Master of Arts in Special Education

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: MA

Classroom Type: Fully Online Online and on campus classes

Prepares licensed teachers to identify and champion the strengths and assets of children with differing abilities. Graduates are equipped with the most impactful and effective skills for leading inclusive classrooms and collaborating with professionals in the field and the community.

Application​ deadlines


Rolling Admission


Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Social & Behavioral Sciences

Campus: CU Denver

What you'll learn

University of Colorado Denver’s Master of Arts in Special Education prepares educators to deliver high-quality educational experiences for students with a range of emotional and learning needs, including gifted children. We strive to prepare compassionate leaders who are dedicated to social justice and excellence for all students and families. This degree equips you with the most impactful and effective skills for leading inclusive classrooms and collaborating with professionals in the field and the community.

At the University of Colorado Denver, you’ll learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty members who are known for developing innovative practices and designing research in literacy, language, social and emotional growth, gifted and talented learners, students with learning disabilities and building a diverse teacher workforce.

During the course of your studies, you will explore:

  • The nature of emotional/behavioral disabilities and learning disabilities
  • Collaboration with families, professionals and communities
  • Designing interventions for exceptional learners
  • Special adaptations for inclusive classrooms
  • Leadership in special education

Personalized Professional Master’s Degree™

This degree is part of CU Denver’s Personalized Professional Master’s Degree™. Join an innovative program that provides courses to deepen your expertise in the field of special education. At the same time, this Personalized Professional Master’s Degree allows you to customize your curriculum by selecting up to half of the credits of your program from courses outside your main area of focus according to your own needs and interests. Please discuss your course options with your academic advisor and your faculty advisor.

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 teaching. We match their passion 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.

Courses

Students who received their undergraduate degree and special education teaching license from CU Denver will work with faculty advisors to develop a customized SPED core.

Sample Courses

  • SPED 5000 - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 3 credits
  • SPED 5010 - Intentional Interventions for Exceptional Learners 3 credits
  • SPED 5300 - Family, Professional, and Community Collaboration 3 credits
  • SPED 5740 - Intersections of Literacy, Culture, & Exceptionality 3 credits
Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:2 to 4 years

Required Credits for Completion:30

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.

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