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Master's Programs
Master of Arts in Teaching, Social Studies (License)
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: MA License
Classroom Type: On campus
Prepares individuals to teach in diverse middle and high school classrooms and expand students' worldviews, support a global perspective, and deepen critical thinking and analysis skills. Features a residency program perfected and proven through almost 30 years of ongoing work with partner schools.
Application​ deadlines
Fall Semester
Priority: April 1
Final: June 30
Program Details
Interest Categories: Cultural Diversity & Global Perspectives Education & Counseling Public Administration & Policy
Campus: CU Denver
University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Teaching (MAT) with a Secondary Social Studies (7 - 12) teaching license expertly prepares you to teach social studies in diverse middle and high school classrooms in as little as a year. Social studies taught with a global and critical perspective expands students’ worldviews and their capacity for critical thinking and analysis. Learning from dedicated teachers and award-winning faculty in a residency program perfected and proven through almost 30 years of ongoing work with partner schools make our program – and our graduates – stand out. Our goal is to help you have a transformative impact on student learning, creativity and achievement, while also supporting you as an innovator in your school and professional networks.
Students in this concentration will:
- Learn to plan assessment-informed social studies instruction for educational excellence and equity for all children from diverse racial, ethnic, language, socio-economic and ability backgrounds.
- Explore linguistically and culturally relevant history teaching practices.
- Develop deep understanding of the diverse ways children learn and develop within their families and communities and in schools; and gain skills to bring a relevant and engaging social studies curriculum to your standards-based teaching.
Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development
As one of the top education schools in the country, we’re proud to help people like you become teachers. At CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development, you will 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 support their own development as culturally competent individuals and teachers, light a fire for social justice, and allow them to give their best to every student, every day. The School of Education & Human Development is consistently 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’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities and the world.
Why the Master of Arts in Teaching, Social Studies (License) program at CU Denver?
Proven and Perfected Residency Program
Our graduates' level of preparedness is equivalent to that of a more experienced and confident teacher. That's because at CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development, you don't just learn from anyone, you learn from the best. Further, because of our urban location and emphasis on teaching in diverse contexts, our graduates are ready to lead – and make a difference – in any classroom.
Join One of the Top Education Schools in the Country
You will 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.
Launch Your New Teaching Career Quickly
Our program offers different start times and program lengths to accommodate your personal obligations. In fact, it's possible to complete our program in as little as one year.
Earn up to $40,000 in Stipends and Grants
School of Education & Human Development staff will work with you to qualify and access existing state and federal dollars to help pay for the three semester MAT program. Let us help you determine if full funding is possible.
Sample Courses
- EDFN 5010 - Social Foundations & Cultural Diversity in Urban Ed 3 credits
- UEDU 5040 - Planning for Learning 3 credits
- UEDU 5464 - Social Studies Methods 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:18 months
Required Credits for Completion:39
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.