Generalist Degrees in Special Education
As schools of the 21st century strive to increase performance of all students, they are increasingly challenged to meet a wider variety of student needs. The special education generalist plays a critical role in providing instruction and support for students with special learning needs across multiple tiers of instruction. Generalists are good problem solvers who ask questions, continually reflect on and adjust their practice, are committed to individualization, and believe all students can learn.
Taught from a Christian worldview, CCU's special education degree is an online program. Each course will help develop dedicated special educators as they pursue a special education career. Small class sizes encourage individualized learning and networking and allow special education students direct access to instructors who are also professionals in the field.
Since teacher education in the special education field is considered a high-need area, students in CCU's special education degree program may be eligible for the TEACH grant. Learn more on our Scholarships website.
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, K-12 Generalist (Licensure)
The Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, K-12 Generalist (Licensure) degree is designed for adult students nationwide and abroad (see exclusions below) who wish to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree and a teaching license that allows them to teach K-12 special education in a wide range of school settings including public schools, and international, private, and public charter schools. Upon successful completion of the program and meeting state requirements including content testing and background checks, graduates apply for licensure in Colorado or in their state. This degree also meets the educational requirements for an elementary teaching license in Colorado. Out-of-state students are responsible for researching their home state's teacher licensure process and requirements. Learn more about the program and licensure requirements for each state.
Successful completion of CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies education licensure programs will result in a university recommendation for licensure to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). It is the student's responsibility to ensure he/she meets all additional CDE licensure requirements including content testing and background checks. Out-of-state students are responsible for researching their home state's teacher licensure reciprocation process and requirements.
B.A. with Licensure* Quick Facts
- 120 credit hours (50 in professional core)
- Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
- CCU's generous transfer credit policies help you accelerate your degree
- Teaching Focus: K-12 special education classrooms in public, international, private, and public charter schools
- Eligible for educator licensure
- Student teaching is required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Christian Schools International
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Non-Licensure)
The Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, K-12 Generalist (Non-Licensure) program is designed for adult students nationwide and abroad (see exclusions below) who wish to become special education teachers and obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree without licensure. Graduates are prepared to teach K-12 special education courses in schools that do not require licensure including some public charter school districts, private schools, and international schools. Student teaching is not required, although teacher candidates are required to complete 130 clock hours of field experiences during the first fall and spring semesters to ensure adequate educator preparation. Graduates of this program may later choose to pursue Colorado licensure through CCU's Alternative Licensing Program or through CCU's Master of Arts in Special Education Licensure program.
B.A. without Licensure Quick Facts
- 120 credit hours (39 in professional core)
- Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
- CCU's generous transfer credit policies help you accelerate your degree
- Teaching Focus: K-12 special education classrooms in some private, international, and public charter schools
- Not eligible for licensure
- Student teaching is not required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and Association of Christian Schools International
Related Programs
- Bachelor's Degrees: Early Childhood Education, B.A., Elementary Education, B.A.
- Master's Degrees: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, M.A., Educational Leadership, M.Ed., Special Education, M.Ed.
- Certificates: TESOL, Graduate Certificate
Future special education teachers interested in an online Bachelor program and looking for more information regarding CCU’s admission requirements, general curriculum, financial aid, and transfer credit policy, fill out the request info section on this page.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Colorado Christian University offers several academic programs which lead to professional licensure in the state of Colorado and, in some programs, prepare students for a national exam. All students should be aware that states vary in their educational and professional requirements depending on the profession. Some states require specific educational requirements, clinical requirements, accreditation requirements, or exam requirements. See professional licensure disclosures for details.
State Exclusions for Online Students
Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.