboration skills with families, paraeducators, and multidisciplinary teams. Your program concludes with a master’s project and professional portfolio.

This program does not lead to initial or advanced licensure/endorsement in special education.

Choose this track to:

Build a working portfolio you can use immediately in your role
Strengthen impact as a consultant, advocate, or program coordinator
Replace practica with two graduate curriculum and teaching electives

Build skills for careers like:

Special education consultant or advocate
Program coordinator or administrator
Educational specialist in community/government settings
General education teacher seeking deeper SPED expertise (non-endorsement)

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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Practicum experience

In the teacher track, you’ll complete two supervised practica designed to integrate your coursework with authentic PK-12 teaching experiences:

SPED 775 – Practicum with Exceptional Children & Youth – High Incidence
SPED 875 – Advanced Practicum with Exceptional Children & Youth

What to expect:

Real-world application: Complete targeted teaching and support activities, typically in your current work setting where possible.
Expert supervision: Engage in small-group supervision led by KU faculty who provide detailed feedback and coaching.
Diverse contexts: Gain experience across inclusive/resource environments and collaborate with families and school teams.
Preparation and documentation: Practicum expectations, documentation, and placement requirements vary by district/site. Background checks and site approvals may be required.

Have practicum questions or need help planning your placement?
Schedule a call to speak with an admissions outreach advisor.

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Master’s in high incidence disabilities course descriptions

KU’s online courses build a strong foundation in assessment, instructional methods, behavior supports, collaboration, and transition planning for students with high incidence disabilities. All courses listed are worth 3 credits.

Please note: Course list and sequence are subject to change.

SPED 730 Characteristics, Methods, and Assessment: Introduction to Struggling Learners & Students With High-Incidence Disabilities

This introductory course examines characteristics, assessment, and identification for students with high incidence disabilities and establishes frameworks for instruction, including UDL and MTSS. Explore educator roles, initial instructional/behavioral interventions, and tiered planning and implementation.

SPED 741 Methods and Assessment: Literacy Interventions for Struggling Learners & Students With High-Incidence Disabilities

Develop skill with assessment tools and systems within tiered frameworks to determine literacy intervention intensity. Learn evidence-based reading and writing approaches and curricula designed for students with disabilities and struggling learners.

SPED 743 Methods: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Behavior Support, and Classroom Management

Use problem-solving frameworks to conduct FBA, collect/analyze data, and design positive behavior supports. Address pro-social behavior in classrooms and whole-school contexts, and implement strategies across home, school, and community.

SPED 775 Practicum With Exceptional Children & Youth – High Incidence (Teacher Track Only)

Apply learning in authentic school settings through intensive, supervised field experiences with children and youth with disabilities. Practice real-world strategies and document impact. See practicum requirements.

SPED 841 Advanced Methods & Assessment: Learning Strategy & Content Mastery for Struggling Learners & Students With High-Incidence Disabilities

Design content-area supports in grades 4-12, including assessment of curricular demands, progress monitoring, tiered supports and accommodations, alternative grading, and explicit/strategic instruction to improve outcomes in math, social studies, science, and language arts.

SPED 843 Advanced Methods and Assessment: Strategies for Students’ Significant Behavior, Social & Emotional Needs

Study evidence-based prevention and intervention for antisocial, aggressive, disruptive, and internalizing behaviors. Address crisis response, longer-term problem solving, classroom/school-wide interventions, and ethical/legal considerations.

SPED 854 Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education

Build effective collaboration with families, paraeducators, general educators, and related service providers. Implement mandates, ensure instructional accountability, coordinate paraeducators, plan interdisciplinary teams, and address multicultural considerations across home, school, and community.

SPED 856 Transition Education and Services From Childhood Through Adulthood

Explore IDEA transition requirements, assessment, curriculum implications, and collaborative services that support career development and successful transitions from middle school through adulthood.

SPED 875 Advanced Practicum With Exceptional Children & Youth (Teacher Track Only)

Integrate and implement advanced methods and supports in supervised PK-12 settings. Engage in intensive fieldwork in clinical, residential, and educational environments. See practicum requirements.

EPSY 715 Understanding Research in Education

Gain foundational knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods, historical and descriptive research, and program evaluation to critically analyze education research.

SPED 898 Master’s Project

Create an online portfolio demonstrating professional growth with artifacts and reflections. Conclude with a recorded presentation and faculty committee review.

C&T 709 Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction (Non-Teacher Track Only)

Study core concepts of curriculum and instruction, including theories, planning models, decision-making resources, trends, and research.

C&T 807 Multicultural Education (Non-Teacher Track Only)

Examine multicultural education and its implications for curriculum and instruction, including legal issues and evaluation of materials for bias. Field experiences are part of this course.

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

Two female teaching professionals discuss teaching lessons at a table.

Advance inclusion for students with high incidence disabilities

Students with high incidence disabilities deserve equitable access to rigorous content, supportive learning environments, and educators who understand how to remove barriers. Without specialized preparation, students can face persistent academic and behavioral challenges that limit opportunity. KU offers multiple pathways to build your expertise:

The master’s degree provides comprehensive preparation for high-impact roles in special education
The licensure endorsement offers specialized credentials for teachers seeking an added high incidence endorsement

Each pathway empowers you to create inclusive, high-expectation classrooms and support systems grounded in UDL and MTSS.

“KU’s high incidence program really helped me to target my students with learning disabilities and language-based disabilities.”

Sydney C., M.S.E. in Special Education: High Incidence Disabilities ‘20; Graduate Certificate: Autism Spectrum Disorders

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.

Schedule a Call

Send an Email

Application Instructions

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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

Application Deadline

January 6

Spring 2026 Term

Jan

Next Start

January 20

Spring 2026 Term

Sources

Retrieved on August 13, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317