Alternative Licensure + MA in Special Education

Student teacher, Cristian Aguilar, helping a student with classwork.

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

Offered as: Master's, Education Licensure

Degree: Master of Arts in Special Education

Licensure: Teacher Licensure

Related Areas of Study: Alternative Licensure + MA in Education, Special Education

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

Offered as: Master's, Education Licensure

Degree: Master of Arts in Special Education

Licensure: Teacher Licensure

Related Areas of Study: Alternative Licensure + MA in Education, Special Education

Western Colorado University’s Master of Arts in Special Education with Alternative Teacher Licensure is a dynamic, practice-based program designed for aspiring educators who are ready to make an immediate impact in classrooms. Tailored for individuals who have secured full-time teaching positions in Colorado schools, the program allows candidates to earn their teaching license while teaching under an Alternative License granted by the Colorado Department of Education. Through a blend of online coursework and weekly mentorship, participants gain the skills and knowledge needed to support diverse learners, including those with exceptionalities, in inclusive educational settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and aligns with Colorado’s P–12 Academic Standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the needs of all students.

Building on the licensure year, candidates can pursue an additional 10–13 graduate credits to earn the full Master of Arts in Special Education. This advanced degree deepens expertise in areas such as differentiated instruction, inclusive assessment, and collaborative teaching strategies. With a flexible, fully online format and personalized support from experienced faculty, the program accommodates working professionals seeking to advance their careers. Graduates emerge as self-aware, effective educators equipped to foster equitable learning environments in both rural and urban communities. Western’s commitment to inclusive education and its strong mentorship model make this program an ideal pathway for those dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs.

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.

CDE Alternative License Information

Alternative Licensure to MA in Special Education Pathway

In the first year of their studies, Alternative Licensure + MA in Special Education students will prepare to pursue their licensures from the Colorado Department of Education while working in a Colorado school.

Each of our asynchronous, online courses has been built to match four sets of teacher preparation standards in the state of Colorado: Colorado Special Education Generalist Standards, Special Education Professionalism Standards, Culturally-Linguistically Diverse Teacher Standards and the Teacher Quality Standards.

In addition to coursework, you will complete a master’s capstone project and create a special education milestone electronic teaching portfolio.

Our program provides a yearlong-residency model complete with a coaching team both locally, in the resident’s K-12 school and district, regionally for initial licensure students and through Western with a clinical coach.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Teacher Licensure/Alternative Teacher Licensure + MA in Special Education:

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.

Application Deadlines

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, including Added Endorsements
- MA in Education, Educator Effectiveness (MAEE), including Added Endorsements

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Program Information

Term	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	15	$353.60	$73.40	$2,021.00	$8,426.00
Year 1: Spring	12	$353.60	$73.40		$5,124.00
Program Total	27				$13,550.00

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
$63.00 Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee
$6.50 Library Fee
$3.90 IT Services Fee

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00
Student Teaching Fee: $985.00 per semester for student teaching (EDUC 615)

Term	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 2: Fall	3-6	$353.60	$73.40	$6,159.00
Year 2: Spring	7	$353.60	$73.40	$5,124.00
Program Total	10-13			$4,268.2-$5,547.40

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
$63.00 Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee
$6.50 Library Fee
$3.90 IT Services Fee

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

Term	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	13	$353.60	$73.40	$1,035.00	$6,586.00
Year 1: Spring	11	$353.60	$73.40		$4,697.00
Program Total	24				$11,283.00

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
$63.00 Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee
$6.50 Library Fee
$3.90 IT Services Fee

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00
One-Time Student Teaching Fee: $985.00 for 3 credit hours of EDUC 615

Need help understanding your pathway toward a teaching license?

TEACH Colorado can help you navigate your program options and offers financial aid scholarships as well as reimbursement for your application fees!

TEACH Colorado is a statewide partnership among school districts, universities, and other educator preparation programs with the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree. It focuses on a specific area of study and provides specialized knowledge and skills. This differs from a concentration, which is a more focused area within the master’s program. Your concentration determines the specialized courses you take, shaping your expertise in a particular field. To complete a master’s degree, students must fulfill core coursework, elective requirements, and often a final project, thesis, or practicum.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

We are so excited about your interest in the MA in Special Education! Before accessing the application, please review the requirements and deadlines.

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Scholarships & Financial Aid

MA in Special Education Scholarships

Western’s MA in Special Education offers scholarships and financial aid to support students pursuing advanced education degrees.

Learn More

Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate students at Western receive financial support from a variety of sources, including personal savings, loans, scholarships, fellowships and graduate assistantships. Learn more ways to offset these costs through financial aid opportunities.

Learn More

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