Special Education Generalist Endorsement (Ages 5-21)

  • Graduate Educator Licensure or Endorsement
UNC Extended Campus Center with University of Northern Colorado sign on building.
Format
  • Online
Location
  • Online
Estimated Completion Time

16-20 Months

Start Date

Fall Term (Aug.)
Spring Term (Jan.)
Summer Term (May)

Tuition Rate

$668/Credit

Credits

24

Area of Study
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Online Endorsement Program for Special Education

Do you want to become a special education teacher? Our online Special Education Generalist Endorsement (Ages 5-21) program prepares licensed teachers to teach special education. You’ll be endorsed to work with students with moderate to severe disability.

Courses are offered online so that you can fit your studies around your schedule.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll gain the skills to improve learning and inclusion for students with disabilities. You will learn about:

  • Teaching reading and math.
  • Managing student behavior in the classroom.
  • Differentiated instruction (teaching in different ways to meet student needs).
  • Using technology to help students learn.

Teaching Special Education

If you want to teach special education students, learn from leaders in the field. The University of Northern Colorado is nationally known for Special Education.

Special Education Generalist Endorsement

If you are a licensed teacher, this generalist program prepares you for the Colorado Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21) Endorsement. Graduates will take the Praxis assessment.

This endorsement will also qualify you for credential requirements in most states. If you plan to work outside of Colorado, please see the Licensure Eligibility by State section below.

Course of Study

Available as Part of a Masters Degree

UNC Extended Campus Center with University of Northern Colorado sign on building.

Special Education MA

The Generalist Concentration of the Special Education Master of Arts degree is aligned with this endorsement. The master’s degree is a great option if you do not already have a master’s degree or if you would like to apply for federal financial aid.

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Tuition Rate

Simple Per-Credit Tuition Rate

You pay the same rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.

$668

Per Credit

Rate for the 2025-26 academic year (fall, spring and summer terms).*

No Student / Technology Fees

Certain courses, e.g., field experiences, may include course fees to support added services and materials.

*Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year will be decided mid-June 2026.

Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC’s official Cost of Attendance/Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.

Financial Aid and Support

  • The federal government only awards financial aid for courses that count toward completion of a UNC degree, so federal aid is not available for this stand-alone endorsement.
  • If you will need financial aid, please work with UNC Office of Financial Aid for information about non-federal loans.
  • UNC also offers a monthly payment option.

Program Eligibility

General Admission Requirements

  • Possess a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
  • Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better, on a 4.00 point scale, for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress.
    • If you are in the process of completing a previous degree or have special GPA considerations, please read the specific requirements for this program type.
  • Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for graduate school admission.

Teaching License Recommended

  • This program is designed for individuals who already have a current teaching license in early childhood or elementary/secondary education and do not require additional practicum hours to meet the state requirements for an added endorsement.

Eligibility for Out-of-State Students

Eligibility by State

UNC can offer distance learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the major U.S. territories. We check for changes in state rules as needed. Some states may have extra rules for internships, clinical placements, and student teaching. Visit the State Authorization page to learn more.

Licensure Eligibility by State

UNC’s professional licensure programs are designed to lead to Colorado licensure. Each state sets their own requirements, so a UNC program might not lead to licensure in other states. Visit the UNC Licensure page to learn more about which states UNC programs meet educational requirements for licensure.

It’s important to understand requirements in the state where you plan to work. Visit the State Licensure Boards page to find each state’s licensing agency and contact information. Questions? Contact Licensure@unco.edu.

International Student Eligibility

You are eligible to apply: We accept international students to online UNC programs. We can’t guarantee that our programs meet distance education requirements for every country. Before you apply, check your country’s policies and regulations. You should not apply if you live in a country that is subject to U.S. sanctions.

No student visa: Students in online UNC programs do not need to come to the United States. You will not get a student visa or receive any immigration documentation. You do not need to provide financial documentation when applying.

You will need to provide proof of your English language ability or complete the UNC Intensive English Program. Please visit the International Admissions page for information about:

  • Minimum English language requirements
  • Applying as an international student

Meet with an Enrollment Counselor

Speak with an Enrollment Counselor by phone or video.

Meet with Enrollment Counselor

Faces of our four Enrollment Counselors and a UNC logo

Meet the Program Faculty

Visit the Academic Department

Are You Ready to Apply?

Thank you for your interest in this UNC program! Here are some elements you can check to be sure you are eligible and ready to apply to this program.

Program Eligibility

See the Program Eligibility section above.

Licensure Eligibility by State

This program is related to a state licensure, endorsement or other credential. If you intend to pursue a credential outside of Colorado, please check the Licensure Eligibility by State section above.

International Applicants

Please see the International Student Eligibility section above to check your eligibility for this program.

Recommended Application Deadlines

Our goal is to make it easy for you to start this continuous enrollment program. Because this program features some courses that start in the middle of a term, there are multiple options for you to start the program.

While we recommend that you apply at least 60 days before your first course starts in order to receive full admission (if approved) and advisement, we can accommodate applicants up through the following timing:

Beginning of a Semester (Fall, Spring or Summer)
The Thursday before classes start. To see when classes begin for upcoming terms, view the UNC Academic Calendar.

Mid-Semester

  • Fall: First Thursday in Oct.
  • Spring: Third Thursday in Feb.
  • Summer: Third Thursday in May

If you are planning to apply just before the start date of your first course, please contact the Program Coordinator for support and information.

Application Process Details

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