MA in Special Education

WCU - Master of Arts in Special Education - Hero

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

Offered as: Education Licensure, Master's

Degree: Master of Arts in Special Education

Licensure: Special Education Licensure

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

Offered as: Education Licensure, Master's

Degree: Master of Arts in Special Education

Licensure: Special Education Licensure

The Master’s in Special Education at Western Colorado University equips passionate educators with the skills to meet the needs of students with diverse learning abilities. This flexible, online Master’s degree in special education is designed for those ready to make a real difference in education, offering hands-on learning, adaptable schedules, and a supportive community of faculty and peers.

At Western, we focus on practical, impactful learning that directly translates to the classroom. Our students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty, and opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world settings. Our online master’s in special education with licensure program stays current with educational trends and policies, so you’ll graduate ready to meet the evolving needs of students and schools.

Whether seeking initial special education certification in Colorado or looking to deepen your expertise, Western’s Master’s in Special Education empowers you to create inclusive, adaptive learning environments that promote student success and open doors to rewarding careers in special education.

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.

Not sure where to start?

Use this tool to help you find your place in the MA in Special Education program.

I have...

a Bachelor's degree and want to teach Special Education.

Special Education Licensure

If you have a Bachelor’s degree, our programs will prepare you for an initial licensure administered by the Colorado Department of Education within your first year of our graduate program.

A state-given teaching license is more than a certification; it’s a mark of trust, indicating that an educator has met rigorous standards and is equipped to handle the diverse needs of students in public and private schools. It enhances job security, as licensed teachers are in high demand, and provides access to better salary opportunities, benefits, and professional growth. Licensed teachers also gain greater mobility across districts and states, creating flexible career paths. Ultimately, a teaching license empowers educators to make a meaningful impact while fostering respect and credibility within the profession.

Special Education Licensure (27 credits)

Code	Title	Credits
EDUC 611	Strategies for Teaching Students with Exceptionalities	3
EDUC 612	Assessment and Programming	3
EDUC 614	Inclusivity with Collaboration	3
EDUC 615	Student Teaching for Students with Exceptionalities (Can be taken twice for credit)	3
EDUC 630	Inclusivity in the Content Areas	3
EDUC 631	Inclusive Methods and Strategies for Literacy	3
EDUC 632	Overview of Special Services	3
EDUC 633	Differential Literacy Assessment	3
Total Credits		27*

*For pre-licensed candidates seeking an added endorsement, the credit requirements are 24.

Special Education Added Endorsement

For those who have already earned a teaching license from another institution and seek a Master’s degree with CDE-approved added endorsements, be sure to consider an added Special Education Endorsement from Western.

The Special Education endorsement will help you to work more effectively with students who have Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). This endorsement is available to currently licensed teachers who would like to teach special education students.

Students who pursue initial licensure at Western in Special Education are not required to take any additional courses for this endorsement.

If you received your initial teacher preparation in a content area other than Special Education or at an institution other than Western Colorado University, you would complete the 24-credit endorsement plan through the MA in Special Education program, including the following courses:

Special Education Added Endorsement (24 credits)

Course	Credits
EDUC 611: Strategies for Teaching Students with Exceptionalities	3
EDUC 612: Assessment and Programming	3
EDUC 614: Inclusivity with Collaboration	3
EDUC 615: Student Teaching for Students with Exceptionalities *Initial Licensure students must take this in both fall and spring terms.	3
EDUC 630: Inclusivity in the Content Areas	3
EDUC 631: Inclusive Methods and Strategies for Literacy	3
EDUC 632: Overview of Special Services	3
EDUC 633: Differential Literacy Assessment	3

Alternative Special Education Licensure Program

Western’s Alternative Licensure pathways are tailored for individuals who are already employed in teaching positions but lack formal licensure. These programs allow candidates to teach under an alternative license while completing the necessary coursework to obtain full licensure, providing a practical route for career changers or those entering the teaching profession through non-traditional means.

Alternative Licensure + MA in Special Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Master's

Early Childhood Professional Certificate

The Early Childhood Professional Certificate is designed to prepare students to work with young children (birth to age eight in a variety of settings). This 9-credit certificate provides the coursework for students wishing to become Early Childhood Teacher Qualified. Students who wish to work in licensed early childhood care and education programs may complete the sequence of courses for the Early Childhood Professional Certificate.

The certificate enables students to meet the educational qualifications established by the Colorado’s Department of Early Childhood. Please note that additional experience hours may be necessary for full qualification.

Early Childhood Professional Certificate

Available as: Certificate

General Studies + Teacher Licensure

Available as: Education Licensure, Major

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*	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

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

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 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.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

We are so excited about your interest in applying to the Master of Arts in Special Education! Please take a moment to review the requirements and deadlines before accessing the application.

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Scholarships & Financial Aid

MA in Education Financial Aid

Western’s MA in Special Education program 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 various sources, including personal savings, loans, scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships. Learn more ways to offset these costs through financial aid opportunities.

Learn More

Child Development
Classroom Management
Communication
Disability Awareness
Early Intervention
Individualized Education Programs
Collaboration
Universal Design for Learning

Adapted Physical Education Specialist
Special Education Coordinator/Administrator
Special Education Teacher
Specialized Instructional Support
Paraprofessional

education@western.edu

Crawford Hall 118
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81230

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Common Questions

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Special Education Licensure

Special Education Licensure (27 credits)

Special Education Added Endorsement

Special Education Added Endorsement (24 credits)

Alternative Special Education Licensure Program

Alternative Licensure + MA in Special Education

Early Childhood Professional Certificate

Early Childhood Professional Certificate

General Studies + Teacher Licensure

Application Deadlines

MA in Education Financial Aid

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