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University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado

About

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC), a public university founded in 1889, has a long history in teacher preparation. We are proud of our heritage and it shows in many ways. Our faculty advocate a teacher-scholar model in which the art and science of teaching are regarded as critical in how we work with all students, including teacher candidates.

Our faculty model high-quality teaching and we place priority on engaging our students in real-world issues in the schools and in the community. We prepare the largest number of teachers and educators across the largest array of program areas, so our teacher candidates gain from interactions with a broad range of future school personnel. Because of our size and program quality we partner with schools across Colorado and the world.

Learn more about how UNC is recruiting the next generation of teachers here.

  • College or University
  • Greeley

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Online Application
Aly Eschler

Taking over a classroom as a UNC student really helped prepare me for the challenges I face as a classroom teacher now.

Aly Eschler

University of Northern Colorado

Programs

Master’s & licensure

Master of Arts: Special Education

Start Checklist

  • From 18 to 24 months

    Program Duration

  • Online

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

UNC’s graduate licensure and endorsement programs prepare expert teachers through 800+ hours of field experience, mentorship and evidence-based practices, with many options available online or in hybrid formats.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Concentration offers extensive field experiences with deaf or hard-of-hearing students, supporting speech, ASL, and sign systems in a variety of educational settings. Learn more. 

The Generalist Concentration focuses on literacy, math, standards, assessment, behavior management and technology, preparing you to support students with disabilities through behavior supports and accommodations. Learn more.

The Gifted Education Concentration prepares you to meet new standards for gifted educators.This program offers an endorsement, certificate or master’s degree in gifted education. Learn more. 

The Intervention Specialist Concentration is for experienced special education teachers seeking graduate-level training to become leaders in their field. Learn more. 

The Visual Impairment Concentration prepares you to support students with visual impairments from birth- age 21, focusing on early childhood and elementary ages. Learn more. 

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Dec. 01, 2025

    Spring

  • May 01, 2026

    Summer

  • Aug. 01, 2026

    Fall

  • Rolling Deadline

    Spring

  • Rolling Deadline

    Summer

  • Rolling Deadline

    Fall

  • Rolling Deadline

    Winter

Get Deadline Reminders

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at University of Northern Colorado have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with University of Northern Colorado to see if you can, too!

Amount
Description

Earn your Master's in 2 years- total tuition for the program is $18,876.

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

UNC accepts a universal scholarship application here: https://www.unco.edu/financial-aid/ 

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Licensure Areas

Blind Birth-12
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Birth-12
Early Childhood Special Education Birth-8
Gifted Education Specialist Pre-K-12
Special Education Pre-K-12

Stats

Gender

  • Male

  • Female

    11%

    89%

Ethnicity

  • American Indian or Alaskan Native

  • Asian

  • Black

  • Hispanic/Latino

  • Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

  • White

  • Two or more races

    1%

    2%

    1%

    5%

    1%

    88%

    1%

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit University of Northern Colorado's website to learn more and apply.