School of Education Professions

The School of Education Professions is comprised of three primary areas - programs and degrees that lead educators toward state licensure, degrees in educational theory (non-licensure), and educational leadership roles through the Master of Education (M.Ed.) or the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (M.A.). These programs have options for those who already have an accredited bachelor’s degree, as well as for those seeking an undergraduate degree.

Programs Leading to Educator Licensing
CCU (CAGS) offers licensing programs in early childhood, elementary education and special education. The Master of Education in Special Education provides a licensure path to special education at the graduate level. Courses are scheduled in an evening, weekend and online format and can be completed in approximately 20 months of study, including a minimum of 16 weeks of student teaching. Most students in the licensing programs retain their present jobs with some flex time adjustments and still complete coursework that requires 5-10 field hours per week. The student teaching component requires a full-time day commitment for at least one full semester.

Educational Theory Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees (B.A.) in early childhood education, elementary education, and special education theory provide additional options for working adult students who may not be able to leave work to complete the student teaching required for licensing. Theory students are required to successfully complete all core education courses, but do not complete a semester of student teaching. Students completing an education theory degree are not eligible for a Colorado State Teaching License but may meet requirements for teaching in private schools, charter schools, or international schools. Graduates may then pursue state licensure through an Alternative Licensure Program.

Master of Education
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership prepares educators for instructional coaching roles, as well as key administrative roles including school district leader, principal in private schools (such as ACSI - Association of Christian Schools International) and principal in a public or charter school following the licensure path. The Master of Education in Educational Leadership program uses the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council Standards (ELCC) throughout the curriculum to address the core standards and dispositions necessary to promote best practices in the field. The program courses are offered fully online, however, those seeking licensure require a site specific internship. Graduates completing the licensure path may apply to the Colorado Department of Education for a principal license.

The Master of Education in Special Education (SPED) has two options to meet the professional needs of candidates: licensure or non-licensure paths. The licensure paths meet Colorado Department of Education standards and provide a path to special education licensure at the graduate level. Licensure may be pursued either through the Master of Education SPED Generalist path or the Master of Education Alternative Licensing SPED Emphasis path. The program courses may be offered online, however, field activities and action research may require some flex time adjustment for classroom experience and application. The final course in the M.Ed. Special Education licensure path is a teaching internship that requires a full-time day commitment for one full semester. The non-licensure path is for candidates who already have a teaching license and want a master’s degree and those seeking to complete a Special Education Endorsement emphasis.

Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction
The Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (M.A.) provides a graduate degree for Pre-K - 12 educators and corporate trainers, as well as those who wish to be curriculum specialists, education program supervisors, department chairpersons and college instructors. Courses in the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction are completed online or on-site and include the options of emphases in Biblical Studies, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, or the Alternative Teacher Licensing Program. Although it is possible to complete all required coursework including the capstone project within 18 months, students have four years from the time of admission to complete the program. Students who have completed an undergraduate education degree or teacher licensing program at CCU may continue their education by completing the M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, including the transfer of three to six graduate level credits from their undergraduate education program into the M.A. degree.

The Alternative Teacher Licensing Program is available to students seeking licensure who hold a bachelor’s degree and are able to secure a teaching position prior to beginning the program. Applicants to this program first apply to the Colorado Department of Education to receive a Statement of Eligibility (SOE). CCU (CAGS) cooperates with school districts across the state to provide University supervision, a support team, and the required education courses to earn a teaching license in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education.

The Biblical Studies emphasis includes completion of 18 graduate credits from the M.A. professional core and 18 graduate credits in Biblical Studies.

The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse emphasis includes completion of 18 graduate credits from the M.A. professional core and 18 graduate credits in culturally and linguistically diverse coursework.

Curriculum and Instruction Education Certificate Programs
Certificate programs challenge students to update and enhance their skills to meet a variety of instructional design needs required in academic, corporate and nonprofit organizations. Each certificate provides coursework addressing technology and approaches to develop appropriate curriculum for specific target audiences. Theories and applied learning concepts are addressed with an emphasis on the Biblical principles embedded in each course. Students have the option to use certificate courses completed at a B or better grade within the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction if they apply and are accepted within five years.