Return to: School of Education & Human Development

Return to: School of Education & Human Development  

Office: Lawrence Street Center, 701
Telephone: 303-315-6300
E-mail: academicservices@ucdenver.edu
Website: www.ucdenver.edu/education

The Special Education (SPED) program offers three options: an MA degree, an MA degree plus Special Education Generalist Endorsement, Ages 5-21  and an endorsement only.  The SPED program emphasizes the development of reflective practitioners through trans-disciplinary training, fosters reflective inquiry about teaching and learning, as well as the development of the skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessary to teach in elementary and secondary classrooms serving students with disAbilities.  Reflection and inquiry provide an informed and integrated basis for advocating for all learners.

The time needed to complete the various special education program options varies based on previous experience, coursework, and needs of students. In addition to traditional on-campus offerings, a wide selection of courses are available in online formats. During the academic year, core special education courses are typically scheduled in late afternoons and evenings to avoid conflict with teaching responsibilities. 

If you are NOT a teacher and are seeking an initial teaching license in Special Education, please see our Master of Arts in Teaching  program.

If you are interested in the Early Childhood Special Education Specialist (Birth-8 years) endorsement, please see the Early Childhood Special Education Specialist Endorsement  program.

MA SPED Degree, MA Degree + SPED Endorsement, and SPED Endorsement Only

 The Master of Arts (MA) in Special Education offers two degree paths:

1. MA in Special Education (Personalized Professional): The customizable 30 credit hour MA path provides the opportunity for you to tailor your coursework to your specific needs as an educator. Students have the flexibility to choose courses from across all SEHD programs for additional learning from the from the Thematic Course Categories list to allow for a more in-depth approach to the field. The Thematic Course Categories is a collection of courses across all SEHD disciplines designed to allow students to expand student learning. This MA does NOT lead to a license or an endorsement. 
2. MA plus endorsement: The MA plus endorsement allows students to complete an MA, and add a SPED Generalist Ages 5-21 endorsement to their current teaching license. Recommendation for endorsement is made by the SPED Program, but endorsement is granted by the State of Colorado. Individual State requirements vary and may include teaching experience and in addition to a valid teaching credential. Students should consult with the Colorado Department of Education or the state in which they wish to be endorsed for the most updated endorsement requirements.

Return to: School of Education & Human Development