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Special Education

Master of Education | Initial Licensure

Cultivate diverse learners in positive environments.

At Regis University, you’ll learn the practice of teaching from a perspective that emphasizes the heart and mind of education. Our family of programs is grounded in the Jesuit tradition that emphasizes development of the whole person. This tradition informs how our faculty teach, and how we train our graduates to teach. With an emphasis on meeting the needs of diverse learners, our course work goes beyond academic instruction to include advocacy and well-being for the learners as well as educators. You’ll gain a strong foundation in evidence-based supports and interventions within multi-tiered systems, universal design for learning and the development of the whole child.

As a dedicated special education teacher, you’ll gain increased confidence and competence in areas such as I.E.P. development including transition services, social, emotional, and behavioral supports and intervention, restorative practices and researched-based strategies. During the last semester of your master’s degree, you’ll have passed both licensure exams and be paired with a qualified special education teacher for student teaching to put the theories and strategies you’ve learned into practice.

If you believe that teaching is a calling and not just a profession, you’ve come to the right place. Come learn from and with people who feel the same

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Statement of Purpose

The Division of Education at Regis University prepares educators who are committed to our Jesuit values, including social justice, anti-racist teaching, inclusive, culturally sustaining, multilingual education and building a compassionate community. We are committed to preparing empowered, resilient educators who work with their students, schools and communities to advocate for change.

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Program Snapshot

Program Format
Online 8-week terms

Time Commitment
24 - 36 months

Key Dates
Starts are offered in August and January.

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Student Teaching

Students complete 200 field hours while completing their course work, gaining valuable hands-on experience and skills along the way. Student teaching requires full-time enrollment in the program, passing of the PRAXIS exam and must be completed at an accredited institution within the state of Colorado. Some student teaching programs will help offset the cost of student teaching or pay you to student teach. Regis has over 100 partner schools and will work to pair you with the right grade level in a supportive atmosphere.


Initial Licensure

After completing your field hours in a Colorado school, you can apply for licensure in Colorado through the Colorado Department of Education with our recommendation. A total of 800 hours of fieldwork and student teaching are required for licensure, as well as successful completion of the PRAXIS licensing exam.


Excellence in Education

The M.Ed. in Special Education program at Regis University is an initial licensure preparation program that is approved by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). It is also nationally approved through the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). We're proud that our graduates continue to make a difference in the lives of students.


By the Numbers

10%
Discount offered for licensed or contracted teachers
$61820
Avg. salary for special education teachers*
20600
New special education teacher roles to be filled by 2031*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
**EdWeek, https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/special-education-definition-statistics-and-trends/2019/12

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Additional Program Options

In addition to the Master of Education in Special Education, Regis offers the following options for those in various stages of their career. Ask your admissions counselor for more information.

| Added endorsement for Licensed Teachers: 30 credit hours
| Non-degree, Added Endorsement: 27 credit hours

Imagine Yourself In ...

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EDSP 663: Assessment of the Diverse Learner

Identify educational and behavioral needs, write measurable goals and develop appropriate interventions to craft individualized education plans (IEPs) and monitor student growth.

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EDSP 644 Supports and Interventions for the Social Needs of Diverse Learners

Analyze student behavior, including normal and disruptive classroom actions, focusing on intervention strategies for students with moderate needs.

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EDRG 653: Literacy for Students with Special Needs

Explore research-based methods and curricula for teaching reading and writing to students with special learning needs, including effective assessment strategies and modifications.

To apply to the M.Ed. in Special Education program, you will need:

  • Completed online application
  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Official degree-bearing transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Resume
  • Added endorsement only: Copy of active teaching license or educator credential

Real people. Really invested in you. Contact your admissions counselor today and learn how we help you each step of the way.

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Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year: $589 per credit hour
Total program credits: 48
10% tuition discount is available for paraprofessionals or those with contracted positions within a school.

Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance, which includes all expenses students may have, including basic living costs. For more information about tuition, fees and your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Cost of Attendance for Adult Undergraduates and Graduate Students page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Earning your M.Ed. in Special Education from Regis sets you apart and expands your professional network — think of it as an investment in your future. Between scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages, advancing your education is within reach. Explore our Investing in Your Future graduate financing guide or visit our Office of Financial Aid on the web.

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A Culture of Excellence

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The Master of Education in Special Education is offered by the Division of Education within Regis College.