Inclusive Elementary Education, BA to Special Education, MA

Accelerated Masters Pathway (AMP)
Program Delivery
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
Total Credits
12 Credits

About the Program

The Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) in Special Education allows high-achieving students to pursue the Bachelor’s of Arts in Inclusive Elementary Education (IELM BA) and Master’s of Arts in Special Education (SPED MA) degrees in an accelerated manner. AMP is a combination of these two existing programs, allowing for 12 credits of graduate credits, at the undergraduate rate, to count toward the requirements of both degrees. 

Focus of Study

The IELM BA to SPED MA Accelerated Program is a fast-track option for students who want to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education without starting from scratch after undergraduate graduation. Instead of taking separate classes for each degree, you can count up to 12 graduate-level credit hours toward both your Bachelor’s and your Master’s. By "double-dipping" on these credits, you significantly cut down the time it takes to finish your advanced degree.
 
Why AMP?
Earning your MA isn't just about the extra letters after your name; it’s a strategic career move. Most school districts offer a higher starting salary for teachers with a Master’s degree, and the advanced training opens doors to leadership roles, specialized consulting, and more job security in high-demand fields.
 
Take-Aways
  • Save Time: Finish your Master's much sooner than a traditional graduate program.
  • Save Money: By overlapping credits, you reduce the total number of classes you need to pay for.
  • Earn More: Master’s degrees typically unlock higher "pay lanes" in education contracts immediately upon graduation.

Program Requirements

Requirements for the combined AMP are the composite of the IELM BA and SPED MA degrees. Specifically, 12 credit hours of graduate-level courses count towards the special education endorsement requirements of the IELM BA degree, while also counting toward the requirements of the SPED MA degree. Below is the program plan: 

 

AMP Courses (12 Credits): 

  • SPED 5004 – Transition and Self-Determination 

    • Replaces IELM 3200 – Designing Transitions 

  • SPED 5020 – Significant Support Needs 

    • Replaces IELM 3250 – Complex Support Needs 

  • SPED 5021 – Positive Classroom Environments 

    • Replaces IELM 4005 – Classroom Management 

  • SPED 5022 – Consultation and Collaboration 

    • Replaces IELM 3300 – Collaboration and Co-Teaching 

 

Additional Courses Needed for SPED MA (18 Credits): 

  • LEAD 5700 – Introduction to Research and Statistics (Summer, Fall, or Spring) 

  • SPED 5000 – Disability Studies in Education (Spring or Fall) 

  • SPED 5001 – Foundations of Special Education (Summer, Fall, or Spring) 

  • CURR 5090 – Applied Research Project (Summer, Fall, or Spring) 

  • Elective #1 (decided upon in conversation with SPED MA advisor) 

  • Elective #2 (decided upon in conversation with SPED MA advisor) 

 

Total Credit Hours: 30 

Program Admission

Students may apply for AMP after they have: 

  • Completed at least 30 credit hours at UCCS 

  • Completed at least 15 credit hours in the IELM BA program 

  • Earned Junior class standing or higher 

  • Maintained a cumulative UCCS GPA of at least 3.00 

  • Interviewed with a SPED MA faculty member 

  • Completed an Intent Application 

  • Addressed any MAPS deficiencies 

 

After the application is accepted, the student may take up to 12 credit hours of graduate classes as an IELM BA student. The 12 credit hours of graduate coursework will be applied toward special education endorsement requirements for the IELM BA, as well as toward course requirements for the SPED MA. 

 

Continuous enrollment (Fall and Spring semesters) from IELM BA to SPED MA is needed for courses to double count towards both degrees. Further, while students are in AMP, they must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA throughout the program. Lastly, if admission to another UCCS Master's or Doctoral program is sought, admission must follow completion of the IELM BA to SPED MA AMP. 

Contact

For additional information, please contact Dr. Holly Sandler (hsandler@uccs.edu) - IELM Faculty Director or Dr. Scott Kupferman (skupferm@uccs.edu) - Special Education Faculty Director.