Secondary Licensure + MA in Education

A high school classroom working on their school work.

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

Our Secondary Licensure program is designed for individuals who are ready to teach middle and high school students. This program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to education, combining online coursework with practical, hands-on teaching experiences. Candidates typically focus on specific subject areas such as math, science, English, or social studies.

The program includes educational theory, classroom management, and pedagogical strategies, along with a significant student teaching component that allows participants to gain real-world experience in a classroom setting. Students receive mentorship from experienced educators throughout their training, helping them to develop their teaching skills and adapt to diverse learning environments.

Western Colorado University also emphasizes a commitment to community and cultural relevance in education, preparing future teachers to address the unique needs of their students. Upon successful completion of their first two semesters, students are eligible to apply for a Secondary Licensure administered by the Colorado Department of Education, enabling them to make a positive impact in local schools and advance their careers. After licensure completion, Secondary Licensure students can then earn their MA in Education by completing the remainder of required coursework and credits.

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.

Secondary Licensure to MA in Education Pathway

In the first year of their studies, Secondary Licensure + MA in Education students will prepare to earn their licensures from the Colorado Department of Education.

Content areas of teaching licensure refer to the specific subjects that educators are qualified to teach in schools. These areas encompass a wide range of disciplines, including mathematics, science, English language arts, social studies, foreign languages, and the arts, among others. Each content area requires educators to have a deep understanding of the subject matter, as well as effective teaching strategies to engage students and promote learning.

Following licensure completion, Western students can then complete their Master of Arts in Education with optional added endorsements and concentrations.

Currently Offered Content Areas of Licensure:

Agriculture & Natural Resources
Business/Marketing
English Language Arts
Family & Consumer Sciences
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Technology Education

After completing their Secondary Licensure, students can pursue an added endorsement through the Colorado Department of Education or a concentration area through Western. The state grants added endorsements to licensed teachers who meet the required coursework and training provided by the university.

In Colorado, these state-issued endorsements allow educators to expand their qualifications, specialize in additional subject areas, and teach beyond their initial licensure. This added expertise enhances their professional development and adaptability in the classroom.

Currently offered Endorsements and Concentrations:

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

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

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.

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.

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

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