The Master of Arts in Special Education prepares students to be inspiring, transformative, self-aware, and effective, evidence-based K-12 special education professionals. Aligned with the Colorado Department of Education standards, the licensure program is designed to prepare students to teach in rural or urban Colorado or United States standards-based classrooms, through the integration of K-12 content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and knowledge of current challenges in the special education teaching profession.
The Master of Arts in Special Education includes multiple pathways for graduate students either seeking an initial licensure, added-endorsement if already licensed teachers, and alternative licensing for both non-licensed or already-licensed graduate students.
Special Education initial licensure candidates are either (1) traditional or paraprofessional residents working at least 24 hours per week with students who are receiving special education services or (2) alternative special educators working full-time with students who are receiving special education services.
Special Education added-endorsement candidates are already licensed teachers and are either (1) alternative fulltime teachers in special education or (2) adding their special education endorsement while maintaining their role as a general education teacher.
Western Education Department Mission Statement
Utilizing a practitioner-based, student centered approach to educator preparation, Western’s Education Department prepares effective, inclusive, reflective teachers and educational leaders.
Western Education Department Culture Statement
We are educational leaders who:
- Hold our students and other stakeholders as our priority;
- Value each other’s skills and expertise, and we ensure mutual respect for every team member’s strengths through open and honest communication;
- Are committed to ensuring equity and inclusivity;
- Are reflective and strive for continuous improvement, personal and professional satisfaction, and excellence;
- Are responsive to changes in the field and programmatic adjustments through thoughtful and deliberate decision making for positive impact;
- Foster a culture of respect and integrity.
Requirements for Full Admission to the MA in Special Education with Teacher Licensure
- Candidate must submit:
- Proof of fingerprint clearance and background check by state agency (initial licensure); OR copy of valid teaching license (added endorsement)
- Two professional recommendation forms
- Resume
- Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
- Personal statement
- Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the content area by passing Elementary Education – Mathematics #5903.
Additional Requirements for Alternative Teacher Licensure Candidates
- Secure a full-time teaching position in your endorsement area and submit your employment contract with your application.
- Submit Statement of Assurance to CDE after being admitted
For more information on the requirements of the Alternative Licensure program, see the Colorado Department of Education Alternative Teacher Program webpage.
Program Requirements
Special Education Licensure (24-27 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 600 | Foundations of Literacy Development | 3 |
| EDUC 601 | Methods and Strategies of Effective Reading Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 611 | Strategies for Teaching Students with Exceptionalities | 3 |
| EDUC 612 | Assessment and Programming | 3 |
| EDUC 614 | Inclusivity with Collaboration | 3 |
| EDUC 615 | Student Teaching for Students with Exceptionalities (Can be taken twice for credit) | 3 |
| EDUC 630 | Inclusivity in the Content Areas | 3 |
| EDUC 632 | Overview of Special Services | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Post-Licensure Coursework (3-6 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| One to two elective courses | 3-6 | |
| Content Area Learning | ||
| Reading and Writing Across the Content Areas | ||
| Rethinking Learning in the 21st Century | ||
| Methods and Strategies of Effective Writing Instruction | ||
| Methods and Strategies of Effective Mathematics Instruction | ||
| Managing to Differentiate | ||
| Pedagogies for English Learners | ||
| Inclusion and English Learners | ||
| Trauma -Informed and Behavior Strategies in Education | ||
| Shaping School Culture | ||
| Legal and Ethical Issues in Education | ||
| Resource Management in Education | ||
| Engaging External Stakeholders | ||
| Total Credits | 3-6 | |
Capstone Coursework (7 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 680 | Action Research for Educational Leaders | 4 |
| EDUC 693 | Conduct, Reflect, and Present Action Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 7 | |