Alert: The Plaza Building will remain closed through Jan. 20, 2025.
The Plaza Building will remain closed through Jan. 20, 2025. The Health Center is operating in a modified capacity. Call 303-615-9999 for appointment information during operating hours. Reminder, the Health Center is closed for the winter break Dec. 24 - Jan. 1.
Learn More
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education (License)
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: MA License
Classroom Type: Fully Online Online and on campus classes
Prepares individuals who wish to support early childhood special education teachers or teach young children (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary) with developmental disabilities, while partnering with their families and communities. This program is offered in on-campus, hybrid, or fully online formats.
Application​ deadlines
Rolling Admission
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Social & Behavioral Sciences
Campus: CU Denver Online
What you'll learn
The University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Early Childhood Education with an Early Childhood Special Education license prepares individuals who wish to support early childhood special teachers or teach young children with developmental disabilities while partnering with their families and communities. This program is offered on-campus, hybrid or fully online. If you are interested in teaching infants, toddlers, preschoolers and students with disabilities in the early grades in elementary school, this is the program for you. The program emphasizes inclusive, family-centered practices, culturally sustaining teaching and a curriculum that is inspired by the potential of all children and families.
We prepare highly competent professionals who are leaders and advocates known for embracing the whole child in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse settings.
Our highly ranked and flexible ECE programs of study feature personalized support that will reach you wherever you are – throughout Colorado or around the world. Our master’s plus ECSE licensure students learn how to use evidence-based strategies that enhance the learning outcomes of young children. Students receive specialized training in instruction, assessment, family involvement and positive behavior support
The School of Education & Human Development is regularly ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” experiences by U.S. News & World Report. Your experience will include high levels of support, faculty and institutional expertise in engagement in online learning, and practice-based experiences with young children.
CU Denver is committed to increasing the number of highly qualified and well-compensated early professionals in the field. We offer ECE scholarships and vast learning and development opportunities to support early childhood teachers and leaders.
Graduates of this program have fulfilled all the requirements for the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) license to teach children with disabilities (early childhood special education), birth through age eight, and the Colorado Human Services director qualification requirements to lead and direct early childhood public and private programs.
Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development
The School of Education & Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver attracts students who are passionate about careers in education. We match their passion with an education that is rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches and real-world practice. Our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities and the world.
Sample Courses
- ECED 5060 - Working with Families and Communities 3 credits
- ECED 6100 - Medical and Physiological Aspects of Development 3 credits
- ECED 5080 - Language and Literacy in Young Children 3 credits
- ECED 5070 - Social Competence and Classroom Supports 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:3 to 4 years
Required Credits for Completion:42
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
We practice "rolling admission" and after your application is complete, we strive to notify you of your admission status in no more than two to three weeks.
The following deadlines are firm, early submissions are encouraged.
Fall Semester: June 30
Spring Semester: November 1
Summer Semester: April 30
Application Requirements
- 2 recommendation letters
- Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
- If applying for an endorsement, proof of teaching license or special services license is required
- Resume/CV
- Written Statement: Describe your interest in the program, your special strengths, and the goals you hope to achieve through your work in the program
- $50.00 application fee
- International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)
Admissions Interview: An interview may be required as part of the admissions process. If so, applicants will be contacted with more details.
For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303-315-6300.
ECE Educator Scholarships
ECE Educator Scholarships, administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education in collaboration with Colorado Department of Early Childhood, are designed for early childhood education students living in Colorado who are pursuing dedicated coursework, certificates and degrees up to a master’s degree. Awards vary dependent upon credit hours of enrollment and program. All eligible students receive some funding.