Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education Generalist (License)

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: MA License

Classroom Type: On campus

Prepares individuals to teach students of varying abilities in diverse elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, using an assets-based approach. Graduates are equipped to identify and champion the strengths and assets of children with differing abilities, helping meet a critical need.

Application​ deadlines

Summer Semester: February 15

Fall Semester: April 1

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Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Social & Behavioral Sciences

Campus: CU Denver

Accreditation: Colorado Department of Education (CDE), The Council for Exceptional Children

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.

Sample Courses

  • EDFN 5010 - Social Foundations & Cultural Diversity in Urban Ed3 credits
  • SPED 5780 - Literacy Interventions in Special Education3 credits
  • SPED 5151 - Slashing Stigmas: Promoting Positive Behavior3 credits
Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:2 years

Required Credits for Completion:51

Admission Requirements

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.)

Application Support

Our friends at TEACH Colorado have free tools and resources to make applying to our program—and becoming a classroom teacher—easier! Create an account today and immediately access:

  • An interactive application checklist to keep you on track.
  • $100 fee reimbursement towards application and testing expenses.
  • 1-on-1 expert advice for any question along the way.
  • How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing and finances.
  • A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition.

Sign up today!

For more information, please contact:

School of Education & Human Development
Office of Recruitment and Outreach
education@ucdenver.edu
303.315.6300

Additional Information

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

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