Online master’s in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
No. 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
Focus on your areas of expertise
Elective offerings in Behavior, Leadership, and Secondary/Transition are available.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects nearly 1 in 36 8-year-old children2
The more we learn about autism, the more we realize how it impacts learning and development in unique ways—especially in the classroom. Recognizing that no two students with ASD are alike, we at the University of Kansas emphasize that the training their educators receive should be as diverse as the students themselves.
For current educators and related service professionals working with students with ASD, the online master’s in autism spectrum disorder is designed to sow empathy, efficiency, and empowerment into your work.
Master’s students 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. By learning more about students who require intensive and highly individualized education, and those who need less intensive support and services, we can assure that each person with autism spectrum disorder has the opportunity to reach their full potential, improve their quality of life, and participate in all aspects of citizenship.
Put theory into practice.
The online master’s in autism spectrum disorder program fully prepares students to:
- Understand and promote social skill development and interactions of learners with autism
- Select, implement, and evaluate evidence-based interventions for ASD
- Interact with and support families of learners with ASD
The University of Kansas online master’s in autism spectrum disorder 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.
Shape Your Master’s with Elective Choices
Dive deep with the online master’s in autism spectrum disorder. Our program is both intense and comprehensive, offering a robust foundation in behavioral analysis. To further customize your learning experience—based on your personal career goals and interests—you'll select from a variety of electives. These electives include:
- Behavior: Understand and support appropriate behaviors in learners with ASD.
- Leadership: Prepare for leadership roles within a school or district setting.
- Secondary Special Education and Transition: Equip students with skills to transition to adult life.
By offering a diverse set of electives, we empower you to create a master’s experience that truly aligns with your goals and expertise.
The ASD online student experience
Important dates
Online master’s in ASD
Online master’s in ASD
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
What you'll learn
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 the following electives:
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.
Career outcomes
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. What I learned enhanced everything I was already doing at work.”
Kim G. ‘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.
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. Visit soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures for more information
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
Elective Courses
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
SPED 756: SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
SPED 757: HISTORY, CONTEXT AND CRITIQUE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
SPED 758: APPROPRIATE EDUCATION AND LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT
SPED 856: TRANSITION EDUCATION AND SERVICES FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD
SPED 857: Career Development for Youth
SPED 858: ASSESSMENT FOR TRANSITION PLANNING
SPED 859: Intergency Services for Transition to Adulthood
SPED 861: BLENDING ACADEMICS AND TRANSITION
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SPED 863: Student Engagement in School and Community
Content & resources
Admissions requirements
Tuition information
Online experience
Featured articles
IMPORTANT DATES
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- Retrieved on February 27, 2023, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
- Retrieved on April 27, 2022, from cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html