Introduction

The Master of Arts in Special Education prepares educators to deliver high-quality educational experiences for students with a range of emotional and learning needs, including gifted children. We strive to prepare compassionate leaders who are dedicated to social justice and excellence for all students and families. This degree equips you with a foundational knowledge for leading inclusive classrooms and collaborating with professionals in the field and the community.  Research-based strategies are explored so to build the most impactful and effective skills to support student learning.

Students learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty members who are known for developing innovative practices and designing research in literacy, language, social and emotional growth, gifted and talented learners, students with learning disabilities and building a diverse teacher workforce.

The Special Education MA (without licensure or endorsement) provides opportunities to develop leadership, instructional, and collaboration/consultations skills, while building their understanding of the field.  This stand-alone MA allows fluidity in how the individual is able to utilize their learning and skills across a variety of roles in the field (not limited to the classroom). Some individuals pursue careers in adjacent related fields (i.e., policy analysis, training, writing, education software development, advocacy, non-profit management, and local, state, and federal education level work), 

Students are responsible for reviewing the Special Education Resources website regularly, including the SPED Handbook and SPED course rotation: https://education.ucdenver.edu/academic-services/student-resources/graduate/special-education

Program Requirements

This MA does NOT lead to a license or an endorsement. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses
Select three of the following:		9
SPED 5030	Understanding (dis)Ability in Contemporary Classrooms
SPED 5300	Family, Professional, and Community Collaboration
SPED 5151	Slashing Stigmas: Promoting Positive Behaviors
SPED 5000	Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
SPED 5780	Literacy Intervention for Exceptional Learners
SPED 5010	Intentional Interventions for Exceptional Learners
SPED 5740	Intersections of Literacy, Culture, & Exceptionality
SPED 5500	Transition and Secondary Methods in Special Education
SPED 5140	Assessment: Inquiry, Instruction, & Intervention
Select another 5 courses (15 semester hours) - cannot be utlized more than once unless the course is repeatable for credit:
In consultation with your Faculty Advisor, select another five courses (15 semester hours) of graduate-level SPED coursework or any other graduate-level School of Education & Human Development coursework 5000-level or higher.		15
Research Course
RSEM 5080	Research In Schools	3
or RSEM 5120	Introduction to Research Methods
Captsone Course
SPED 5401	Advanced Seminar in Special Education	3
Total Hours		30

Capstone Requirement

SPED 5401 Advanced Seminar in Special Education is the Special Education Capstone class, which fulfills the COMPS requirement for MA students. Plan to take the capstone course in your final Spring semester.  The intent of the Capstone is to help candidates synthesize learning through a final project that speaks to academic and professional development in the SPED Program. The capstone should tell the story of what was learned, specific areas of interest, and address ongoing barriers experienced in the field. Your Capstone requirements will be fulfilled by completion of SPED 5401 Advanced Seminar in Special Education.

Program Requirements and Courses

To complete the SPED Education program and earn a master's degree, students must complete the appropriate course work as outlined. All courses require a grade of B- or better and a 3.0 minimum GPA is required for graduation.

Course Scheduling

Courses are offered in various formats, including completely face-to-face classes, hybrid, remote, or online classes. In the summer semester, three-to eight-week sessions are offered.

Planning

For practicing full-time teachers, we recommend taking one course each fall and spring semester, and up to two courses each summer. Plan carefully because some courses are only offered once a year. Several courses have case study requirements with a K-12 student population. If you are not working in a school, you will consult with your instructor for an alternative assignment.

Active Status

Students must complete their programs within seven years, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 (B average). Please refer to the Student Handbook for information on Academic Probation. Students typically take four courses each calendar year. Failure to enroll over three continuous semesters will result in a requirement to submit readmission materials