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Master of Arts in Education

B.A. in Elementary Education with Teacher Licensure; M.A. in Education (3+2)

Master of Arts in Education, Teacher Licensure

Degree Type

Accelerated Degree Programs

Department

Education Department

Teaching is about making a positive impact in the lives of students of all ages. If you’re passionate about pursuing a career in education, you can get a head start while saving time and money in Western’s accelerated degree program.

Program Overview

Education

Gain the knowledge and expertise you’ll need to advance your career in education.

The 3+2 Elementary Education with Teacher Licensure will allow you to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education in five years. The program provides a dynamic combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice to prepare you for a variety of academic environments after your time at Western.

In the program, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and either minor in any subject or complete at least 18 credits in a specified area of interest. You will then continue your education to earn an Elementary teaching license and pair it with a Master of Arts in Education emphasizing in Teacher Leadership, Reading Leadership or K-12 Online Leadership. In addition to your teaching license and M.A. in Education with an emphasis area, you may also earn one of several added endorsements to supplement your degree. These endorsements will enhance your teaching skills and prepare you to take on a variety of classroom environments both during your residency and after graduation.”

Western’s elementary education program is the first and only university program in state of Colorado that is approved as meeting the updated READ Act training requirement. Beginning in 2021-22, all graduates of Western’s elementary program will have met the professional development requirements per Senate Bill 19-199.

Enhance your own education and earn professional credit at Western’s Summer Teacher Institute.

Fast track your education

In the B.A. in Elementary Education and M.A. in Education 3+2 program, you’ll spend five years honing your pedagogy skills through engaging coursework and a student teaching residency in which you’ll lead a classroom under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher.

Program Requirements

At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.

Program Requirements

Students seeking Elementary Licensure in the 3+2 Elementary Education Program (grades K-6) must complete the interdisciplinary requirements of the Elementary Education Major, all other University requirements, and the Elementary Licensure requirements set forth by the Colorado Department of Education. 

Course List
Code Title Credits
Elementary Education Core Content:
MATH 140College Algebra (GT-MA1)3
MATH 221Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching I3
MATH 222Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching II3
MATH 323Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching III3
SCI 110Habitable Planet (with laboratory)4
SCI 111Nature of Science1
SCI 120Living Planet (with laboratory)4
SCI 210Dynamic Planet (with laboratory)4
Two of the following:6
ENG 150
Introduction to Literature (GT-AH2)
ENG 161
Introduction to Creative Writing (GT-AH1)
ENG 220
Grammar and the English Language
ENG 250
Critical Approaches to Literature
ENG 331
Literature and Ethnicity: Studies in:
ENG 334
Poetry: Studies in:
ENG 337
Women Writers
ENG 352
Children's Literature
Four of the following (courses must include at least 3 disciplines):12
ECON 201
Macroeconomics (GT-SS1)
ECON 202
Microeconomics
ECON 215
Environmental Economics
GEOG 120
Introduction to Human Geography (GT-SS2)
GEOG 250
Geography of North America (GT-SS2)
GEOG 351
Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean
HIST 100
Topics in World History (GT-HI1)
HIST 126
U.S. History to 1865 (GT-HI1)
HIST 127
U.S. History Since 1865 (GT-HI1)
HIST 200
Historical Inquiry
HIST 260
History of Latin America (GT-HI1)
HIST 327
Colorado History
HIST 349
History of the Hispanic Southwest
POLS 117
Introduction to Political Ideas (GT-SS1)
POLS 180
Introduction to American Politics (GT-SS1)
POLS 250
Politics of the Environment
Total Credits43

Specialization:

The Elementary Education Major requires students to take at least 18 credits in a specialized area of interest. The student may choose one of the following options:

Option 1 is to minor in any minor offered at Western Colorado University

Option 2 is to complete at least 18 credits in one of the Areas of Emphasis below:

Course List
Code Title Credits
Emphasis in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
Select six of the following:18
ART 325
Women Artists
ART 422
Native American Art of North America
ENG 151
Borderlands: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality
ENG 152
Women and Literature
ENG 331
Literature and Ethnicity: Studies in:
ENG 337
Women Writers
GEOG 351
Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean
HIST 254
History of Africa (GT-HI1)
HIST 260
History of Latin America (GT-HI1)
HIST 349
History of the Hispanic Southwest
HIST 350
Environmental History of the Borderlands
POLS 340
Politics of Social Movements
POLS 350
Human Rights
POLS 376
American Political Thought
SOC 101
Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3)
SOC 168
Social Problems
SOC 340
Social Movements
SOC 380
Social Inequalities
Total Credits18
Course List
Code Title Credits
Emphasis in Global Citizenship
Select six of the following:18
ANTH 107
Introduction to General Anthropology (GT-SS3)
ANTH 230
Cultural Anthropology (with laboratory)
COM 216
Dramatic Literature and Script Analysis
COM 274
Public Relations Communication
COM 352
Advanced Cinema Studies
ECON 303
International Economics and Globalization
ENG 358
Global Literatures: Studies In: Topic Variable
ENVS 100
Introduction to Environment and Sustainability (GT-SS2)
ENVS 350
U.S. and Western Environmental Politics
ENVS 430
Watersheds of the World
GEOG 110
World Regional Geography (GT-SS2)
GEOG 120
Introduction to Human Geography (GT-SS2)
GEOG 351
Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean
HIST 254
History of Africa (GT-HI1)
HIST 355
African History: Topics
POLS 260
Introduction to World Politics (GT-SS1)
POLS 340
Politics of Social Movements
POLS 355
The Global South
POLS 360
American Foreign Policy
SOC 101
Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3)
SOC 168
Social Problems
SOC 340
Social Movements
SOC 380
Social Inequalities
SPAN 101
Elementary Spanish I
SPAN 102
Elementary Spanish II
Total Credits18
Course List
Code Title Credits
Emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM)
Select six of the following:18
ART 119
Foundation Drawing I
ART 171
Foundation Design: Two-Dimensional
ART 172
Foundation Design: Three-Dimensional
BIOL 130
Environmental Biology (GT-SC2)
COM 119
Introduction to Film
COM 121
Introduction to Theatre (GT-AH1)
COM 235
Introduction to Acting
COM 264
Introduction to Media Production I
COM 346
Multimedia Communication
COM 390
Media Production: Documentary
CS 190
Computer Science I
EDUC 492
INDEPENDENT STUDY
ENGR 131
Introduction to Engineering Design
MATH 260
Applied Linear Algebra
A 300-level MATH course
PHYS 110
Introductory Astronomy (GT-SC2)
PHYS 120
Meteorology (GT-SC2)
PHYS 125
Energy and the Environment (GT-SC2)
Total Credits18

Required Education Coursework

The Elementary Licensure Program requires 42 credits of Education coursework and the Gateway course (including 6 credits of EDUC 619).

Pre-Residency Coursework:

Course List
Course List
Code Title Credits
EDUC 000 Education Gateway Course 0
EDUC 102 Learning & Teaching 3
EDUC 202 Education and Schooling in the U.S. 3
EDUC 210 Science Teaching Methods 3
EDUC 326 Equity, Diversity and Social Justice in Education 3
EDUC 340 Application of Pedagogy and Practice 3
Total Credits 15

4th year Residency Coursework:

Elementary Licensure Coursework to be taken year 4 of 3+2 Elementary Education MAED Program.

Course List
Code Title Credits
EDUC 405Data-driven Instructional Practices3
EDUC 408Teaching Writing with the Brain in Mind3
EDUC 600Foundations of Literacy Development3
EDUC 601Methods and Strategies of Effective Reading Instruction3
EDUC 604Learning Environments3
EDUC 613Methods and Strategies of Effective Mathematics Instruction3
EDUC 628Pedagogies for English Learners3
Six credits of the following:6
EDUC 619
Elementary Student Teaching
Total Credits27

The residency for Elementary Licensure must be completed in a K-6 classroom, where students are expected to work cooperatively 24 hours per week with qualified mentor teachers. During this year-long clinical residency, students are applying and extending the pedagogical knowledge that they are learning in their Education courses. The Elementary Licensure coursework and the post-licensure coursework are taught online. 

5th year Post-Licensure Coursework

Once accepted to the 3+2 Elementary Education MAED Program, students must declare their MA emphasis and the School of Graduate Studies will designate the student as an "MAED degree seeking student." Students in the Elementary Education 3+2 Program may choose an MA emphasis in K-12 Online Leadership, Teacher Leadership, Reading Leadership or endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. 

All Elementary Education 3+2 students will be required to take 3-6 credits of 600 level education electives. The only exception is Master of Arts in Education with Endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education which has a pre-determined 22 credit course series.

Elective Education Coursework to be taken year 5 of 3 + 2 Secondary and K-12 Education MAED Program:


Education with emphasis in K-12 Online Teacher Leadership, Master of Arts 

K-12 Online Teacher Leadership is defined as the work of an individual (an online-teacher leader) teaching online in a virtual school and/or in a blended K-12 learning environment (a) who knows federal and state policies related to online and blended teaching and learning; has advanced knowledge of the development, implementation, and evaluation of quality online teaching and instructional design and (b) who can work effectively with other online or blended instructional staff to meet the targeted learning needs of all students. The K-12 online teacher leader provides professional guidance and expertise to virtual or brick and mortar schools on effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment programs in relation to online and blended learning.

To earn the MA in Education with emphasis in K-12 Online Teacher Leadership, the candidate must successfully complete 43 graduate credits of education course work in conjunction with in-classroom/school practical experience. Already licensed teachers have the option of adding an endorsement in one of the licensure areas above during their first year of study. Successful completion of the K-12 Online Teacher Leadership emphasis will result in earning the MA degree. 

Course List
Code Title Credits
EDUC 621Creating Effective Online & Blended Learning Environments3
EDUC 622Using Data to Plan for Online & Blended Learning and Targeted Interventions3
EDUC 623Designing and Delivering Effective Online & Blended Instruction3
EDUC 680Research and Critical Inquiry for Leaders4
EDUC 693Capstone3
Total Credits16

In addition to the courses listed above, 3+2 candidates must take 6 credits of 600 level education electives, for a total of 22 credits. 

Education with emphasis in Reading Leadership, Master of Arts

Reading Leadership is defined as the work of an individual (a reading-leader) situated in the classroom or in a school or district-level position who has advanced knowledge of federal and state policies related to literacy; has deep understanding of the development, implementation, and evaluation of scientifically-based reading programs; and can work effectively with other instructional staff to meet the literacy needs of all students. The reading leader provides professional guidance and expertise to classroom teachers, school and/or district literacy curriculum, instruction, and assessment programs; and develops and conducts in-service programs related to literacy. 

To earn the MA in Education with emphasis in Reading Leadership, the candidate must successfully complete 43 graduate credits of education course work in conjunction with in-classroom/school practical experience.  Successful completion of the Reading Leadership emphasis will result in earning the MA degree. To be recommended for a Colorado Department of Education Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist endorsement, the candidate must also take one of the following: Reading Teacher Internship or Reading Specialist Internship.
 

Course List
Code Title Credits
EDUC 680Research and Critical Inquiry for Leaders4
EDUC 684Materials and Motivation for Reading2
EDUC 685Assessing, Evaluating, and Instructing At-risk and Struggling Readers3
EDUC 686Literacy Coaching and Mentoring2
EDUC 687School-Wide Comprehensive Literacy Program Development2
EDUC 693Capstone3
Total Credits16

Optional Coursework for Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist Endorsement:

Course List
Code Title Credits
EDUC 688Reading Teacher Internship3
EDUC 689Reading Specialist Internship3

For candidates not pursuing the Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist endorsement, 6 credits of 600 level education electives must be completed. 

Education with emphasis in Teacher Leadership, Master of Arts

Teacher Leadership is defined as the work of an individual (a teacher-leader) within a school who is regarded as an excellent educator; is well respected by peers; is recognized for his or her leadership capacity; holds a lifelong learning orientation; and has been identified to facilitate, advocate, and advance school reform and improvement of student learning. The work of a Teacher Leader is typically carried out through informal and formal venues and processes; for example, with teachers in their classrooms, district-level task forces, committee, and/or membership in district-level professional development projects. To earn the MA in Education with emphasis in Teacher Leadership, the candidate must successfully complete 43 graduate credits of education course work in conjunction with in-classroom/school practical experience. Already licensed teachers have the option of adding an endorsement in the licensure areas listed above during their first year of study. Successful completion of the Teacher Leadership emphasis will result in earning the MA degree. 
 

Course List
Code Title Credits
EDUC 632Overview of Special Services3
EDUC 669Formal and Informal Methods of Assessment3
EDUC 680Research and Critical Inquiry for Leaders4
EDUC 681Instructional Program Evaluation3
EDUC 682Shaping School Culture3
EDUC 693Capstone3
Total Credits19

In addition to the courses listed above, 3+2 Teacher Leadership candidates must take 3 credits of 600 level education electives.  

*EDUC 697 may only be taken upon instructor approval. Students interested in EDUC 697 must consult with the graduate advisor prior to enrolling in this course

Master of Arts in Education with Endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) teaching is defined as the work of an individual (a CLD Interventionist or CLD Teacher Leader) who serves as a liaison between various constituents accountable for meeting the needs of CLD learners in the school and community settings. This individual is aware of state, national and local cultural norms, legalities, and policies that impact student learning and the acquisition of English language proficiency. The CLD teacher has the ability to guide and support stakeholders associated with serving CLD learners to sustained high levels of productivity, collaboration, and achievement.

To earn the 3+2 MA in Education with an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, the candidate must successfully complete 43 graduate credits of education course work in conjunction with in-classroom/school practical experience. The candidate must be a licensed teacher and will be eligible to add a CLD endorsement at the conclusion of the following sequence of MA course work.

Course List
Code Title Credits
EDUC 614Inclusivity with Collaboration3
EDUC 616Language Acquisition for Linguistically Diverse Students3
EDUC 617Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency in the Content Area3
EDUC 618Linguistically Diverse Student Teaching3
EDUC 632Overview of Special Services3
EDUC 680Research and Critical Inquiry for Leaders4
EDUC 693Capstone3
Total Credits22
Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
EDUC 000 Education Gateway Course 0
HWTR 100 First Year Seminar 1
MATH 140 College Algebra (GT-MA1) 3
SCI 110 Habitable Planet (with laboratory) 4
EDUC 102 Learning & Teaching (GT-SS3) 3
ENG 102 Writing and Rhetoric I (GT-CO1) 3
Gen Ed Social Sciences 3
 Credits17
Spring
Gen Ed Social Sciences 3
SCI 120 Living Planet (with laboratory) 4
Gen Ed Social Sciences 3
ENG 103 Writing and Rhetoric II (GT-CO2) 3
Gen Ed Arts & Humanities 3
 Credits16
Year Two
Fall
MATH 221 Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching I 3
Elective Specialization Elective 3
Gen Ed Social Sciences 3
EDUC 202 Education and Schooling in the U.S. (GT-SS3) 3
Elective ENG Elective 3
SCI 111 Nature of Science 1
 Credits16
Spring
MATH 222 Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching II 3
SCI 210 Dynamic Planet (with laboratory) 4
Elective Specialization Elective 3
EDUC 210 Science Teaching Methods 3
Gen Ed Social Sciences 3
 Credits16
Year Three
Fall
Gen Ed Arts & Humanities 6
MATH 323 Foundations of Mathematics for Teaching III 3
Elective Specialization Elective 3
Elective Specialization Elective 3
 Credits15
Spring
Elective Specialization Elective 3
EDUC 326 Equity, Diversity and Social Justice in Education 3
Elective ENG Elective 3
EDUC 340 Application of Pedagogy and Practice 3
Elective Specialization Elective (upper divisional) 3
 Credits15
Year Four
Fall
EDUC 405 Data-driven Instructional Practices 3
EDUC 613 Methods and Strategies of Effective Mathematics Instruction 3
EDUC 600 Foundations of Literacy Development 3
EDUC 604 Learning Environments 3
EDUC 619 Elementary Student Teaching 3
 Credits15
Spring
EDUC 601 Methods and Strategies of Effective Reading Instruction 3
EDUC 628 Pedagogies for English Learners 3
EDUC 408 Teaching Writing with the Brain in Mind 3
EDUC 619 Elementary Student Teaching 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits122

Year 5
K-12 Online Teacher Leadership

Plan of Study Grid
Year Five
FallCredits
EDUC 621 Creating Effective Online & Blended Learning Environments 3
EDUC 622 Using Data to Plan for Online & Blended Learning and Targeted Interventions 3
EDUC 680 Research and Critical Inquiry for Leaders 4
 Credits10
Spring
EDUC 623 Designing and Delivering Effective Online & Blended Instruction 3
EDUC 693 Capstone 3
EDUC 6XX Elective 6
 Credits12
 Total Credits22

Reading Leadership

Plan of Study Grid
Year Five
FallCredits
EDUC 680 Research and Critical Inquiry for Leaders 4
EDUC 685 Assessing, Evaluating, and Instructing At-risk and Struggling Readers 3
EDUC 687 School-Wide Comprehensive Literacy Program Development 2
EDUC 6XX Elective 3
 Credits12
Spring
EDUC 684 Materials and Motivation for Reading 2
EDUC 686 Literacy Coaching and Mentoring 2
EDUC 693 Capstone 3
EDUC 6XX Elective (688 or 689 for endorsement) 3
 Credits10
 Total Credits22

Teacher Leadership

Plan of Study Grid
Year Five
FallCredits
EDUC 680 Research and Critical Inquiry for Leaders 4
EDUC 681 Instructional Program Evaluation 3
EDUC 682 Shaping School Culture 3
 Credits10
Spring
EDUC 632 Overview of Special Services 3
EDUC 669 Formal and Informal Methods of Assessment 3
EDUC 693 Capstone 3
EDUC 6XX Elective 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits22

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Scholarships

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your scholarships!

In 2019, the state of Colorado passed a bill that authorizes the Department of Higher Education to make payments on educational loans of teachers who are employed in a rural or hard-to-fill positions. The program will accept up to 100 applicants per years, and recipients will receive up to $5,000 per year for up to five years to help relieve their student loan debt. To learn more about this program, visit the Colorado Department of Higher Education website.

 

The Exceptional Resident Award is given to one undergraduate or graduate Education student, per year, who exhibit the following criteria:

  • Shows respect for differences and a commitment to serving all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, cognitive ability, gender, or sexuality.
  • Demonstrates a growth mindset in the face of challenges and responds constructively to feedback. Shows willingness to reflect upon practice.
    • Goes above and beyond to builds strong relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the local community. Is supportive and positive when interacting with others.
    • Exhibits curiosity and is innovative in lesson design and delivery.
    • Shows a willingness to try new things and to thoughtfully assess their effectiveness.
    • Demonstrates leadership by taking initiative to be part of the school team. For example, shares strategies and ideas learned in Western courses with mentor and other colleagues in a constructive manner.

Award:
• Recognition at graduation with a cord and reimbursement of up to $500 for travel expenses to attend graduation at Western
• Certificate presented at the placement school by the resident’s regional coordinator and/or clinical coach
• Recognition on Western’s Education Department website
• Scholarship of up to three graduate credits to be used towards completion of a master’s degree at Western

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your scholarships!

Alumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship

The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.

Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.

  • This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
  • Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
  • GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).

Due date has been extended to April 30 for 2024. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.

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Alumni Legacy Scholarship

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).

Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:

  • This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
  • Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
  • The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
  • The admission application fee is waived (a $30 value).
  • GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).

The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.

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Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship

The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.

Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).

  • Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
  • The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
  • The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.

The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.

For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.

For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.

Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.

For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.

Get Involved

Education

Expand your network and apply your knowledge.

There are so many ways that you can maximize your educational experience at Western. Take advantage of these opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

  • Community Partnerships: Many classes involve working with children and teachers in the various schools around the Gunnison Valley.
  • Future Educators of America: Students in this club engage in volunteer work and professional development opportunities along with other like-minded students.
  • Residency Year: Students may choose to student teach in an elementary (K-6) classroom anywhere in the world.

Making a difference

This 3+2 Accelerated Degree Program provides a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice to develop educators who are well-prepared to take on a variety of academic environments after their time at Western.

News & Research

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Lacie Wise Earns Education Department’s Exceptional Resident Award

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Special Education Master’s Focuses on Differences, Not Deficits

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Additional Resources

Tuition and Aid

For the first three years, students in either M.A. in Education 3+2 program pay undergraduate tuition and are eligible for undergraduate financial aid. The fourth year, students take a combination of …

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How It Works

Students apply to Western as a traditional undergraduate in the Elementary Education program. Students work with their advisor to make sure they are on track to transfer to the graduate program.

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Cost and Admissions

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Frequently Asked Questions

View a list of frequently asked questions answered by our knowledgeable faculty to familiarize yourself with what you can expect as an education student.

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Summer Licensure Orientation

Learn about our on-campus, in-person orientation experience geared toward helping you plan and prepare for your yearlong classroom residency.

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Optional Added Endorsements

See what options are available to help you enhance your degree and gain professional development through our variety of added endorsement programs.

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Residency Information

Know what to expect and how to prepare for your yearlong teaching residency experience.

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Initial Licensure Content Areas & Post-Licensure Added Endorsements

Western Colorado University is approved by the Colorado Department of Education to prepare students for licensure or added endorsement in the 24 content areas.

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Department Information

Education Department

Department Chair

Brooke Hanks, M.A.

Senior Lecturer

Contact Information

970.943.2030

khinze@western.edu

Campus Location

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

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