MA in Education

WCU Program: General Studies + Teacher Licensure

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

Offered as: Master's, Education Licensure

Degree: Master of Arts in Education

Related Areas of Study: Special Education

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

Offered as: Master's, Education Licensure

Degree: Master of Arts in Education

Related Areas of Study: Special Education

Authorized by the Colorado Department of Education, Western’s Licensure and MA in Education programs are ranked among the top ten most effective and top five most affordable online education degrees nationwide. These programs are designed for students and educators looking to advance their expertise in teaching, leadership, or administration.

Because we offer our master’s in education online, students can pursue specialized licensure in areas such as K-12 Education, Special Education, Principal, and more. By integrating theory with real-world practice, the program equips future educators with the skills needed to create positive change in diverse schooling environments.

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?

I have...

a teaching license.

Pre-Licensed Master’s Programs

For those who have already earned a teaching license from another institution and seek a master’s degree in teaching online with Principal Licensure or CDE-approved added endorsements, be sure to explore our Pre-Licensed MA programs. These pathways offer a blend of online coursework and in-classroom experiences, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for teaching roles upon completion.

Alternative Licensure Programs

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.

After their Alternative Licensure preparation is complete, students will then go on to pursue their chosen online education master’s degree programs from Western.

Alternative Licensure + MA in Education

Available as: Master's

Alternative Principal Licensure + MA in Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Master's

Alternative Licensure + MA in Special Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Master's

Initial Licensures

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. Western offers a variety of initial and secondary education licensures, each tailored to fit the needs of K-12, Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education students.

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.

Elementary Licensure + MA in Education

Available as: Master's

Secondary Licensure + MA in Education

Available as: Master's

K-12 Licensure + MA in Education

Available as: Master's

MA in Special Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Master's

Certificate & Adult Degree Completion Programs

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. This certificate can be completed as a standalone course from our master’s degree program in Education offerings.

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.

Folks interested in finishing their degrees while also completing licensure preparation can opt for Western’s Adult Degree Completion program.

Early Childhood Professional Certificate

Available as: Certificate

General Studies + Teacher Licensure

Available as: Education Licensure, Major

Why pursue an MA in Education?

Earning a Master of Arts in Education is a powerful step toward growing your impact in the classroom and unlocking new professional opportunities. Whether you’re looking to become a more effective teacher, move into leadership, or increase your earning potential, a graduate degree in education equips you with the skills, experience, and credentials to take your career further.

In the first year of your studies, our master’s degree for education prepares you for your licensure examination from the state of Colorado. Whether you want to teach elementary, middle, or high school, our curriculum is optimized so you can successfully lead your chosen age group.

When you receive your MA in Education online from Western, you’ll be able to explore bountiful career options as a teacher, school administrator, curriculum specialist, or instructional coordinator. You’ll be actively working in a school while pursuing your master’s, which helps you make connections and gain crucial classroom experience.

Teachers who have earned a master’s degree in education often earn more than those who only have a bachelor’s, which means you can potentially recoup the cost of your degree within a few years. In many districts, advanced degrees also open the door to promotions, leadership roles, and more stable long-term career paths.

From curriculum development to subject specializations, Western’s master’s degree in education will help you develop the abilities to become an effective educator through hands-on teaching experiences. Unlike other graduate degree programs in education, our students are uniquely placed in school systems with mentor teachers who help guide them through their academic and professional journeys.

Application

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.

Fingerprinting

Proof of fingerprint background check by state agency

Create your lifetime Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) account through CDE: https://cool.randasolutions.com/Account/Login
Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with one of CBI’s approved fingerprinting vendors
- IdentoGo service code: 25YQZV (most commonly used vendor)
  - - For Colorado residents, choose the Digital Printing, NOT the mail-in card.
    - For out-of-state applicants, choose the mail-in card
- American Biodentity Inc./Colorado Fingerprinting service code: 6188EPPI
Proof of fingerprint background check can also be documented by submitting a copy of a current Substitute Teaching License

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.

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 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.

Fingerprinting

Proof of fingerprint background check by state agency

Create your lifetime Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) account through CDE: https://cool.randasolutions.com/Account/Login
Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with one of CBI’s approved fingerprinting vendors
- IdentoGo service code: 25YQZV (most commonly used vendor)
  - - For Colorado residents, choose the Digital Printing, NOT the mail-in card.
    - For out-of-state applicants, choose the mail-in card
- American Biodentity Inc./Colorado Fingerprinting service code: 6188EPPI
Proof of fingerprint background check can also be documented by submitting a copy of a current Substitute Teaching License

University Requirements

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.

Alternative Teacher Licensure Candidates: Additional Requirements

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

Fingerprinting

Proof of fingerprint background check by state agency

Create your lifetime Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) account through CDE: https://cool.randasolutions.com/Account/Login
Schedule your fingerprinting appointment with one of CBI’s approved fingerprinting vendors
- IdentoGo service code: 25YQZV (most commonly used vendor)
  - - For Colorado residents, choose the Digital Printing, NOT the mail-in card.
    - For out-of-state applicants, choose the mail-in card
- American Biodentity Inc./Colorado Fingerprinting service code: 6188EPPI
Proof of fingerprint background check can also be documented by submitting a copy of a current Substitute Teaching License

University Requirements

Recommendation form
Letter from principal or HR office confirming employment as licensed teacher or counselor for two years upon starting the program
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
Two prompt-based essays
Statement of mentor principal support

Additional Requirements for Alternative Principal Authorization Candidates

Obtain a Statement of Eligibility from CDE.
Secure a full-time principal or assistant principal position.
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.

Copy of current teaching license
Two professional letters of recommendation
Professional Resume
Two prompt-based essays
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

To be successful in coursework in this emphasis, you should be a practicing teacher working in your own classroom while pursuing the program.

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
SpEd Licensure + MA in Special Education
MA in Education, Educator Effectiveness, including Added Endorsements

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

MA in Education Application MA in Special Education Application