Dec 09, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education Major, B.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs

Special Education Major for Bachelor of Arts with Generalist Licensure Sequence

The Special Education Major is a course of study that will prepare candidates to meet the educational needs of children and adolescents with mild to severe disabilities. The curriculum incorporates the current approved statewide standards for teachers in Colorado/Special Education Generalist and the current Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) International Standards for the Preparation and Certification of Special Education Teachers. In addition to the special education core, all special education majors must complete a General Studies program and an education concentration in one of four areas of specialization: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, or Secondary Education. Students who choose the Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education options may be able to receive an additional endorsement in these areas and should consult with a special education advisor for more information about these endorsements. The Generalist licensure exam must be passed prior to state licensure.

  • Special Education Major with Generalist Licensure
  • Special Education Minor
  • Special Education Post-Baccalaureate Generalist Licensure
  • Alternative Licensure Program (ALP)

A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the Bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.

General Course Requirements


All special education majors must complete the General Course Requirements for candidates seeking licensure in early childhood, elementary, linguistically diverse or secondary education. In most cases, the courses satisfy MSU Denver’s General Studies requirements. These courses prepare candidates to pass the elementary content exam required of all special education candidates prior to recommendation for licensure.

Early Childhood, Elementary, or Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Education


All special education majors must complete the General Course Requirements for candidates seeking licensure in early childhood, elementary, culturally/linguistically diverse or secondary education. In most cases, the courses satisfy MSU Denver’s General Studies requirements. These courses prepare candidates to pass the elementary content exam required of all special education candidates. The special education content test must also be passed prior to recommendation for licensure.

Total Early Childhood, Elementary and Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Education: 36


*Only students seeking education licensure may use these courses to satisfy their General Studies requirements.

**Satisfies the General Studies Global Diversity requirement.

Secondary


Total Secondary: 36


*Students should select a course that satisfies the General Studies Global Diversity requirement.

Degree Seeking Undergraduate Candidates Special Education Core


The special education curriculum is organized into sequences of course work that provide candidates with guidance in program planning. They are comprised of course clusters that candidates may take in any order; however, candidates may not select courses from a higher numbered sequence until the courses in the previous sequence are successfully taken.

Subtotal Sequence I: 24


Subtotal Sequence II: 15


Subtotal Sequence III: 12


Sequence IV Course


Subtotal Sequence IV: 6


Sequence V Courses* - Student Teaching


Candidates must take 12 credits of student teaching, which may include either 12 credit hours of Special Education student teaching or 6 hours of Special Education and 6 hours of Elementary, Early Childhood or Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education student teaching. Students must consult with their advisor to identify the appropriate courses.

Subtotal Sequence V: 12


Total Special Education Core: 69


Note:


*Candidates who are not seeking licensure may substitute recommended electives for student teaching courses.

Education Concentrations


Degree seeking candidates majoring in Special Education must choose an Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Linguistically Diverse Education or Secondary Education concentration. The education concentration will allow the candidate to obtain content and experience in the regular education environment.

The courses for each concentration are as follows:

Total: 18


Total: 16


Total: 15


Note:


*Other cultural/social knowledge courses may be substituted with and advisor’s approval.

Option Four:


 Secondary Education Concentration  

Students will choose 18 credit hours in any content area. In addition six hours of General Studies must be completed in the area of concentration. Twelve hours of student teaching will be required (SED 4500 or a combination of SED 4490 and SED 4500). Students must pass the content area exam to achieve the status of “highly qualified” special education instructor. Students who pursue this option must consult with an advisor in the content area, as well as a special education advisor to select appropriate course work.

Total: 18


SUMMARY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION MAJOR


   
Special Education Major with Early Childhood Education Concentration  
General Studies Course Requirements 36
Special Education Core (includes 6 hours of special education student teaching) 69
Early Childhood Education Concentration 18
Total Program Hours 123
   
Special Education Major with Elementary Education Concentration  
General Studies Course Requirements 36
Special Education Core (includes 6 hours of special education student teaching) 69
Elementary Education Concentration 16
Total Program Hours 121
   
Special Education Major with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Concentration  
General Studies Course Requirements 36
Special Education Core (includes 6 hours of special education student teaching) 69
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Concentration 15
Total Program Hours 120
   
Special Education Major with Secondary Education Concentration  
General Studies Course Requirements 36
Special Education Core (includes 12 hours of special education student teaching) 69
Content Area Courses 18
Total Program Hours 123

 

Alternative Licensure Program Special Education (ALP SED)


The Alternative Licensure Program Special Education (ALP SED) provides an alternative pathway to K-12 licensure as a Special Education Generalist. Courses required for this program are the same as those required for the post-baccalaureate licensure program for special education generalist.

To enroll in ALP SED, candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, meet the Colorado Department of Education requirements for undergraduate coursework in general studies for elementary education licensure, pass the Elementary Education content test (PLACE 01 or PRAXIS II 0014) and secure a special education teaching position with one of the participating metro-area school districts, charter schools, or accredited private schools. The program requires a two-week orientation before school begins, weekly classes for four semesters, a four-week practicum during the summer between years one and two.

ALP candidates who complete a total of 45 credit hours during the two years of the program, demonstrate proficiency on the Performance-Based Standards for Colorado Special Education Generalist, achieve a passing score on the PLACE Special Education content exam during the second year of the program and complete their district’s induction program will be recommended by their district for a Special Education Generalist license from the Colorado Department of Education.

ALP SED is operated out of the Metro South Campus Innovative & Lifelong Learning offices at 5660 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Suite 100. Call (303) 721-1313 for more information about the program or visit the website, msudenver.edu/alp.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs