Education Department

Education Department

Pursue your passion for education.

At Western Colorado University, our undergraduate education programs feature several paths. For those seeking a Secondary or K-12 Licensure in Education, you’ll choose from more than a dozen majors and take courses in your major discipline. When you reach your senior year, you’ll be matched with a mentor teacher to complete a year-long residency in a K-12 classroom anywhere in the world.

Those pursuing the Elementary Education Major will take more generalized teaching courses for the first three years and similarly embark on a year-long teaching residency. Our Elementary Education Major is the first and only university program in the state approved to meet the updated READ Act training requirement. All graduates from the program will meet the professional development requirements per Senate Bill 19-199.

Our MA in Education program is ranked among the top 10 most effective and top five most affordable online education degrees in the nation. In our program, 100% of students pass their licensing exams and 96% land full-time teaching positions. Western’s Education Department also offers early childhood teachers a Colorado teacher certification option. The Early Childhood Professional certificate will help you gain a holistic awareness of children’s needs at various developmental checkpoints.

No matter your path, our education programs ensure small classes, affordable tuition, and hands-on learning while giving you the tools you need for a rewarding career in various education-related fields.

MA in Education Programs

MA in Special Education Programs

Ready to Kickstart Your Career in Education?

Use this dropdown menu to help you find the right program tailored to your teaching goals.

I want..

to teach in a K-12 school.

Secondary Licensure Programs

A student seeking licensure as a middle or high school (grades 7-12) teacher must complete an appropriate academic major, all other University requirements, and the appropriate Secondary Licensure requirements.

Completion of Western’s licensure program makes a person eligible for an initial Colorado teaching license or added endorsement. The Colorado Department of Education is solely responsible for the processing and final approval of all Colorado teaching and administrative licenses and endorsements.

Early Childhood Professional Certificate

The Early Childhood Professional Certificate is designed to prepare students to work with young children (birth to age eight in a variety of settings). This 9-credit certificate provides the coursework for students wishing to become Early Childhood Teacher Qualified. Students who wish to work in licensed early childhood care and education programs may complete the sequence of courses for the Early Childhood Professional Certificate.

The certificate enables students to meet the educational qualifications established by the Colorado’s Department of Early Childhood. Please note that additional experience hours may be necessary for full qualification.

 

Special Education Licensure Programs

The Bachelor of Arts in Special Education is a specialized degree path that will prepare you to take on an exceptionally important role in K-12 school systems and provide support, encouragement, and a positive learning environment to students served in special education programs.

For student teachers ready to take the next step in their Special Education careers, we also offer a Master of Arts in Special Education.

Hands-On Opportunities

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

General Western Scholarships

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

“I used to think I was a music teacher; now I think I’m teaching life with music as a vehicle.”

James Divine

James Divine

Department News

Faculty & Staff

Education Department

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Crawford Hall 101
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231