Initial license in Special Education with/wo MA
Initial license in Special Education with/wo MA
In this program students will complete the requirements to be recommended for the initial license as Special Education Generalist.
Students in the Special Education Initial Licensure Program 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 at teachers.
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.
Students only have the option of taking one course in the summer (SPED 5001) as unclassified students before they start the program.
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.
Financial Aid Priority filing date is March 1
Selection of a university and graduate program of study is an important decision. Therefore, prospective students are required to meet and consult with a departmental faculty advisor as part of the application process. Students should schedule an appointment to discuss career goals and special circumstances with a member of the faculty as soon as possible by calling 719-255-4996 or education@uccs.edu. This meeting will also serve as an admissions interview for the program.
The Special Education program begins their academic program each year beginning in August. Students are chosen during the spring or summer semester for admission the following fall. Up to nine hours of approved coursework may be completed as an Unclassified Student or as a transfer student prior to admission. Successful completion of Unclassified Student or Transfer Student coursework does not ensure admission to the program. Consult with a faculty member about courses you wish to take as an unclassified student or to transfer, as certain rules apply to these courses.
To be considered for admission to the Special Education program, prospective students must complete the following procedures:
Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
Application Process
- Carefully read this Program Information Bulletin and identify questions you have about the program.
- Complete the UCCS graduate application found at: Apply Now! Complete the SELP application below
- All applicants (international & domestic) pay the $60.00 application fee
- Contact the Financial Aid office to determine eligibility for aid. (Phone: 255-3460)
- Schedule an admissions and information interview with a Special Education program faculty member early in the process. The goal of this appointment is to answer questions you have about the program, clarify the procedures for admission to the program, and to determine your level of interest in and preparation for the program. Call 719-255-4996 or education@uccs.edu to set up the appointment.
- Current résumé (please include relevant paid work and volunteer experience where applicable)
- Have one copy of all previous academic transcripts sent directly to the Admissions and Records office. (See below for address).
- Prepare a written "Goals Statement"
- Obtain three letters of recommendation that speak to your ability to successfully complete a program in Special Education. Choose your references carefully. Persons who have been in positions to supervise and/or evaluate your work. Do not ask friends or others who might be biased to write a recommendation.
SPED recommendation letter - o All applicants must submit a copy of their background check with their application. This is required because many school sites require the background check prior to accepting a student for field work. (See below for background check details). To obtain information and directions on the fingerprinting and background check visit the Student Resources Page and click Fingerprint/Background Check Instructions.
- Have one copy of all previous academic transcripts sent directly to the Admissions and Records office. (See below for address).
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.
Background Check
*International applicants only complete this step if they have lived in the United States for more than one year.
Instructions for completing your background check are below:
- Go to website: https://www.cbirecordscheck.com/Index.aspx
- Click on Individuals
- Pay $6.85 to receive the results
- Print a copy of the background check and email/mail your background check or proof of licensure to the College of Education Student Resource Office (education@uccs.edu) as part of admissions materials.
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
Additional items of note for International applicants:
English Proficiency must be demonstrated through providing evidence of an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, a TOEFL score of 550-(paper-based) or 80-(internet-based) or a Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE®) score of a minimum of 460. Students may make arrangements to take KITE® at the Global Engagement Office.
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.htm), AACRAO (http://aacrao.matrixdev.net/home) or World Education Services/WES https://www.wes.org/).
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities.
Students seeking a Special Education Generalist License in the State of
Colorado must complete the following exams to be recommended for licensure:
Exam | Pass Date | More Information |
---|---|---|
Praxis II Elementary Education: Content Knowledge #5018 (online) | December of first fall semester of the special education cohort program | http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/Licensure_PRAXIS_info.asp |
PLACE Special Education Generalist | December of second fall semester of the special education cohort program* | http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/Licensure_PLACE_info.htm |
*Students will not be permitted to continue on to student teaching until both exams are passed.