Special Education

Streamline your journey toward a Master's in Special Education.

This accelerated program enables students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education within five years. The program is structured as follows:

Years 1–3: Undergraduate Studies

Undergraduate Studies: Students focus on completing their core courses. Additionally, students undertake general education requirements and electives to fulfill the bachelor’s degree criteria.

Year 4: Licensure Preparation

Licensure Preparation: Students engage in special education-focused coursework in the fourth year and begin their clinical residency. This residency involves collaborative teaching experiences, allowing students to apply pedagogical knowledge in real educational settings. Successful completion prepares the student for the application of initial teacher licensure in Colorado.

Year 5: Graduate Studies

The final year is dedicated to advanced education courses, leading to completion of the Master of Arts in Special Education.

Academic Opportunities

• 

  Education – Residency

  Students gain real-world experience through student teaching, building connections and making an impact in the community.

  Read More

Special Education Requirements

Accelerated Degree

Licensure

Accelerated Degree programs let students earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. After an accelerated undergraduate study, students begin graduate courses, saving time and money. This fast-track option builds skills and experience, helping students start their careers sooner.

A licensure complements a degree and is awarded by entities other than Western. Often awarded by the state for teaching, it is a public and professional assurance that state teaching standards are met and the student is prepared to teach.

After Undergraduate Core Classes

After you have completed the undergraduate portion of your coursework, you apply for the teaching placement and the graduate program. Learn more about application requirements, scholarships, and more.

Licensure and Graduate Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

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

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

1

Top Skills

Child development
Classroom and behavior management
Communication
Disability awareness
Early intervention
Individual Education Programs
Collaboration
Universal Design for Learning

2

Career Pathways

Adapted physical education specialist
Special education coordinator/administrator
Special education teacher
Specialized instructional support
Paraprofessional

Latest News

• 

  Western Graduate Students, Faculty Member Receive Distinguished Achievement Award

  Recipients conducting important research in four disciplines Western Colorado University’s School of Graduate Studies is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Achievement…

  Read More
• 

  First-generation Western student Georgia Grana beats the odds

  “I hope that someday I can be a positive influence on my students.” Georgia Grana knows better than most that being the first isn’t always…

  Read More
• 

  Lacie Wise Earns Education Department’s Exceptional Resident Award

  Born and raised in Gunnison, Colorado Lacie Wise graduated with honors from Western Colorado University with a Bachelor’s degree in History with teacher licensure and…

  Read More
• 

  Leadership and Experiential Learning Projects at Western

  Leadership and experiential learning projects are one of the core components of the Western Colorado University experience. With program-specific clubs, on-campus events, off-campus trips, and…

  Read More
• 

  Western Among Best Colleges that Offer Hands-on Learning Experiences

  Colleges that offer hands-on learning experiences give students the opportunity to practice their field of study in an immersive, exciting way. At Western Colorado University,…

  Read More
• 

  Inaugural Disability Film Festival opens this week in virtual format Hosted by Western Colorado University’s Education and Communication Arts Programs

  With nine films by filmmakers spanning four continents, Western Colorado University this week launches its inaugural Disability Film Festival—with a three-hour program airing virtually on…

  Read More
• 

  New partnership helps Red Rocks Community College students earn accelerated master’s degrees

  Western Colorado University (Western) and Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) today launch Elevated and Accelerated, a cross-institutional degree track that enables RRCC students—after taking the…

  Read More

Faculty & Staff

Mandy Baur

Coordinator of Educator Preparation and Licensing Officer

Brooke Hanks, MA

Senior Lecturer, Graduate Program Director, Elementary Licensure Program Coordinator, Reading Specialist Program Coordinator, and Chair

Leia Henaghan, MEd, BCBA

Lecturer and Special Education Clinical Coach

Marilyn Krill

Executive Assistant in Education

Mandi Leigh, EdD

Assistant Professor of Education, MA in Education Program Coordinator, and Chair Elect

Casey Richardson, PhD

Assistant Professor of Education and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Program Coordinator

Alexandra Van Zandt, MEd

Lecturer, Special Education Clinical Coach, and Special Education Program Coordinator

Education Department

Department Chair

• Brooke Hanks

• Senior Lecturer, Graduate Program Director, Elementary Licensure Program Coordinator, Reading Specialist Program Coordinator, and Chair

Administrative Assistant

• Marilyn Krill

• Executive Assistant in Education

Contact Information

970.943.2030

mkrill@western.edu

Contact Location

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