Get the best autism education for your students, community, and career.

100%

97%

of alumni recommend the program²

83%

of alumni report salary increases²

of alumni have used what they’ve learned²

The University of Kansas offers two pathways to advance your expertise in autism: an online master’s in autism* and an online graduate certificate**.

Both programs are 100% online, with no GRE required.

With three start dates per year and affordable tuition, KU empowers you to choose the pathway and pace that best suits your goals.

Advanced graduate degree with 36 credits

Requires an undergraduate degree for admission

$21,420 total tuition

Complete in about two years

Prepares you for leadership and advocacy roles

Specialized training with 15 credits

For a wide audience, including non-teachers and parents

$8,925 total tuition

Complete in 8-10 months

Focused on foundational skills and knowledge

* Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in special education with an emphasis in autism

** Graduate certificate in autism

KU’s M.S.E. program goes beyond foundational knowledge, offering an in-depth exploration of autism tailored to current educators and service professionals.

• Comprehensive curriculum: 12 courses (36 credit hours) completed in as few as 2 years.
• Customizable learning: Choose electives in Behavior, Leadership, or Secondary/Transition to align with your career needs.
• Practical application: Gain real-world experience through a field-based practicum.
• No GRE required: Admissions are streamlined, so you can focus on what matters—your passion for helping all students thrive.

• Implementation and evaluation
• Student support and development
• Collaboration with families/caregivers

• Behavior
• Leadership
• Secondary/Transition

• Direct roles with students
• Leadership and administration roles
• Curriculum development roles
• Specialized education roles

36%

16%

$400K

average salary increase for KU alumni three years after graduation³

more earnings on average for educators with a master’s degree than those with a bachelor’s degree⁴

additional lifetime earnings for elementary and middle school teachers with a master’s degree⁵

Designed for efficiency and focus, this certificate equips you with actionable skills in less than a year.

• Fast completion: 15 credit hours completed in 8–10 months.
• Practical insights: Apply what you learn immediately in your work with students.
• Your M.S.E. pathway: Transition into KU’s master’s program anytime to expand your expertise further.

“KU’s online master’s program has challenged me academically and pushed me to understand evidence-based practices in the field of autism. I highly encourage others to pursue a master's program at KU.”

—Janine G., M.S.E. in Autism, ‘22

Our programs serve professionals and advocates across disciplines, including:

• Speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and school social workers.
• Parents and caregivers
• Juvenile justice employees, city leaders, and medical professionals
• International educators
• Current teachers/educators across all educational levels

“This is the place to be if you want to build a caring community, feel truly knowledgeable, and have a solid foundation in education.”

—Sydney C., Graduate Certificate in autism, ‘20

MAY

19

Application Deadline

Summer 2025 Term

JUNE

2

Next Start

Summer 2025 Term

Start making a difference today. Whether you’re ready to earn your master’s or begin with a graduate certificate, KU is here to support your journey toward empowering students with autism.

At KU, you’ll gain more than an education—you’ll acquire the tools to make meaningful change.

Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree or a certificate, KU’s online programs provide the flexibility and rigor to transform your career—and your community.

Source

1. Retrieved on January 21, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-OEDU0797/education
2. Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Services online programs in education from graduating cohorts between 2019 and 2022.
3. Based on a limited sample of self-reported data from alumni of the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Services online programs in education from graduating cohorts between 2019 and 2021.
4. Retrieved on January 21, 2025, from bls.gov/careeroutlook/2024/data-on-display/education-pays.htm
5. Retrieved on January 21, 2025, from cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/collegepayoff2021

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