The Gifted Education graduate certificate prepares teachers at all levels to enhance their teaching methodologies in Gifted and Talented (P-12) education. The program course sequence meets Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requirements for the Gifted Education endorsement. This program does not meet requirements for an initial teaching license.

Certificate courses may count toward an MA in Curriculum & Instruction UCCS. 

The Gifted Education certificate program at UCCS provides teachers with research and evidence-based professional coursework to increase their capacity, knowledge, and skills to become master teachers of gifted and talented students for grades P-12.

• All courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better
• 40 practicum hours are required for CURR 5230
• A passing score on Praxis #5358

Professional Exam Requirement

The Praxis exams measure the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge needed as an educator. Students must pass the state-approved Gifted Education Core endorsement exam to complete the certificate and to be recommended for the endorsement.

• #5358 Gifted Education

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

Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 1

Program Admission Checklist

1. Complete an application with the UCCS Graduate School.
2. Identify the contact information of three individuals who can provide a reference (letters are not required). Choose your references carefully. References should be persons who have been in positions to supervise and/or evaluate your work.
3. Submit one transcript from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Send these directly to the UCCS Admissions Office (see details below).
4. Prepare a Career Goals Statement (see details below).
5. Current résumé (please include relevant paid work and volunteer experience where applicable).
6. An unofficial copy of your teaching license.
7. Once application materials are in, you will need to interview with a faculty advisor for the program.

Career Goal Statement

• Describe why you have applied to your respective program and want to be a professional educator.
• 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 one official transcript of all higher education course work ever completed to date (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:
  gradapp@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.

Additional Resources:

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• Cost of Tuition Estimator
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships