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.

For additional details on the admission process, please visit the Admission Details page.

To apply, complete an application with the UCCS Graduate School.

• On page 1 of the application, select interest in graduate level certificate program.
• On page 2 of the application, under select the degree program, select Special Education: Initial Licensure.