Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Kansas offers an online master's in autism, which equips current educators and related service professionals with evidence-based strategies to support communication, behavior, social interaction, and learning for learners with autism.

Program Details

• The program is a 100% online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree in special education with an emphasis in autism.
• A bachelor's degree is required for admission.
• The program does not lead to initial or advanced licensure in special education.
• The program consists of 12 courses (36 credit hours) and can be completed in as few as two years.
• Courses are 8 weeks long, allowing for focused study.
• No GRE is required for admission.
• The program is accredited by CAEP, ensuring quality standards.

Elective Pathways

The program offers three elective pathways:

• Behavior: Develop knowledge to understand behavior function, conduct functional behavior assessments (FBA), and design function-based intervention plans.
• Leadership: Build capacity to lead inclusive special education programs, examining IDEA foundations, LRE, policy implementation, and practical leadership strategies.
• Secondary/Transition: Prepare adolescents and young adults with disabilities for life beyond high school, exploring assessment for transition planning, UDL-aligned access to academics, and collaboration that supports college, career, and community engagement.

Practicum Experience

The program includes a supervised, field-based practicum where students apply their learning in authentic settings. With faculty coaching and reflective feedback, students translate research into practice while supporting learners with autism in classrooms or community programs.

Course Descriptions

All courses are worth 3 credits. The program includes:

Core Courses

• SPED 760 Introduction to Autism
• SPED 785 Application of Assessment Information for Exceptional Children and Youth
• SPED 790 Methods for Learners With Higher-Functioning Autism
• SPED 800 Teaching Language and Communication Skills to Learners With Autism and Developmental Disabilities
• SPED 860 Education of Children and Youth With Disabilities: Autism
• 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 Options

• 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 858 Assessment for Transition Planning
• SPED 861 Blending Academics and Transition

Program Outcomes

The program empowers educators to create inclusive, high-expectation learning experiences grounded in evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared to design supportive environments, teach communication and social interaction, and collaborate with families and teams to promote meaningful participation for learners with autism.