This program encourages application from individuals who have  strong  academic and elementary education background; have passed the elementary education PRAXIS bundle Exam and/or have been hired by a school district as a special education teacher.

The Special Education Generalist License and Masters of Art in Special Education Generalist Degree program focuses on enhancing professional career in special education teaching

The goal of this program is to develop strong planning and teaching skills in educators who are dedicated to ensuring all students, particularly students with  special needs  and students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, succeed academically as well as behavior-wise

Application Requirements:

Application Deadlines

All admission documents must be submitted by the application complete deadlines.

  • Fall Semester | August 15th

New cohorts begin every fall for the following programs:

  • SPED, Licensure Only Online
  • SPED, MA Online

 Admission Documents

A candidate who is interested in enrolling at Adams State University to pursue Special Education Alternative Licensure Only or Master of Arts degree with licensure must:

  1. Already have a Bachelors Degree
  2. Complete the online application for admission
  3. Pay the $30 application fee at time of application
  4. Demonstrate professional competency by achieving the minimum score(s) on the following exam series

PRAXIS 5901 Series’ Three (3) subtest:

  • Mathematics 5903(157) – PRAXIS  5003(157) also accepted
  • Social Studies 5904(155)- PRAXIS 5004(155) also accepted
  • Science 5905(159) -PRAXIS 5005(159) also accepted
  1. Submit ALL supplemental admission documents at time of application or through the Self Service Center after application submission:

These supplemental admission documents include:

  • Letter of intent – describing interests, background, the emphasis of interest, and professional goals. The letter will be used to assess writing skills for eligibility into the program.
  • Two (2) online letter of recommendation forms. Recommenders will be sent an automatic email to complete this online letter of recommendation form during time of application. Please have recommenders’ first names, last names, and emails at time of application.
  • Copy of active professional teaching licensure (not required for licensure programs).

Send ALL official transcripts from previously attended institutions.

Transcripts from Adams State need not be requested. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. Please have all official transcripts sent to:
graduatestudies@adams.edu (for electronic official transcripts)

OR

Adams State University
Office of Graduate Studies
208 Edgemont Blvd., Suite 2300
Alamosa, CO 81101

Candidates are evaluated on the following criteria

  • Past academic performance, including areas of academic strength, with greater weight given to current course work.
  • Personal statements from the candidate’s letter of intent listing goals, accomplishments, and experience.
  • Letter of recommendation forms. We consider the comments made by others who can evaluate the applicant’s accomplishments, communication, interpersonal skills, and leadership potential.
  • Both programs have an admission requirement of at least a 3.0 cumulative undergrad GPA with an approved content degree.

Note

  • If GPA is between 2.5 and 3.0 you could be approved/admitted conditionally.
  • All students must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA while admitted to continue enrollment in the programs.

Get Application Support

Our friends at TEACH Colorado have free tools and resources to make applying to our program – and becoming a classroom teacher – easier! Create an account today and immediately access:

  • An interactive application checklist to keep you on track.
  • $100 fee reimbursement towards application and testing expenses.
  • 1-on-1 expert advice for any question along the way.
  • How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing and finances.
  • A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition.

SIGN UP FOR TEACH COLORADO

As part of your application, you need to indicate whether you are doing the licensure only or  the MA degreed program.

You can only qualify for federal financial aid if you are degree seeking( MA)

Once accepted , go to CDE and apply for your alternative teaching license. Adams State will verify that you have accepted.

All course are offer asynchronously online with once a month in person seminar/meeting

NOTE: To complete the programs All candidates will also be required to pass both PRAXIS 5354- Special Education: Core knowledge(151) and PRAXIS 5205- Teaching Reading: Elementary (159) to meet  requirements for an initial teacher licensure  by  the end of the programs.

Program Highlights

  • Online Asynchronous  classes
  • 30 Credit hours of combined coursework for M.A. Only
  • 24 Credit Hours for Licensure Only
  • M.A Candidates are eligible for financial aid
  • Complete field experience and student teaching requirements in your area
  • Application support available via TEACH Colorado
  • Regular support provided by highly qualified and experienced faculty and staff
  • Up to $10, 000 in financial support available by the Colorado Department of Education if working in a rural school as an alternative licensure candidate
  • Semester based classes (16 weeks each fall or spring, 8 weeks each summer)
  • Cohort module, complete and earn your degree in only One Year
  • Affordable – Total degree cost is around $11,994
  • All courses are registered for through, and earn Adam State University credit towards the Master’s degree.
  • High quality, pertinent, effective, meaningful, and engaging instruction.

Cost & Financial Aid

Approximately $$11,994 for 30 hours of superior instruction. This includes all tuition  but does not include a one-time graduation and matriculation and the cost for textbooks, which will vary, per course.

Financial Aid is available if you wish to apply, including the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, which, for qualified applicants could forgive the entire loan.

Financial Aid