Teaching - Special Education Generalist

MA License

CU Denver’s MA in Teaching (MAT) with the Special Education Generalist (5 - 21) teaching license prepares you to teach students of varying abilities in diverse elementary, middle and high school classrooms. If you feel passionate about identifying and championing the strengths and assets of children with differing abilities, CU Denver has the program to help you meet this critical need. You will learn from dedicated school-based teachers and award-winning faculty on campus. This program’s focus on inclusive classrooms and an assets-based approach will prepare you to support your students’ success.

The Program at a Glance

School: School of Education & Human Development Campus: CU Denver Classroom: On campus Recommended completion time: 1.5 to 2 years Credits required for completion: 51 Application deadline: Fall: April 1; Summer: February 15

The Details

What you'll learn

University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Teaching (MAT) with Special Education Generalist (5 - 21) teaching license prepares you to teach students of differing abilities in diverse elementary, middle and high school classrooms. This program may be completed in as little as two years. If you feel passionate about identifying and championing the strengths and assets of children with differing abilities, CU Denver has the program to help you meet this critical need. Learning from dedicated school-based teachers and award-winning faculty in a residency program perfected and proven across almost 30 years. This program’s focus on inclusive classrooms and an assets-based approach will prepare you to support your students’ success.

In this concentration, you will:

  • Help you be the special education professional that schools seek and children deserve.
  • Equip you with the most impactful and effective skills for leading inclusive classrooms and collaborating with professionals in the field and the community.
  • Prepare you to be an effective advocate for children and families who are seeking quality education for students.
  • Learn with a strengths-based approach to teaching that will prepare you to understand the strengths of every child in every family.
  • Promote educational excellence and equity for all children from diverse racial, ethnic, language, socio-economic and ability backgrounds.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development

As one of the top education schools in the country, we are proud to help people like you become teachers. At CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development, you’ll be surrounded by other committed, talented students who are determined to make a positive impact in the classroom. They are drawn to our program because they want a deeper level of preparedness –one that will allow them to give their best to every student, every day. The School of Education & Human Development is regularly ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” experiences by U.S. News & World Report. We match your passion for teaching with an education that is rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches and real-world practice. That is why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities and the world.

Program Curriculum

Admissions Requirements

Application Deadlines

Summer Semester: February 15

Fall Semester: April 1

Important steps to take before beginning the application process

Due to the rigorous nature of teacher preparation as guided by state and national accreditation standards, pre-planning steps are necessary before applying to the Teaching program. Please note that these steps must be taken and more time may be needed in order to meet specific deadlines. Phone or in person appointments with the department advisor are highly recommended in order to determine the best time for applicants to apply.

  1. Complete a transcript evaluation for content knowledge from your bachelor and/or masters. We must ensure that all candidates have appropriate and sufficient content knowledge related to the content they are planning to teach aligned with their identified teacher licensure area.
  2. Complete any outstanding prerequisite content courses that are needed per the transcript evaluation. You can still be taking courses in the term that you apply - courses must be finished by the time you start the program.
  3. Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment: To start your student teaching experience and obtain your license, you must pass a state-mandated content knowledge exam. We no longer require you to submit test results with your graduate application. Admitted students will receive additional instructions regarding these exams upon admission. 

Contact us to learn more about the application process at 303-315-6300 or education@ucdenver.edu.

Application requirements:

  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Candidates with a cumulative GPA below a 3.0 will be considered for provisional admission based on the overall strength of other required admission criteria.
  • 3 recommendation letters: Please provide your recommenders with the following guidelines to use when writing their letter:
    • As you write the recommendation letter for this applicant, please address the candidate’s knowledge and skills as they relate to collaboration with others, self-initiative, time management/organization, professionalism/maturity, and their overall potential to be an effective teacher working in diverse schools and communities.
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Short Constructed Response Essays
  • Attend an admissions interview. All individuals who submitted a complete application will receive an email with the interview invitation that contains all details approximately one week before the scheduled interview. During this group interview, prospective students participate in highly interactive group discussions and activities to further assess each applicant's readiness as well as aid in internship placement
  • International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency.)

Additional Requirements

We welcome applications from motivated individuals who have bachelor's degrees and a strong passion for education.

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