Alternative Licensure + MA in Education

Student teacher, Taylor Martin, helping a group of students with an in class assignment.

Part of: MA in Education, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's

Degree: Master of Arts in Education

Licensure: Teacher Licensure

Part of: MA in Education, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's

Degree: Master of Arts in Education

Licensure: Teacher Licensure

If you have already secured a teaching job in a K-12 school, but are still seeking an initial licensure and master’s, be sure to consider our Alternative Licensure + MA program. This unique program allows already working professionals to pursue an initial licensure and continue on to earn their Master of Arts in Education.

The Alternative Teacher Licensure Program is designed for candidates who have secured a full-time teaching position in a Colorado K-12 school. With proof of employment, you’ll teach in your own classroom under an Alternative License (granted by CDE), complete online coursework, and meet with a mentor for at least one hour per week. Please note your current employment must be in the endorsement area you are seeking.

For more information about Colorado’s Alternative Licensure program, see the Colorado Department of Education’s Alternative Licensure webpage.

CDE Alternative License Information

Alternative Licensure to MA in Education Pathway

In the first year of their studies, Alternative Licensure + MA in Education students will prepare to pursue their licensures from the Colorado Department of Education while working in a Colorado K-12 school. Choosing a content area of licensure allows you to become an expert in your select subject field, enhancing the classroom experience for your prospective students.

Licensures are issued by the Colorado Department of Education. While Western’s curricula are designed to prepare students for licensure exams after their first two semesters, successful licensure is ultimately determined by the CDE and cannot be guaranteed.

Currently offered Content Areas of Licensure:

Agriculture & Natural Resources
Business/Marketing
Computer Science
Drama Theater Arts
English Language Arts
Family & Consumer Sciences
Health
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Science
Social Studies
Technology Education
Visual Arts
World Language

After earning your Alternative Licensure, Western Colorado University offers state-approved endorsement tracks to help you specialize in specific areas of education. These endorsements enhance your qualifications, support professional growth, and equip you to better meet the diverse needs of your students. By completing the necessary coursework and requirements, educators can expand their expertise and make a greater impact in the classroom. Additionally, teachers have the option to pursue a concentration through Western to further develop their skills and career opportunities.

Currently offered Endorsements and Concentrations:

Name	Available as
Reading Leadership/Specialist	Concentration and Endorsement (Optional added Reading Specialist Endorsement)
Curriculum & Instruction	Concentration
Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education	Endorsement
Special Education	Endorsement

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Proof of Fingerprint Background Check by state agency
- Create your lifetime Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) account through CDE: https://cool.randasolutions.com/Account/Logi
- Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with one of CBI’s approved fingerprinting vendors
  - IdentoGo service code: 25YQZV (most commonly used vendor)
    - For either Colorado or Out-of-State
    - For Colorado residents, choose the Digital Printing, NOT the mail-in card
    - For out-of-state applicants, choose the mail-in card
  - American Biodentity Inc./Colorado Fingerprinting service code: 6188EPPI
Proof of Fingerprint Background check can also be documented by submitting a copy of a current Substitute Teaching License
Payment of university application fee
Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 GPA or higher
Two prompt-based essays
Proof of knowledge of the content area by one of the following**
- Passing a Praxis Subject Assessment (Special Ed. and Elementary Ed must pass the Elementary Praxis – Three Subject Bundle #5901)
- A conferred degree in relevant content area
- A content evaluation of 24 semester hours of transcripted college coursework
Two professional letters of recommendation

**Please note that CDE requires its own content area check for licensing upon completion of the licensing program in May.

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 a Statement of Assurance to CDE after being admitted.

Proof of Fingerprint Background Check by state agency
- Create your lifetime Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) account through CDE: https://cool.randasolutions.com/Account/Logi
- Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with one of CBI’s approved fingerprinting vendors
  - IdentoGo service code: 25YQZV (most commonly used vendor)
    - For either Colorado or Out-of-State
    - For Colorado residents, choose the Digital Printing, NOT the mail-in card.
    - For out-of-state applicants, choose the mail-in card
  - American Biodentity Inc./Colorado Fingerprinting service code: 6188EPPI
Proof of Fingerprint Background check can also be documented by submitting a copy of a current Substitute Teaching License
Payment of university application fee
Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 GPA or higher
Two prompt-based essays
Proof of knowledge of the content area by one of the following**
- Passing a Praxis Subject Assessment (Special Ed. and Elementary Ed must pass the Elementary Praxis – Three Subject Bundle #5901)
- A conferred degree in relevant content area
- A content evaluation of 24 semester hours of transcripted college coursework
Two professional letters of recommendation

**Please note that CDE requires its own content area check for licensing upon completion of the licensing program in May.

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 a Statement of Assurance to CDE after being admitted.

March 15 – Priority Deadline in all programs to be considered for Education Department Scholarships
July 15 – Final deadline for application to all programs including:
- Teacher Licensure + MA in Education
- Principal Licensure + MA in Education
- Special Education Licensure + MA in Special Education
- MA in Education, Educator Effectiveness (MAEE) including Added Endorsements

Apply Now

Term	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	12	$353.60	$73.40	$50.00	$5,174.00
Year 1: Spring	10	$353.60	$73.40		$4,270.00
Year 2: Fall	9	$353.60	$73.40		$3,843.00
Program Total	31				$13,287.00