

Online Master's in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
#1 Online Master’s in Special Education
in the nation1
Renowned Faculty
The University of Kansas has been educating autism professionals for over 30 years
Choose Your Path
Behavior, Leadership and Secondary/Transition tracks are available
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which affects nearly one in 54 children in the U.S., impacts learning and development in unique ways.2 Special educators and related professionals who serve learners with ASD are trained to identify and apply evidence-based practices in accordance with students' strengths, interests, preferences and needs.
Put theory into practice.
The University of Kansas online ASD master’s program has really challenged me academically and pushed me to further understand the research surrounding 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 you to pursue a master's program at the University of Kansas and I hope your experience is as wonderful as mine has been.
The online autism education program is designed for current educators and related service professionals who need the skills and expertise to develop and implement programming for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This program prepares students to:
Understand and promote social skill development and interactions of learners with autismSelect, implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions for learners with ASDInteract with and support families of learners with Autism Spectrum DisorderStudents will advance their understanding of the characteristics of ASD and how it affects development, formal and informal assessment methods, instructional strategies, and effective teaching practices for both students who require intensive and highly individualized education and those who need less intensive supports and services.
The ASD Online Student Experience
Program Details
- 12 courses, 8 weeks per course, 36 credit hours
- Complete in as few as 2 years
- Learn from renowned faculty in a department that has set the standard in the research and practice of special education for over 50 years
- No. 1 online Master’s in Special Education in the nation1
- Complete your coursework anytime, anywhere through our innovative online format
- Gain real-world experience through an extensive field-based practicum during your program
- No GRE required for admission
In addition to your core curriculum, this program includes an intensive field-based practicum in your community, as well as a culminating project that demonstrates mastery of program competencies.
Choose from one of the following three elective tracks:
Behavior: Learn to conduct functional behavior assessments and design behavior intervention plans to support socially adaptive behavior for students with disabilities. Understand behavior function, factors that influence appropriate and inappropriate behavior, and function-based interventions.
Leadership: Understand the issues and trends related to administering special education programming for students with disabilities. Learn about the history of special education and past policy issues, current policy and practices (and criticisms of both), and develop a deep understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Secondary/Transition: Learn how to prepare secondary students and young adults with disabilities for the transition to post-secondary education, employment and meaningful community engagement.
For more detailed information on the topics covered in this program, view the course listings.
Graduates of the online master’s in autism spectrum disorder program serve as special educators, autism specialists, or behavior specialists at the local or state level. Outside of education, they may choose to utilize their knowledge by working with Applied Behavior Analysis clinics or pursue work as a therapist in specialty areas, which may include occupational therapists, speech language pathologists or therapists, or art therapists.
"I would recommend the KU online programs to teachers, parents of students with autism, or related service providers. I think it’s a great way to really help others and help yourself be current with all issues relating to teaching students with autism. I was working full time and I was able to do the coursework at night or on weekends. It didn't feel like a burden. What I learned enhanced everything I was already doing at work. I was able to tailor many of the projects to current students.”
Kim Goldsmith ‘17, M.S.E. in Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorder
*This program is an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in special education with an emphasis in autism spectrum disorder. It does not lead to initial nor advanced licensure in special education in the state of Kansas.
Note: In order to enroll in this program, a bachelor's degree is required. No program can guarantee licensure. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary to his or her career goals. Our department staff and licensure officer can provide individual support during the application process to help you understand your state’s requirements.
Online Master's in Autism Spectrum Disorder 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 SPECTRUM DISORDER
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SPED 785: APPLICATION OF ASSESSMENT INFORMATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH
SPED 790: METHODS FOR LEARNERS WITH HIGHER-FUNCTIONING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
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SPED 800: TEACHING LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS TO LEARNERS WITH AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
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SPED 860: EDUCATION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
SPED 854: FAMILY AND INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
EPSY 715: UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH IN EDUCATION
SPED 871: ADVANCED PRACTICUM WITH EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN NEEDING AN AUTISM SPECTRUM CURRICULUM
SPED 898: MASTER'S PROJECT
Practicum Electives
The Behavior Track
SPED 743: FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT, POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT AND CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
SPED 843: ADVANCED METHODS AND ASSESSMENT: STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
ELECTIVE
The Leadership Track
SPED 756: SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
SPED 757: HISTORY, CONTEXT AND CRITIQUE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
SPED 758: APPROPRIATE EDUCATION AND LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT
The Secondary/Transition Track
SPED 856: TRANSITION EDUCATION AND SERVICES FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD
SPED 858: ASSESSMENT FOR TRANSITION PLANNING
SPED 861: BLENDING ACADEMICS AND TRANSITION
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Important dates
- Retrieved on November 1, 2021, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
- Retrieved on November 1, 2021, from cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html