Objectives of the Master of Education in Special Education Degree Program

The Master of Education in Special Education program provides students with the tools to begin their professional career in teaching. At Colorado Christian University, Master of Education in Special Education graduates develop abilities to integrate complex data from educational theory, practice, applied research, and critical thinking skills needed to discern emerging issues in the field of Special Education. Graduates demonstrate interpersonal, relational, communication, and leadership skills as applied through the philosophy of servant leadership. The program integrates the best of scholarship, as well as current education issues and standards within the Christian worldview.

The Master of Education in Special Education program is distinctive for the following reasons:

• Tailored to the working professional, coursework can be completed in 5 semesters by taking courses on-site or online.
• Applies relevant research and a data driven instructional approach.
• Utilizes proven approaches to accelerated adult learning by providing interactive and experiential education in the classroom and online.
• Supports individualization for learners and supports the belief that all students can learn.

Admission to the Master of Education in Special Education Degree Program

Admission to the Master of Education in Special Education program is selective. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of previous academic performance, personal and professional accomplishments and goals, and strength of character. Each applicant is carefully evaluated for his or her ability to contribute to the program. A strong desire to complete graduate-level work in a Christ-centered, biblically based community is fundamental.

Admission Requirements

• A completed Application Form.
• An official transcript that reflects a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Personal interview.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• One professional recommendation.
• Program specific essay.
• A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.0 and 2.49 will be admitted on a conditional admit (CAD) basis for the first semester.  CAD students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their first nine (9) credits to remain in the program.
• Complete background check. (Required for program admission in order to complete field requirements.)

Additional requirements for those seeking licensure:

• Applicants must take and pass the state approved content exam in Elementary Education and submit test results to CCU prior to enrolling in any education core courses. Applicants who do not pass the test may be admitted by the Program Director under conditional admission, retake the test, and submit a passing score by the end of the first semester.

Additional requirements for those participating in the Alternative Licensure Emphasis:

• Candidates must apply to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for a Statement of Eligibility (SOE). The CDE determines the areas in which a candidate is qualified to teach.
• The candidate must pass the Colorado state approved elementary content exam.
• After a candidate has received the Statement of Eligibility (SOE), the candidate must secure a full-time teaching position in a public or accredited private school.

Master of Education in Special Education

Master of Education in Special Education non-licensure track requires completion of the following 38 credit hours:
Special Education degree core (35 credit hours)
Non-Licensure core (3 credit hours)

Master of Education in Special Education licensure track requires completion of the following 43 credit hours:
Special Education degree core (35 credit hours)
Licensure core (8 credit hours)

Master of Education in Special Education Alternative Licensing Emphasis (43 credit hours)

Colorado Christian University is authorized by the Colorado Department of Education to offer an Alternative Teacher Licensing Special Education Generalist Program. This is a one-year program designed for non-licensed teachers who are teaching in a Colorado public or private school. The candidates in the program receive supervised coaching in the classroom. The combination of classroom teaching and graduate coursework may lead to an institutional recommendation from the University for an initial teaching license, the standard entry-level license in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Education requires that students pursuing teaching licensure in Colorado earn a degree from a regionally accredited college or university and complete an approved educator preparation program. Students who successfully complete the 29 Special Education Alternative Licensing Emphasis Credits listed below may be eligible to receive a recommendation to the Colorado Department of Education for initial teacher licensure but will not receive a full master’s degree. Those students who wish to, may complete 14 additional credits to complete their Master’s degree.

Master of Education in Special Education Generalist Endorsement (41 credit hours)

Students who successfully complete the 24 Special Education Generalist Endorsement credits listed below will be eligible to receive a Special Education Endorsement on their Colorado teaching license but will not receive a full master’s degree. Those who wish to, may complete 17 additional credits to complete their Master’s degree.

Graduation Requirements for the Master of Education in Special Education

The faculty recommends students in Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education program to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements:

1. Completion of required credit hours in the selected program through a combination of CCU Master of Education in Special Education required coursework and up to twelve hours of acceptable transfer credit from regionally accredited institutions.
2. A letter grade of C or better and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the University’s 4.0 grade scale in all CCU coursework.
3. A letter grade of B- or higher in SED 692 - Special Education Capstone .
4. Satisfactory completion of the specific courses required for the Master of Education in Special Education degree within four years of  program admission and enrollment.
5. Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
6. No outstanding financial obligations to the University.
7. Candidates must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all core courses.

Additional requirements for graduates pursuing licensure

1. In Student Teaching the teacher candidates must earn a grade of C or better and be assessed as proficient in all Teacher Quality Standards through an Action Research Project.
2. A letter grade of B- or higher in SED 671 - Student Teaching .
3. Receive a passing score on the state approved Special Education Generalist content exam.
4. Receive a recommendation by the CAGS School of Education Professions Dean for Special Education Generalist Licensing to the Colorado Department of Education.

Additional Information

For additional information about the Master of Education in Special Education program and graduate courses in education, contact the College of Adult and Graduate Studies, or visit CCU’s graduate education webpage at www.ccu.edu/ccu/grad.