Graduate Initial License in Special Education With or Without MA
In this program students will complete the requirements to be recommended for the initial license as Special Education Generalist.
Students in the Special Education Initial Licensure Program are provided the experiences and academic support to learn how to meet the needs of all students with disabilities in the general and special education classroom. Students will be taught to focus on student strengths in order to support academic and social progress in inclusive environments. Coursework and practicum placements will be linked by assignments. These carefully planned assignments will allow students to practice their skills and develop techniques and materials that will lead to their successful development as teachers.
The initial licensure is a cohort model program that begins each fall. The program requires students to take each class in the semester as indicated on the initial licensure program planning form. Students must commit to completing these courses in sequence.
Students have the option of taking one course in the summer (SPED 5001) as unclassified students before they start the program.
The initial licensure program requires a significant amount of time spent working in the field. Applicants who anticipate problems in completing the 800 clock hour field experience courses of the program (one day a week practicum in the summer semester, and student teaching) should speak with a faculty member immediately in order to discuss their individual situation.
Applications and Admissions Requirements
Please visit our website for admissions information.
Exam Requirements
In order to receive an initial license or added endorsement students will need to complete the following exam(s):
• PRAXIS II Special Education Generalist #5354: Students must take this exam prior to student teaching or December 15th of the Professional Year - Teacher Candidates will NOT be allowed to student teach unless they have passed this exam.
• PRAXIS II Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects #5001: A minimum of 2 out of 4 subtests (reading, math, social studies, science) must be passed prior to student teaching or December 15th of the Professional Year - Teacher Candidates will NOT be allowed to student teach unless they have passed a minimum of 2 out of 4 subtests.
When registering to take the Praxis exam(s), students need to send their scores to UCCS (4874) and Colorado Department of Education (7040).
For more information, students should visit: www.ets.org/praxis
Students should take the exam(s) no later than the Fall semester before student teaching.
Course Requirements
Special Education Generalist Added Endorsement with or without MA
In this program students will complete the requirements to be recommended for the added endorsement as Special Education Generalist. The added endorsement is available to students who hold a valid Colorado teaching license in another discipline.
Students in the Special Education Added Endorsement program are provided the experiences and academic support to learn how to meet the needs of all students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Students will be taught to focus on student strengths in order to support academic and social progress in inclusive environments. Coursework and practicum placements will be linked by assignments. These carefully planned assignments will allow students to practice their skills and develop techniques and materials that will lead to their successful development as teachers.
The Added Endorsement program is a cohort model program that begins each fall. The program requires students to take each class in the semester as indicated on the Added Endorsement program planning form. Students must commit to completing these courses in sequence.
Students have the option of taking SPED 5001 in the summer as unclassified students before they start the program.
The Added Endorsement program requires students to participate in one field experience. Students can choose to complete this experience in the spring or summer semesters.
Graduate Added Endorsement Planning Form
Applications and Admissions Requirements
Please visit our website for admissions information.
Undergraduate Initial Licensure in Special Education
The College of Education and the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences (LAS) jointly offer the undergraduate special education licensure program. The LAS content area with licensure in special education requires approximately 124 semester hours of coursework. This degree combines a liberal arts education with a content focus and a comprehensive special education teacher licensure program. Students in the undergraduate SELP will receive a BA in one of the following five major:
- English
- Biology
- Geography
- Spanish
- History
Acceptance into the SELP requires a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, acceptance into the College of Letters of Arts & Sciences, and successful completion of the SELP application process.
Application and Admissions Requirements
Please visit our website for admissions information.
Course Requirements
