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.
Rita B. '20, M.S.E. in Transition

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.

View Admission Requirements

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

The purpose of this course is to provide a background in career development and transition education for persons with disabilities from middle school through adulthood. Emphasis is placed on IDEA requirements for transition services, career development and transition processes, transition services assessment, secondary special education curricular implications, career development and transition service needs, collaborative services in schools and communities to promote quality transition services, and issues and trends in transition education and services.

SPED 858 - ASSESSMENT FOR TRANSITION PLANNING

The purpose of this course is to provide students in the secondary/transition personnel preparation program a background and foundation for understanding and using assessment information. Emphasis is placed on understanding the various types of assessment alternatives in secondary special education assessment and programming (cognitive, personality, interests/preferences, aptitude, life skills and self-determination) and awareness of specific examples of each. Formal and informal assessment approaches are presented with advantages and disadvantages of each applied for various populations or individuals. Curriculum-based assessment is a major emphasis for ongoing instructional and transition planning. The knowledge base for the course content comes out of the areas of measurement in educational psychology, measurement of exceptionality, special education curriculum and instruction, and vocational rehabilitation.

EPSY 715 - UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH IN EDUCATION

This course introduces the concepts and skills involved in understanding and analyzing research in education and related areas. The course provides an overview of basic, general knowledge of various research methodologies. Students should expect to study much of this material in greater depth through additional course work before being fully prepared to conduct independent research. However, this course should enhance their ability to locate, read, comprehend and critically analyze research articles and reports. Topics in the course include quantitative and qualitative methods and designs, historical and descriptive research and program evaluation.

SPED 857 - CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUTH

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students in special education and related areas who are specializing in secondary school/transition programs with an overview of career development for youth with disabilities. Emphasis is placed upon theory and practice related to career development, work-based learning, and school and community vocational training models.

SPED 861 - BLENDING ACADEMICS AND TRANSITION

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students with research evidence of each of the components of universal design for learning within access to the general academic curriculum: multiple means of representation, expression and engagement.
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SPED 862 - WORK-BASED LEARNING

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students with models and strategies to develop and coordinate meaningful work experiences for youth with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for engaging with community businesses, developing and customizing jobs and supporting youth in the workplace.

SPED 863 - STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY

The purpose of this course is to provide graduate students in special education and related areas who are specializing in secondary school/transition programs with an overview of models and issues pertaining to school and community engagement for secondary age youth.

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SPED 859 - INTERAGENCY SERVICES FOR TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of interagency and community services and systems for adolescents and young adults with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on theory and practice related to interagency collaboration, systems change efforts in transition services, and state-of-the-art practices regarding supporting individuals with disabilities in community employment, living, socialization, community participation, and other areas of adult life.

ELECTIVE

Choose an elective from available courses that term.

SPED 898 MASTER'S PROJECT

The purpose of this independent study course is to provide students in the secondary/transition personnel preparation program an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of transition-related literature, resources and practices. Students will present a synthesis of empirical literature about a transition-related issue or topic (e.g. self-determination, interagency collaboration, etc.) and their unique online program portfolio. The online portfolio will document their mastery of specific competencies for secondary special educators/transition specialists.

*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. 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.

Important dates

APR
26
Application Deadline
April 26
Summer 2024 Term
MAY
06
Next Start
May 6
Summer 2024 Term
Sources