Transform lives through special education excellence
Advance your impact with the #2-ranked online master's in special education program in the nation.1
For more than 50 years, the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences has pioneered research-based approaches to special education, preparing passionate educators to become leaders and advocates for students with diverse learning needs.
Whether you're a licensed teacher seeking advancement, a professional working with diverse populations, or an advocate passionate about inclusive education, our flexible online programs provide the expertise you need to make a lasting difference.
A program for every perspective
Special education touches many lives in different ways. Whether you're a teacher seeking to better serve diverse learners, a parent advocating for your child with autism, an autistic adult looking to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity, or a healthcare professional working to advance autism awareness in your community–KU's special education programs welcome your unique perspective.
Our inclusive approach brings together educators, advocates, and individuals with lived experience, creating a rich learning environment where every voice contributes to better outcomes for students with disabilities.
Choose your path in special education
Whether you're seeking career advancement or specialized expertise, KU offers flexible pathways to meet your goals. Choose from comprehensive master's degrees (30-36 credits); focused graduate certificates (12-15 credits) completed in under a year; or a high incidence disabilities licensure endorsement for licensed teachers.
Stack your credits to elevate your expertise
Join a legacy of excellence
KU’s commitment to exceptional special education training has earned it recognition as the No. 2-ranked online special education master's in the nation.1 This reputation is also reflected in KU graduates' success, 97% of whom recommend the special education master’s programs to colleagues.2 Accreditation by premier educational organizations and strong partnerships with leading research institutes and school districts ensure that your education meets the highest standards in the field.
Why choose KU's special education programs?
Learn from pioneers in educational research
KU’s professors bring decades of classroom experience combined with cutting-edge research expertise, ensuring you learn both proven strategies and emerging innovations. Access world-class research and the latest developments in the field through KU's renowned research centers, including:
- Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART)
- Center for Research on Learning (KUCRL)
- Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL)
- Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI)
Transform theory into practice from day one
KU's special education curriculum bridges the gap between research and real-world application. Through interactive case studies, virtual learning tools, and practical assignments, you'll develop skills you can implement in your classroom immediately. Our experienced faculty provide personalized feedback to help you adapt strategies for your specific teaching context.
- Interactive case studies based on real classroom scenarios
- Virtual learning tools and specialized platforms
- Practical assignments you can implement immediately
- Personalized feedback from experienced practitioners
Flexibility designed for working professionals
Complete coursework on your schedule through our mobile friendly Canvas platform, featuring:
- Asynchronous classes with 24/7 access to course materials
- Small cohorts for personalized attention and meaningful connection
- Direct communication with expert faculty
- "Flash mentoring" opportunities with alumni
Meet Program Director, Dr. Irma Brasseur-Hock
Director for the Online Teacher Education Programs and Teaching Professor, Department of Special Education; Assistant Research Professor, Center for Research on Learning
Get to know the online program director, Dr. Irma Brasseur-Hock, Ph.D., who brings over 20 years of classroom experience and groundbreaking research in adolescent literacy to KU's special education programs. Dr. Brasseur-Hock shares insights about our flexible online format, practical application focus, and how KU transforms educators into leaders who make lasting impacts on students' lives.
“Prepare to be open-minded and be ready to be transformed in ways that you may have never thought that you could.”
Research spotlight: Pioneering virtual reality in special education
KU continues to push boundaries in special education technology. Led by Dr. Sean Smith, a member of the online special education master’s faculty, researchers recently secured a $2.5 million grant to enhance their groundbreaking virtual reality system with artificial intelligence. The Increasing Knowledge and Natural Opportunities With Social Emotional Competence (iKNOW) project builds on KU's successful virtual reality opportunities to integrate social skills (VOISS) platform, which helps students with autism practice and improve social skills in virtual school environments. This innovative system combines virtual reality, AI, and real student voices to create natural, low-pressure learning experiences, exemplifying KU's commitment to developing practical solutions that transform lives.
Special education online master’s programs
Autism
Program highlights:
- Learn from faculty who actively shape autism research and policy
- Engage with the latest developments from KU's Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training
- Apply evidence-based practices through interactive case studies
- Collaborate with diverse professionals across healthcare, education, and advocacy
Perfect For:
- Special education teachers
- Speech pathologists
- Occupational therapists
- Behavioral counselors
- Parents and caregivers
- Healthcare professionals
- Educational advocates
Master’s degree
Certificate
High incidence disabilities
Key Focus Areas:
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Individual Education Program (IEP) development
- Evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies
- General education teachers transitioning to special education
- Current special education teachers seeking advancement
- Educational diagnosticians
- Intervention specialists
- Paraprofessionals pursuing career growth
- Learning specialists
- Resource room teachers
Master’s degree
Endorsement
Secondary special education and transition
Program Distinctions:
- Earn eligibility for National Certification in Transition Services
- Access research opportunities through the KU Center on Disabilities
- Engage with pioneering projects like My Transition My Career and CIRCLES
- Learn from faculty who lead national transition research initiatives
- Transition specialists
- Career counselors
- Vocational rehabilitation specialists
- Secondary special education teachers
- Job coaches
- Post-secondary program coordinators
- Community integration specialists
Master’s degree
Certificate
Leadership in special and inclusive education
Program Focus:
- Navigate special education law and policy implementation
- Develop strategies for overcoming systemic barriers
- Lead inclusive education initiatives
- Create sustainable change in educational systems
- Apply research-based advocacy approaches
Ideal For:
- School administrators
- Program directors
- Educational policymakers
- Special education coordinators
- Parent advocates
- Social justice activists
- Educational consultants
Certificate
KU Student Story
Kevin F., Student, Battalion Operations Officer, Kansas Army National Guard
Kevin is a married father of four children, one of whom has autism. In addition to working full-time for the Kansas Army National Guard, Kevin completed his autism certificate in 2022 and is currently working toward an autism MSE.
KU’s recognition as the #14 Best Online Masters in Education Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report underscores its quality and support for military personnel like Kevin who are pursuing advanced education while serving their country.1
It's hard not to talk about how distinguished the program is, and that isn't just an empty statement. You read it in the syllabus, you experience how strong the coursework is, and it’s very rewarding. No regrets at all!
Experience innovative online learning that works
At KU, online learning goes far beyond recorded lectures. Our cutting-edge virtual learning environment combines flexibility with powerful interactive tools designed specifically for special education:
- Engage with persona-based case studies featuring multimedia elements that bring real student scenarios to life
- Access comprehensive student profiles including IEPs, work samples, and family interviews
- Collaborate with peers through video discussions and small group projects
- Track your progress through an innovative competency-based portfolio system
- Apply learning immediately through practical assignments tailored to your current role
Our custom-built virtual learning platforms simulate real school environments, allowing you to practice decision-making and intervention strategies in low-stakes settings. Through tools like our interactive case studies, you'll develop and refine your skills in prevention, learning design, and evidence-based interventions.
Take the next step in your educational journey
Special education is more than a career path–it's a calling to make a profound difference in students' lives. At KU, you'll join a community of passionate advocates who understand that every small victory matters, whether it's helping a student master a new skill, empowering a family with resources, or breaking down systemic barriers to inclusive education. KU graduates become transformative forces in their schools and communities, equipped with the expertise and confidence to champion every student's potential.
Ready to begin your journey? Connect with an admissions outreach advisor to learn how KU's special education programs can help you make a lasting impact.
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- Retrieved on April 7, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
- Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Services online programs in education from graduating cohorts between 2019 and 2024.