Dear Prospective Student:

Photo: Earl Richardson

Thank you for your interest in graduate study at the University of Kansas (KU) Department of Special Education. The Department's graduate degree and graduate licensure programs prepare educators at various stages in their professional careers. We offer programs designed to meet the needs of beginning and advanced special education teachers, building principals, district-level leaders, teacher educators, and researchers. Specializations include a broad range of high- and low-incidence topics (e.g., autism, collaboration and inclusive education, early childhood intervention, families and disabilities, learning disabilities, policy development, positive behavior support, transition, teacher education, and instructional technology and online learning).

Our courses are offered at the Main Campus in Lawrence and at the Edwards Campus in Kansas City. Course locations vary based on specific program requirements, funded projects and periodic rotations.

This website provides information about our masters and doctoral programs, ongoing research and development projects, and other professional development opportunities. If you would like more specific information, please contact the Department's Admissions Coordinator Sherrie Saathoff at specialeduadm@ku.edu or (785) 864-0556. She can provide a wealth of additional information about specific programs and put potential students in communication with appropriate faculty. She also can arrange telephone conferences between potential students and faculty that facilitate discussion of long-term professional interests, career goals, our learning community, program emphases, and a wide array of resources available to full-time and part-time masters and doctoral students.

We look forward to hearing from you. Please contact me if I can answer questions or be of further assistance at chrisswt@ku.edu or (785) 864-0545.

With best regards,

Chriss Walther-Thomas, Ph.D.
Chair
Department of Special Education