A Master's Degree or Endorsement Focused on Generalist Preparation in Special Education

The Special Education Generalist program prepares teachers to work with students who are identified with a variety of disabilities from moderate to severe intensity.

Choose from a...

  • Special Education Master of Arts – Generalist Concentration – this degree includes the endorsement preparation.
  • Special Education Generalist Endorsement (Ages 5-21 yrs) – this is the endorsement-only option.

The program content will focus on literacy and mathematics instruction, understanding standards and assessment, behavior management, differentiated instruction, and technology. After completing this program, you will obtain the skills needed to provide appropriate behavior supports and accommodations for learning of students with disabilities.

Also Available for Those Who Aren't Already Licensed to Teach

If you are not currently a teacher but are looking for a career change, you may need to take an additional course (3 credits) to work toward obtaining your teaching licensure. This can be completed alongside your master's program coursework and can be finished at the same time. In some cases, it can also be waived; contact the Program Coordinator for details.

A History of Excellence

The School of Special Education at the University of Northern Colorado has a long history of excellence in the preparation of special education teachers. The school is fully accredited by the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Higher Learning Commission.

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Designed for the Schedule of a Working Professional

This program leads to preparation for the Special Education Generalist endorsement (you will be prepared to take the appropriate Praxis assessment). You can choose the endorsement-only option (27 credit hours) or the master's degree with endorsement (33 credit hours). Master's degree students have eligibility for federal financial aid and the benefits of master's degree completion for their career.

  • Endorsement-only students can finish in one-and-a-half years, and master's degree students can finish in two years.
  • If you are not a licensed teacher, you may need to take an additional course (3 credits) to work toward obtaining your teaching licensure. Contact a Program Coordinator for details.

Required Courses (27-33 Credit Hours)

To see the upcoming courses, visit this program's Current Students page.

Master's degree students will take all courses below. Endorsement-only students will take all courses except for the two courses marked with "** MA-only."


For full details, see the official program listings in the UNC Graduate Catalog:

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