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Clinics

In what content areas can I receive a license?

• Elementary Education (K-6)
• Secondary Education (7-12)
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
• Art Education (K-12)
• Foreign Language (K-12) (Spanish only)
• Music Education (K-12)

How do I apply?
You can download all application directions on the Morgridge College of Education's Apply Now page.  Applicants are required to complete both the online application for Graduate Admissions and the Supplemental Application Materials. Please read the Application Directions carefully to understand all the items that must be submitted for full consideration. 

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is February 15, 2012

When will I hear about my application status?
You can expect to hear a decision approximately five to six weeks after the application deadline.

What exams are required as part of the application?
All applicants are required to take and pass the appropriate state licensure exam before beginning the program. Applicants may take the Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators (PLACE) or Praxis II. Please Note: Applicants for licensure in art, music, and foreign language must take the PLACE exam, not the Praxis II. PLACE is a Colorado-wide content assessment test. For more information, please visit www.place.nesinc.com. The PRAXIS II is a subject assessment test which measures knowledge of specific subjects that K-12 educators will teach, as well as general and subject-specific teaching skills and knowledge. This is a nationally recognized exam that can make transferring your teaching license from to state to state easier. For more information, please visit: www.ets.org/praxis/. Both tests are rated as a pass or a fail.

When are the classes held?
The 40 credit-hour course sequence of the Teacher Education Program does not follow the traditional University of Denver calendar.

Fall Quarter (End of August through end of November)
Classes are held 2 evenings per week and on Fridays or Saturdays. In addition to completing coursework, students participate in field experiences in diverse, urban public school settings one full-day per week for 12 weeks.

Winter Quarter (Beginning of January to mid-March)
Classes are held 2 evenings per week and on Saturdays. During winter quarter, students begin their student teaching placement. Students will observe in the classroom four consecutive days per week from the beginning of January to mid-February. Full-time student teaching begins mid-February and continues to the end of May, or until the end of the host school's academic year.

Spring Quarter (Mid-March to the end of May)
Classes are held one evening per week. Students continue full-time student teaching through the end of May, or until the end of the host school's academic year. Depending on the host school's schedule, students may not have a spring break.

If I earn my teaching license in Colorado, can I teach out of state?
Yes. Colorado has reciprocity with more than 40 states. Reciprocity applies to the extent that education programs are equivalent to the standards and guidelines of a state's approved education programs. Reciprocity does not guarantee that all areas of licensure will transfer directly from one state to another, but you will be awarded the closest comparable areas. In some cases, grade levels differ from those on the license you hold from Colorado, and such a difference may be reflected on your license. Many states do have additional testing requirements which are not part of the reciprocity agreement. For further information, refer to an individual
state's department of education.

How should I select my major here at DU?
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has specific course requirements that you must fulfill for each licensure area.  Students who want to teach at the secondary level (grades 7-12) should major in the subject area in which they plan to teach. For example, possibilities for secondary licensure include: English, Science (biology, chemistry, geology, physics), Mathematics, and Social sciences (history, political science, geography, economics).

If you are interested in teaching elementary students (grades K-6), most DU majors fulfill the course requirements through completion of the DU core requirements. Liberal arts and sciences majors work best; coursework for a major in business does not typically fulfill all of the liberal arts course requirements. Licensure for K-12 Art traditionally requires that students have a studio focus.

K-12 Foreign Language Education (Spanish only) requires that students major in the language that they would like to teach, K-12 Music Education can be completed with a performance major.

When should I first seek advising from the Morgridge College of Education?
In order to be on track with state licensure requirements, early advising is important. Plan on meeting with the Combined Degree advisor at the Morgridge College of Education during your second year at DU.

What are the benefits of obtaining a masters degree in addition to a bachelor's degree?
The master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction has a variety of benefits. First, it generally increases your starting point on a school district pay scale. Second, schools and districts are seeking the most qualified candidates for each position they have open. The completion of a master's degree is one of many experiences districts often seek in hiring new teachers. The curriculum and instruction focus will also provide various career opportunities in and out of the classroom. We have had graduates work in businesses, museums, zoos, and other curriculum design positions.

Can I complete the licensure requirements for two content areas?
No. The structure of the program is designed to only meet the requirements for one area of licensure. You can, however, add additional endorsements to your license and be qualified to teach in more than one area after completion of the Dual Degree Program. For example, a student could complete the licensure program for Spanish 7-12, and have the additional coursework to apply for the Italian endorsement. Therefore, s/he would be able to teach both languages in a high school.

Who can I contact for additional information about the Combined Degree Program?
Please contact the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services at the Morgridge College of Education at 303-871-2509/1-800-853-1607 or edinfo@du.edu for further information.