Program Details

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.