Skip to content
University of Colorado Denver CU Denver
  • Webmail
  • UCD Access
  • Canvas
  • Quick Links
 

Tools

  • Webmail
  • UCD Access
  • Canvas
  • Campus Directory
  • A-Z Index
  • Campus Map

Resources

  • Events Calendar
  • Newsroom
  • Human Resources
  • Student Services
  • Auraria Library
  • CU Denver Police
  • University Policies
  • Public Health Resources

Schools & Colleges

  • College of Architecture and Planning
  • College of Arts & Media
  • Business School
  • School of Education & Human Development
  • College of Engineering, Design and Computing
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • School of Public Affairs

Campus Affiliates

  • CU Anschutz Medical Campus
  • CU Boulder
  • CU Colorado Springs
  • CU Denver
  • CU Online
  • CU System

Announcement: CU Denver is Celebrating 50 Years

Whether you’re an alumnus, current student, member of the faculty and staff, donor, or neighbor, you’re a valuable part of the CU Denver community. Help us celebrate the last 50 years and a future that works for all.

Learn More

  • Admissions
    • Apply Now
    • How to Apply
    • After Admission
    • Transfer Credits
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Transfer Admissions
    • International Admissions
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Non-Degree Admissions
  • Tuition & Cost
    • Cost of Attendance
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
  • Academics
    • Degrees & Programs
      • Undergraduate Degrees
      • Graduate Degrees
      • Certificates & Continuing Education
      • Non-Degree Programs
      • Health Programs
      • Honors & Leadership Programs
      • High School Programs
      • Online Programs
    • Schools & Colleges
    • Research
    • Academic Help & Services
    • Computing
  • Life at CU Denver
    • Living On & Around Campus
      • Life in Denver
      • Health & Well-Being
      • Student Transportation & Parking
      • The Auraria Campus
      • Housing & Dining
    • Campus Resources
    • News
    • Events
  • About CU Denver
    • Visit CU Denver
      • Location & Maps
      • Transportation & Parking
    • Our Campus & Community
      • Anchor of Engineering
    • Our Impact
    • Our Leadership
    • Our History
    • Contact Us
    • Our History & 9th Street
    • 50th Anniversary
University Quick Links

Explore CU Denver Programs

Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.

  • Home
  • Programs
  • Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development, Special Education (License)

Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development, Special Education (License)

Explore
Program Overview
Student Testimonials
Alumni Success Stories
Request Information
FAQ
Program Overview
Student Testimonials
Alumni Success Stories
Request Information
FAQ

Program Overview

Equips students to become teachers who identify and champion the strengths of children with differing abilities. The program teaches students to use impactful and effective skills to lead inclusive classrooms.

CU Denver’s Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development with a special education licensure program equips undergraduate students to become teachers who identify and champion the strengths and assets of children with differing abilities, using impactful and effective skills for leading inclusive classrooms.

CU Denver believes that the most in-demand teaching career is also the most fulfilling. Every child deserves a highly qualified teacher in their classroom. We help put you there.

A unique feature of this pathway is that students can add the Colorado Department of Education's elementary endorsement to their credentials. Students leave with the Special Education license and Elementary Education endorsement through the Colorado Department of Education. Graduates are prepared to teach Special Education and K- 6, making you highly employable and desirable to schools.
 
CU Denver is a top education school with internationally recognized faculty members known for innovation and research. The program's faculty offers experience in literacy, social and emotional growth, gifted learners, students with learning disabilities, and building a diverse workforce. They prepare students for success in any classroom. The school is a top-ranked program, according to U.S. News and World Report.
 
Students are surrounded by other committed, innovative, and compassionate peers who crave a deeper level of preparedness. This culture fosters an environment that encourages teachers to give their best to every student, every day.

Students in this program will:

In this pathway you will:

  • Gain knowledge about emotional/behavioral disabilities and learning disabilities.
  • Learn to plan assessment-informed instruction for educational excellence and equity for all children from diverse racial, ethnic, language, socioeconomic, and ability backgrounds.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the diverse ways children learn and develop within their families and communities and in schools.
  • Bring a relevant and engaging curriculum to standards-based teaching.
  • Gain the skills for effective classroom organization and management.

Many schools promise a teacher residency with experiential learning under a teacher mentor. Few can deliver one as well-supported and prepared as ours. For more than 30 years, the program has worked with area schools to create a proven residency program. This partnership supports students' development as they work with teams of dedicated practicing teachers, teacher leaders, and university faculty in the school.
 
Due to our urban location and partnerships across Colorado, as well as our emphasis on teaching in diverse contexts, our graduates lead and make a difference in all classrooms. In the first year, students will be placed in a partner school. In the final year, the student's experience culminates in a full-time student teaching residency. This allows students to experience life as a teacher firsthand.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development (SEHD)

SEHD attracts students who are passionate about careers in teaching and school leadership. The program matches their passion with an education rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches, and real-world practice. That’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities, and the world.

Why the Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development, Special Education (License) at CU Denver?

 

Elementary Education Endorsement Included with Degree

Students leave this program with the Special Education license and Elementary Education endorsement through the Colorado Department of Education. This means students are prepared to teach Special Education and K- 6, making them highly employable

Scholarships

CU Denver offers generous scholarships and vast learning and development opportunities

Personalized Support for Every Student

Our program accepts students every term (fall, spring, summer) and features personalized support

Transfer Friendly Program

Ask admissions about our ever-growing transfer partnerships with community colleges.

Field experiences

Students gain field experiences that prepare them to be responsive and innovative educators

Program Description

CU Denver’s Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development with a special education licensure program equips undergraduate students to become teachers who identify and champion the strengths and assets of children with differing abilities, using impactful and effective skills for leading inclusive classrooms.

CU Denver believes that the most in-demand teaching career is also the most fulfilling. Every child deserves a highly qualified teacher in their classroom. We help put you there.

A unique feature of this pathway is that students can add the Colorado Department of Education's elementary endorsement to their credentials. Students leave with the Special Education license and Elementary Education endorsement through the Colorado Department of Education. Graduates are prepared to teach Special Education and K- 6, making you highly employable and desirable to schools.
 
CU Denver is a top education school with internationally recognized faculty members known for innovation and research. The program's faculty offers experience in literacy, social and emotional growth, gifted learners, students with learning disabilities, and building a diverse workforce. They prepare students for success in any classroom. The school is a top-ranked program, according to U.S. News and World Report.
 
Students are surrounded by other committed, innovative, and compassionate peers who crave a deeper level of preparedness. This culture fosters an environment that encourages teachers to give their best to every student, every day.

Students in this program will:

In this pathway you will:

  • Gain knowledge about emotional/behavioral disabilities and learning disabilities.
  • Learn to plan assessment-informed instruction for educational excellence and equity for all children from diverse racial, ethnic, language, socioeconomic, and ability backgrounds.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the diverse ways children learn and develop within their families and communities and in schools.
  • Bring a relevant and engaging curriculum to standards-based teaching.
  • Gain the skills for effective classroom organization and management.

Many schools promise a teacher residency with experiential learning under a teacher mentor. Few can deliver one as well-supported and prepared as ours. For more than 30 years, the program has worked with area schools to create a proven residency program. This partnership supports students' development as they work with teams of dedicated practicing teachers, teacher leaders, and university faculty in the school.
 
Due to our urban location and partnerships across Colorado, as well as our emphasis on teaching in diverse contexts, our graduates lead and make a difference in all classrooms. In the first year, students will be placed in a partner school. In the final year, the student's experience culminates in a full-time student teaching residency. This allows students to experience life as a teacher firsthand.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development (SEHD)

SEHD attracts students who are passionate about careers in teaching and school leadership. The program matches their passion with an education rooted in diversity, technology, proven approaches, and real-world practice. That’s why our graduates are prepared to make immediate and life-long impacts on people, communities, and the world.

Why the Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development, Special Education (License) at CU Denver?

 

Elementary Education Endorsement Included with Degree

Students leave this program with the Special Education license and Elementary Education endorsement through the Colorado Department of Education. This means students are prepared to teach Special Education and K- 6, making them highly employable

Scholarships

CU Denver offers generous scholarships and vast learning and development opportunities

Personalized Support for Every Student

Our program accepts students every term (fall, spring, summer) and features personalized support

Transfer Friendly Program

Ask admissions about our ever-growing transfer partnerships with community colleges.

Field experiences

Students gain field experiences that prepare them to be responsive and innovative educators

Program Features

This program has rolling admissions.

Application Deadlines

Fall, Spring and Summer

Starting Semesters

An abundance of teacher education scholarships and grants

Scholarships

Useful Links

Learn More

Student Testimonials

photo of Linda Frias
I joined the Special Education Program not just because I love children and teaching, but because I strongly believe in inclusion, social justice, opportunities, and representation. I'm so delighted to work with such an amazing school community that supports and provides opportunities for me to grow as a student and as a professional.

Linda Frias

BA in Education and Human Development, Special Education (License) (May 2023)
photo of Madison Lederer
When looking for a Special Education program, I was drawn to CU Denver because of the multitude of teaching experience options. The professors in the Special Education have been nothing less than amazing. They are understanding and not only available to you during coursework but throughout the entirety of your college experience. On top of great professors, CU Denver works hard at partnering with school districts and schools that will provide equitable, culturally diverse, and supportive environments for your student teaching to be completed. I can easily say I feel prepared and ecstatic for what is next to come in teaching!

Madison Lederer

BA in Education and Human Development, Special Education Generalist (2022)
photo of Tatiana Hamilton
I am grateful to be a part of the Special Education program at CU Denver. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of learning from others who are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about this profession. With each class and professor, I feel more prepared to become a teacher who meets the needs of all her students.

Tatiana Hamilton

BA in Education and Human Development, Special Education concentration (2023)
Previous slide
Next slide

Alumni Success Stories

photo of Alyssa Mader
The Special Education program immensely helped me build meaningful connections with my students and a safe and engaging classroom environment for my current students. The faculty and coursework helped push me out of my comfort zone and taught me to take risks with my teaching. I am grateful for the valuable feedback and skills I gained in this program as I continue to use it all daily.

Alyssa Mader

BA in Education and Human Development, Special Education concentration (2021)
Special education teacher in a facility school in Denver that is not technically part of any school district but it is within the Denver Public Schools area.

Scroll to request information form

Would you like more information about this program?

Request information

Request Information

Please fill the form below and we will reach out to you asap.

Loading...

CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.

Apply Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Teacher education students qualify for a variety of funding options. Our SEHD Student Success Center can point you in the right directions for help at the university. This webpage is a good place to start: https://education.ucdenver.edu/academic-services/financial-aid

Four years

126

This program has rolling admissions. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot. Upcoming final applications deadlines for each semester are: January 2, 2023 to start in spring, May 31, 2023 to start in summer semester, and July 31, 2023 to start in fall.

Admission Information

Application Process

CU Denver

CU Denver

Student Commons Building

1201 Larimer Street

Denver, CO 80204


(303) 315-5969

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn
Resources
  • Admissions
  • Campus Safety
  • Degrees & Programs
  • Events Calendar
  • News
Around Campus
  • Campus Resources
  • Housing & Dining
  • Location & Maps
  • Transportation & Parking
  • Visit CU Denver
Info For
  • Alumni
  • Current Students
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Families
  • Media & Press
  • Contact Us
  • Website Feedback
  • CU System
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • Accreditation
  • Employment
  • Give Now
 

© 2023 The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate. All rights reserved.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. All trademarks are registered property of the University. Used by permission only.

CMS Login
  • Current Students
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Families
  • Alumni

Webmail

UCD Access

Canvas

Opens in a new window Opens document in a new window