Special Education, MEd (CAGS)

The Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education program at Colorado Christian University covers a range of traditional and innovative approaches to education that support best practices and strategic collaboration for leading public and private K-12 education. The Master of Education in Special Education is designed to foster practitioner skills exemplified through master teaching, assessment, and data-informed instruction. The Master of Education in Special Education has a range of options to meet the professional needs of candidates, including a MEd in Special Education with Licensure or a MEd in Special Education Non-Licensure track. The MEd in Special Education with Licensure track is for candidates who already have a teaching license and an Endorsement track for candidates seeking a special education credential. Candidates seeking licensure may pursue their license either through the Master of Education licensure path or through the Master of Education Alternative Licensing Emphasis.

The application of conceptual knowledge within the classroom experience provides context for the student's development as a special education generalist. In addition to the satisfactory completion of required coursework, candidates must pass the Special Education Generalist state-approved content exam. Graduates who satisfactorily complete all requirements of the Special Education Generalist with Licensure program may apply to the Colorado Department of Education for a teaching license. Candidates also meet the requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI).

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 careers 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 online

• Applies relevant research and a data-informed 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 (including essay, transcripts, and fees)

• Valid state-issued driver’s license or state-issued ID card or passport

• An official transcript that reflects a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

• One professional recommendation from an individual who is not a family member

• Personal interview

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• 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. This is for non-alternative licensing candidates only.)

Additional requirements for those participating in the Alternative Licensure Emphasis:

• Candidates must apply to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for their alternative license

• The candidate must secure a teaching position in an accredited public or private school

• Click here for CDE’s Alternative licensing application requirements

Transfer of Courses

Students must earn a minimum of 30 semester credit hours at CCU for the Master of Education in Special Education, transferring 8-13 semester hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The coursework must be comparable to that offered at CCU and fulfill the CCU Master of Education in Special Education degree requirements.

Coursework applied to the Master of Education in Special Education program must have been earned with a grade of B or better.

Academic Requirements

Students who earn a C- or lower in a graduate education course are required to repeat the course. course Teaching Internship I, course Teaching Internship II, or course Special Education Capstone must be completed with a B- or higher.

Time Limitation

All degree program requirements must be completed within four years beginning from the start date of the first education course within the professional core of the program. After the four-year period, a student who has not completed the program requirements will be withdrawn from the program unless an exception to policy request to extend this time limitation is submitted by the student and approved by the program director.  In this case, the student’s CCU transcript will be reviewed by the program director.  At the director’s discretion, if an extension is approved, a program course may have to be retaken if the content of the course has received substantive changes since it was last taken by the student. 

Students who step out of the program for more than 365 days or go beyond the four-year period without an approved extension and wish to complete the program will be required to apply for re-admission. If approved for readmission, the student’s CCU transcript will be reviewed by the program director.  At the director’s discretion, a program course may have to be retaken by the re-admitted student if the content of the course has received substantive changes since it was last taken by the student. Students will be required to adhere to current academic policies, program requirements, tuition, and fees.

A student pursuing licensure through the Alternative Licensure emphasis must complete the 29 credits in the emphasis within one (1) year.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Colorado Christian University offers several academic programs which lead to professional licensure in the state of Colorado and, in some programs, prepare students for a national exam. All students should be aware that states vary in their educational and professional requirements depending on the profession. Some states require specific educational requirements, clinical requirements, accreditation requirements, or exam requirements. See professional licensure disclosures for details.

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.