Why Choose Us

Inside J.R. Pearson Hall at the Main Campus in Lawrence, KS

The Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas offers graduate programs and professional development opportunities for participants who are committed to positive educational outcomes and the improvement of the quality of life for people with disabilities. The University of Kansas has one of the most comprehensive programs in the country and students receive the opportunity to work with notable names in special education. Since the 1970s, the Department has ranked among the top graduate programs for special education in the country. U.S. News and World Report in their annual edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools" places Kansas as the top public graduate school in the field.

Currently KU faculty associated with the Department manage more than $59 million in state, federal, and foundation grant awards that support research, teacher education, and professional development. Collaboration with inter- and intra-university units, area schools, and other educational agencies helps maintain the quality of the program. The Department is affiliated with nationally known research and direct-service Centers including the Center for Research on Learning, the Beach Center on Disability, the Schiefelbusch Life Span Institute and the Juniper Gardens Children’s Project.

KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.

Operations of the Department take place on both the Main Campus in Lawrence and the Edwards Campus in Overland Park. Both campuses are located in dynamic communities that offer students a variety of leisure activities as well as superior training opportunities. Dual locations allow faculty and students to reach a broad spectrum of educational settings—inner-city, suburban and rural schools—and services for practicum, demonstration, research and teaching.

Over time the Department has prepared hundreds of doctoral-level professionals and thousands of teachers. KU special education research has influenced classroom practice in areas such as academic and behavioral interventions, school to adult life transition, self-determination and technology in teacher education.

KU faculty, staff, students and alumni take pride in their contributions to special education research and practice. Collectively, this work has changed the lives of millions of children and adults with disabilities through field-based research, development of innovative evidence-based practices, policy development, professional preparation, and collaboration with families. The Special Education community at the University of Kansas values this tradition and is dedicated to preserving the excellence of those that have made our program one of the best in the nation.