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Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University

About

More than one hundred years old, Western Colorado University is a public university that offers 100+ four-year degrees, as well seven master's track programs, five of which are accelerated five-year programs. In 2017, Forbes magazine designated Western Colorado University as one of the top 100 institutions in the West and in 2019, Western received an $80 million dollar gift from alumnus Paul Rady to partner with CU Boulder to create a world class school of Computer Science and Engineering in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Sitting atop the world at 7,702 feet, Western was named three times by Elevation Outdoors magazine as the "Top Adventure School in the West." Having an average class size of fourteen, Western offers a one of kind opportunity for world class education in a small town environment.

Western student Justine Chang won TEACH Colorado's $1,000 "Shape the Future" scholarship. See her reason for teaching below!

Justine Chang Scholarship Winner

 

  • College or University
  • Gunnison

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Online Application
Amy Jo Odubhaigh

The year long residency experience was invaluable. I felt like my student teaching was my first year teaching.

Amy Jo Odubhaigh

Western Colorado University

Programs

Master’s & licensure

Licensure + Master of Arts in Special Education

Start Checklist

  • From 24 to 60 months

    Program Duration

  • Online

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

Western’s comprehensive, fully online Special Education program is aligned with the Colorado State Standards for Special Education Generalist (K–grade 12) and Teacher Quality standards. You’ll learn to support the whole child and create personalized learning experiences by working closely with teaching teams, administrators and families.

Every course combines the “why” behind special education—its philosophical and legal foundations—with hands-on strategies for the key roles and responsibilities of a special educator.

You can complete licensure preparation in one or two years, depending on your path. If you’re seeking initial licensure, you’ll take 9 courses and choose from one of the following tracks:

  • Work as a traditional student teaching resident, interning 24 hours per week in a special education classroom.
  • Serve as a paraprofessional resident, working at least 24 hours per week in a special education setting.
  • Be an alternative licensure candidate working full-time as a special educator.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Apr. 15, 2026

    Fall

  • Jul. 15, 2026

    Fall

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

  • $13,500

    In State Tuition

  • $13,500

    Out of State Tuition

  • $50

    Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

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

Amount
Description

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

Donald P. Timm Scholarship: For degree-seeking graduate students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Eight to ten scholarships of up to $1,000 are available to students enrolled in the licensure year of the program. Two to three scholarships of up to $500 are available to students who have earned their teaching license and are pursuing a Master's Degree in Education.

Education Department Scholarships: Eight to ten scholarships of up to $1,000 are available to students enrolled in the licensure year of the program.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Licensure Areas

Special Education K-12

Get Started

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