Metropolitan State College of Denver

Programme overview

This Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education with Alternative Licensure (ALP SED MAT) is structured as a two-year, five-semester pathway that lets candidates earn a master’s degree while completing Colorado alternative licensure requirements. The program requires attendance at a one-week Summer Seminar in July, weekly evening face-to-face classes during the school year, and a four-week summer practicum between years one and two. Successful completion plus required Praxis exams makes candidates eligible for the Initial Special Education Generalist License from the Colorado Department of Education.

What you'll study

The curriculum includes graduate-level special education coursework delivered across five semesters. Teacher candidates complete 40 hours of graduate special education coursework during the program and are awarded a total of 49 graduate credits on completion. MAT students must also complete an additional 9 graduate credits: two courses in the summer between years one and two and one course in the fall of year two. Program delivery features a one-week Summer Seminar, weekly Wednesday face-to-face classes (5:15pm–8:15pm), face-to-face coaching, and a four-week summer practicum in June.

• Praxis exam preparation and requirements: Elementary Mathematics PRAXIS #5903; Special Education PRAXIS #5355 (Core Knowledge); Teaching Reading: Elementary PRAXIS #5205.
• Demonstration of proficiency on Colorado Teacher Quality Standards for Special Education Generalist.
• Completion of a Teacher Work Sample and portfolio.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrollment candidates must be hired as a full-time teacher in a Colorado Front Range public school district, public or private charter school, or an accredited private school, and meet Colorado Department of Education ALP requirements. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and pass Praxis #5903 (or apply for an Interim Authorization that permits one year to pass it). Additional application materials include a resume and a one-page, double-spaced personal statement (12-point Times New Roman, one-inch margins, PDF or DOC/DOCX) addressing reasons for pursuing the degree, relevant experiences/qualities, and why MSU Denver ALP SED MAT specifically. Candidates must attend the one-week Summer Seminar before the program begins.

Career prospects

Graduates who complete the program and achieve the required Praxis scores are eligible for the Initial Special Education Generalist License in Colorado. The pathway is aimed at in-service teachers moving into special education generalist roles in K–12 schools across the Colorado Front Range. Career outcomes focus on classroom special education positions that require state licensure and demonstrated proficiency on Colorado Teacher Quality Standards.

Scholarships & funding angle

Tuition for the program is listed at $6,957.00 per year for two years (total $13,914.00) plus mandatory student fees; rates are subject to change. Students should explore university education scholarships, federal and state financial aid, employer support from hiring districts, and any program-specific grants or fee assistance available through MSU Denver’s School of Education.