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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.
Program Overview
Prepares individuals to teach in diverse middle and high school classrooms and expand students' worldviews, support a global perspective, and deepen critical thinking and analysis skills. Features a residency program perfected and proven through almost 30 years of ongoing work with partner schools.
University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Teaching (MAT) with a Secondary Social Studies (7 - 12) teaching license expertly prepares you to teach social studies in diverse middle and high school classrooms in as little as a year. Social studies taught with a global and critical perspective expands students’ worldviews and their capacity for critical thinking and analysis. Learning from dedicated teachers and award-winning faculty in a residency program perfected and proven through almost 30 years of ongoing work with partner schools make our program – and our graduates – stand out. Our goal is to help you have a transformative impact on student learning, creativity and achievement, while also supporting you as an innovator in your school and professional networks.
Students in this concentration will:
- Learn to plan assessment-informed social studies instruction for educational excellence and equity for all children from diverse racial, ethnic, language, socio-economic and ability backgrounds.
- Explore linguistically and culturally relevant history teaching practices.
- Develop deep understanding of the diverse ways children learn and develop within their families and communities and in schools; and gain skills to bring a relevant and engaging social studies curriculum to your standards-based teaching.
Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development
As one of the top education schools in the country, we’re proud to help people like you become teachers. At CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development, you will be surrounded by other committed, talented students who are determined to make a positive impact in the classroom. They are drawn to our program because they want a deeper level of preparedness –one that will support their own development as culturally competent individuals and teachers, light a fire for social justice, and allow them to give their best to every student, every day. The School of Education & Human Development is consistently ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” experiences by U.S. News & World Report. We match your passion for teaching with an education that is 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 Master of Arts in Teaching, Social Studies (License) program at CU Denver?
Proven and Perfected Residency Program
Our graduates' level of preparedness is equivalent to that of a more experienced and confident teacher. That's because at CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development, you don't just learn from anyone, you learn from the best. Further, because of our urban location and emphasis on teaching in diverse contexts, our graduates are ready to lead – and make a difference – in any classroom.
Join One of the Top Education Schools in the Country
You will be surrounded by other committed, talented students who are determined to make a positive impact in the classroom. They are drawn to our program because they want a deeper level of preparedness –one that will allow them to give their best to every student, every day.
Launch Your New Teaching Career Quickly
Our program offers different start times and program lengths to accommodate your personal obligations. In fact, it's possible to complete our program in as little as one year.
Earn up to $40,000 in Stipends and Grants
School of Education & Human Development staff will work with you to qualify and access existing state and federal dollars to help pay for the three semester MAT program. Let us help you determine if full funding is possible.
Program Description
University of Colorado Denver’s MA in Teaching (MAT) with a Secondary Social Studies (7 - 12) teaching license expertly prepares you to teach social studies in diverse middle and high school classrooms in as little as a year. Social studies taught with a global and critical perspective expands students’ worldviews and their capacity for critical thinking and analysis. Learning from dedicated teachers and award-winning faculty in a residency program perfected and proven through almost 30 years of ongoing work with partner schools make our program – and our graduates – stand out. Our goal is to help you have a transformative impact on student learning, creativity and achievement, while also supporting you as an innovator in your school and professional networks.
Students in this concentration will:
- Learn to plan assessment-informed social studies instruction for educational excellence and equity for all children from diverse racial, ethnic, language, socio-economic and ability backgrounds.
- Explore linguistically and culturally relevant history teaching practices.
- Develop deep understanding of the diverse ways children learn and develop within their families and communities and in schools; and gain skills to bring a relevant and engaging social studies curriculum to your standards-based teaching.
Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development
As one of the top education schools in the country, we’re proud to help people like you become teachers. At CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development, you will be surrounded by other committed, talented students who are determined to make a positive impact in the classroom. They are drawn to our program because they want a deeper level of preparedness –one that will support their own development as culturally competent individuals and teachers, light a fire for social justice, and allow them to give their best to every student, every day. The School of Education & Human Development is consistently ranked as a top graduate school and “best online” experiences by U.S. News & World Report. We match your passion for teaching with an education that is 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 Master of Arts in Teaching, Social Studies (License) program at CU Denver?
Proven and Perfected Residency Program
Our graduates' level of preparedness is equivalent to that of a more experienced and confident teacher. That's because at CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development, you don't just learn from anyone, you learn from the best. Further, because of our urban location and emphasis on teaching in diverse contexts, our graduates are ready to lead – and make a difference – in any classroom.
Join One of the Top Education Schools in the Country
You will be surrounded by other committed, talented students who are determined to make a positive impact in the classroom. They are drawn to our program because they want a deeper level of preparedness –one that will allow them to give their best to every student, every day.
Launch Your New Teaching Career Quickly
Our program offers different start times and program lengths to accommodate your personal obligations. In fact, it's possible to complete our program in as little as one year.
Earn up to $40,000 in Stipends and Grants
School of Education & Human Development staff will work with you to qualify and access existing state and federal dollars to help pay for the three semester MAT program. Let us help you determine if full funding is possible.
Program Features
Summer: February 15, Fall: June 30
Application deadlines
Summer or Fall
Starting semester
18 months
Time to complete
39
Credit hours
Useful Links
Student Testimonials
I feel the MAT program for social studies at CU Denver aims to nurture teacher candidates so they may become transformative educators. As teacher candidates, we are taught to look at all of our subjects, whether it’s history, civics, economics or geography, through the lens of social justice. The program has instilled a belief that by connecting to students and the community, I can have a positive impact on both.
Jay Freni
Master of Arts in Teaching, Social Studies concentration (2022)
While there are many great outcomes to the CU Denver’s MAT Social Studies and teacher licensure program, the most impactful for me was the student teaching experience. I was able to get involved with a school in my new community and build great relationships with the students and the faculty. With the experiences, education, and the support from my cohort and professors at CU Denver, I feel like I am prepared.
Alexis Stanley
Master’s in Teaching + Teacher Licensure, Social Studies (2022)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.