Special Education Initial License - Graduate Certificate

Special Education: Initial License Graduate Certificate

In this program, students will complete the requirements to be recommended for the initial license as Special Education Generalist. Courses may be applied towards the requirements of a Master's degree in Special Education at UCCS.

Students in the Special Education Initial Licensure certificate are provided the experiences and academic support to learn how to meet the needs of all students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Students will be taught to focus on student strengths in order to support academic and social progress in inclusive environments. Coursework and practicum placements will be linked by assignments. These carefully planned assignments will allow students to practice their skills and develop techniques and materials that will lead to their successful development as teachers.

The Special Education: Initial License Graduate Certificate Program requires 43 credit hours (13 courses).

This program is designed on a cohort model that begins each fall. The program requires students to take each class in the semester as indicated on the initial licensure program planning form. Students must commit to completing these courses in sequence.

Students have the option of taking one course in the summer (SPED 5001) as unclassified students before they start the program.

This program requires a significant amount of time spent working in the field. Applicants who anticipate problems in completing the 800-clock hour field experience courses of the program (4-week practicum, 1 day per week field experience, and 16-week student teaching) should speak with a faculty member immediately in order to discuss their individual situation.

The Initial Licensure is a cohort model program that begins each fall. The program requires students to take each class in the semester as indicated on the Initial Licensure program planning form. Students must commit to completing these courses in sequence.

The Initial Licensure program requires a significant amount of time spent working in the field. Applicants who anticipate problems in completing the 800-clock-hour field experience courses of the program (4-week practicum, 1 day/week field experience, and student teaching) should speak with a faculty member immediately in order to discuss their individual situation.

For details on program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

The Praxis exams measure the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge needed as an educator. Students must pass the state-approved elementary education licensure exams to be recommended for licensure.

Students must receive a passing score on the following exams prior to their student teaching semester (the Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle exam requirements may also be met by taking #5901 Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle): 

• #5903 Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle - Mathematics
• #5904 Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle - Social Studies
• #5905 Elementary Education: Three Subject Bundle - Science
• #5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary
• #5354 Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications

If these requirements are not met by the deadlines, the student must withdraw or defer until the requirements are met.

1. Complete an application with the UCCS Graduate School here.
2. Submit one letter of recommendation. Choose your reference carefully. We recommend someone who has been in a position to supervise and/or evaluate your work.
3. Prepare a Career Goals Statement (see details below).
4. Submit official transcripts from ALL previously attended institutions. Send these directly to the UCCS Admissions Office (see details below).
5. Current résumé (please include relevant paid work and volunteer experience where applicable).
6. Colorado background check or proof of current Colorado teaching licensure. *International applicants only complete the background check if they have lived in the United States for more than one year. To complete the Colorado background check please see instructions below:
   - Visit the Colorado State's Background Check website 
   - Click on Individuals 
   - Pay the $6.00 fee to receive the results
   - Submit the results online through the application portal or send to education@uccs.edu
7. Once applications materials are in, you will need to interview with a faculty advisor for the program. The goal of this appointment is to answer questions you have about the program, clarify the procedures for admission to the program, and determine your level of interest in and preparation for the program. Please contact eductation@uccs.edu to schedule this interview.

Goal Statement

Please describe why you have applied to your respective program and want to be a professional educator. Please be sure to include personal and professional information that supports this decision. Your statement should be at least two pages in length, double spaced. Make sure to include your name and the program you are applying to in your goal statement.

Official Transcripts

Domestic students: Have an official transcript from all higher education institutes attended (undergraduate and graduate GPA must be included on transcripts), sent from the institution you attended directly to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Office of Admissions (electronically or by postal services).

• Postal Services: 
  UCCS Office of Admissions 
  1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
  Colorado Springs CO 80918-3733
   
• Electronically:
  ugapp@uccs.edu

International Applicants

All English as Second Language (ESL) applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency for admission. See the English Proficiency Requirement webpage for more information.

Applicants with any post-secondary course work from an international higher education institution that is recognized by their country's Education Ministry must submit a course-by-course foreign degree evaluation by member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://www.naces.org/members), AACRAO (https://www.aacrao.org/) or World Education Services/WES (https://www.wes.org).

To learn more about admission requirements and the application process, please visit the UCCS Admissions page.

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