Educational Administrator Licensure

Candidate must submit:

• Proof of fingerprint clearance and background check by state agency
• Two professional recommendation forms
• Resume
• Payment of university application fee
• Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
• Personal statement

Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the content area by:

• passing a Praxis Subject Assessment (Special Ed. and Elementary Ed. must pass the Praxis Subject Assessment for Elementary Education Content Knowledge #5001); OR
• a conferred degree in the content area; OR
• a content evaluation of 24 semester hours of transcripted college coursework.

Additional Requirements for Alternative Teacher Licensure Candidates

1. Secure a full-time teaching position in your endorsement area and submit your employment contract with your application.
2. Submit Statement of Assurance to CDE after being admitted

For more information on the requirements of the Alternative Licensure program, see the  Colorado Department of Education Alternative Teacher Program webpage.

Requirements for Full Admission to the MA in Education Program with Principal Licensure

Candidate must submit:

• Proof of fingerprint clearance and background check by state agency
• Two professional recommendation forms
• Letter from principal or HR office confirming employment as licensed teacher or counselor for two years upon starting the program (Note: This requirement does not apply to Alternative Principal Licensure Candidates.)
• Payment of university application fee
• Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
• Personal statement
• Statement of mentor principal support

Additional Requirements for Alternative Principal Authorization Candidates

1. Obtain a Statement of Eligibility from CDE.
2. Secure a full-time principal or assistant principal position.
3. Submit a letter from a mentor principal agreeing to act as your mentor for 1-2 hours/week for school year.

For more information on Alternative Authorization, see the Colorado Department of Education Alternative Principal Authorization webpage.

Requirements for Full Admission to the MA in Education, Educator Effectiveness Emphasis

To be successful in coursework in this emphasis, the candidate is a practicing teacher working in his or her own classroom while pursuing the program.

Candidate must submit:

• Copy of current teaching license
• Two professional recommendation forms
• Professional Resume
• Personal statement
• Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher

Provisional Admission to the MA in Education program

An applicant who does not meet the requirements for full admission to the Master of Arts in Education program may be required to submit additional materials in order to be considered for provisional admission upon the recommendation of the program director and approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies. These may include evidence of relevant professional experience, post-BA coursework, professional development, recommendations, and any other experience that demonstrates history of work, study, volunteering or other professional activity demonstrating potential to be a quality educator and successful graduate student.  The program director may request a phone interview with the applicant. A provisionally admitted student will have a maximum of one calendar year to complete any pre-requisite academic coursework. The program director or Dean of Graduate Studies may set additional timeline requirements.

International Students: see Graduate Academic Catalog section, Criteria for International Admission.

*Tuition cost for Educator Effectiveness emphasis will increase if student chooses to include more than 30 credits in this personalized degree plan.

Tuition cost is $404/credit. Additional fees apply to programs that include mentorship and teacher residency.

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.

View scholarships and financial aid

• 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.

A major is your primary field of study, focusing on a specific subject like biology or business. This differs from a degree, which is the overall qualification you earn (for example, a bachelor’s degree). Your major determines the specialized courses you will take in college. To complete your degree, a major must be paired with a minor.