Online master’s in secondary special education and transition
#1 Online Master’s in Special Education
in the nation1
Research-Based
Program designed by leaders in the field that leverages faculty expertise and the BEACH Center Transition Coalition resources
Positive adult life outcomes for youth with disabilities start here. The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences will prepare you to provide effective transition services through the online master’s in secondary special education and transition.* This program is designed to:
- Apply effective transition models and programs within educational settings as a transition specialist
- Implement evidence-based secondary transition practices that can ensure students have the skills, experiences and support systems in place to transition seamlessly to positive post-school outcomes
- Understand interagency collaboration, systems change efforts in transition services, and state-of-the-art practices designed to support individuals with disabilities in community employment, living, socialization, community participation and other areas of adult life
Enrolling in the Secondary Education and Transition Master’s program was one of the wisest decisions that I have ever made. I have been a Transition Coordinator for about 10 years, but once I enrolled in this program, I learned so much more. I have been able to—during the program and up to today—elevate the transition program at our school district.
The end of high school is an important period of transition for all students. Students with disabilities are entitled to transition supports and services to help them as they enter the work world, enroll in post-secondary employment and become active members of their communities.
Transition Coalition and the Beach Center on Disability
KU's excellence and expertise in transition is reflected in the on-campus Beach Center on Disability, an internationally acclaimed research and support center that hosts the Transition Coalition. For nearly two decades, the Transition Coalition has provided training and support to practitioners who support students in transition. Faculty members who teach in the online master’s in secondary special education and transition program are actively involved with both the center and the coalition, as well as national and international transition research and service.
Program Details
- 10 courses, 8 weeks per course, 30 credit hours
- Complete in as few as 2 years
- Opportunity to apply practical approaches grounded in pedagogical theory through interactions with children and youth in your own community
- No. 1 online Master’s in Special Education in the nation1
- Learn from renowned faculty in a department that has set the standard in the practice of special education for over 50 years
- Complete your coursework anytime, anywhere, through our innovative online format
- No GRE required for admission
- First Division on Career Development on Transition (DCDT) accredited program in the nation; only one of two DCDT accredited programs in the nation.
While obtaining your secondary special education degree online, you will complete coursework in career development, work-based learning, transition assessment, interagency services and collaboration, and strengthening family partnerships. Your studies will culminate in a master's project that will not only demonstrate your knowledge of the transition standards and competencies identified by the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division of Career Development and Transition, but will also showcase, through an electronic portfolio, your ability to implement research-based practices highlighted in the literature.
For more detailed information on the topics covered in this program, view the course listings.
The online master's in secondary special education and transition program at KU will prepare you to succeed in positions both inside and outside of PK-12 education settings. If you are a licensed educator, this program will support you as a special education teacher or advisor at the secondary level in public or private schools. Your skills and experience could lead to a transition services-related position within a school district or a state or national government agency. Or you could put what you've learned to work in a community agency or institute of higher education.
Master’s in Secondary Special Education and Transition Course Descriptions
The KU online Master's in Secondary Special Education and Transition equips education professionals with the skills to transition students and young adults to adult life. If this interests you, please read the topics and course descriptions available to you below. All courses listed are worth 3 credits.
Please note: Course list and sequence are subject to change.
Core courses
SPED 856 - TRANSITION EDUCATION AND SERVICES FROM CHILDHOOD THROUGH ADULTHOOD
SPED 858 - ASSESSMENT FOR TRANSITION PLANNING
EPSY 715 - UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH IN EDUCATION
SPED 857 - CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUTH
SPED 861 - BLENDING ACADEMICS AND TRANSITION
View Full Description
SPED 862 - WORK-BASED LEARNING
SPED 863 - STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY
View Full Description
SPED 859 - INTERAGENCY SERVICES FOR TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD
ELECTIVE
SPED 898 MASTER'S PROJECT
*This program is an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in special education with an emphasis in secondary special education and transition. 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.
Important dates
- Retrieved on February 7, 2023 from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317