Undergraduate/Graduate Dual Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
In what content areas can I receive a license?
- Elementary Education (K-6)
- Secondary Education (7-12)
- English Language Arts
- Foreign Language (Spanish, French, German, Russian)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Art Education (K-12)
- Music Education (K-12)
How do I apply?
You can download all application materials at www.du.edu/education. You will need to complete both the On-line Application for Graduate Admissions and the Supplemental Application Materials. Please thoroughly read the Supplemental Application Materials to understand all the items that must be submitted for full consideration.
To ensure proper and timely processing of your application, please send all the application materials in ONE packet to:
University of Denver
Office of Graduate Admissions
2197 S. University Blvd.
University Hall, Room 216
Denver, CO 80208
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is April 1. We may continue to accept applications after the deadline ONLY if space is available. The program admits students once a year, with classes starting in late August.
When will I hear about my application status?
You will be notified when we have received your application. Complete applications are reviewed by an Admissions Committee on a rolling basis. You can expect to hear a decision approximately five to six weeks after your complete application has been received.
What exams are required as part of the application?
There are two types of exams required for admission into the Dual Degree Program. One is required for admission into the graduate program and the other is a state licensure requirement. Both are completed during the third year, before submitting the Dual Degree application. All applicants are required to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). For more information about either of these tests please visit: www.ets.org/gre for the GRE and www.milleranalogies.com for the MAT.
Additionally, 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, and it 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.
What are the minimum GRE/MAT scores required for admission?
Test scores are only part of a very comprehensive application when evaluating a potential student for the program. We look for target scores of 460 or above on the verbal section, 400 or above on the quantitative section, and a minimum 3.5 on the writing portion. Lower scores do not automatically eliminate you from consideration.
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 on Wednesday evenings (4:30-9:00) and Saturdays (8:00-4:30). 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 on Wednesday evenings (4:30-9:00) and Saturdays (8:00-4:30). 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 on Wednesday evenings (4:30-7:30) only. 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. When choosing a major, we recommend meeting with an advisor in the College of Education to ensure your program meets the coursework requirements necessary to obtain your Colorado teaching license. Students who want to teach at the secondary level (grades 7-12) should major in the subject area you plan to teach. For example, possibilities for secondary licensure include: English, foreign language (Spanish, French, German, Russian), science (biology, chemistry, geology, physics), mathematics, and social sciences (history, political science, geography, economics). If you want to teach 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. 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 a Morgridge College of Education advisor during your first year at DU.
What are the coursework requirements for the third or junior year?
In the third or junior year, students take three classes, all having a strong service-learning component. You will spend time learning about the world of education and understanding firsthand how schools function by visiting local educational settings. Through these classes you will fulfill the 100 hours of field experience required for admission to the program. The two classes are instructor lead and one class will be an independent study focused on a research project emerging out of personal interest.
Is it possible to study abroad while completing this degree program?
Studying abroad is possible if planned for in advance. Meet with a Morgridge College of Education advisor early to make sure the quarter spent abroad will not prevent the completion of required coursework.
What are the benefits to 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 masters 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.
Why are we only granted a teaching licensure recommendation after completing this program? What else will I need to do to obtain my teaching license?
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is the only agency that can grant a teaching license. After completing all components of the Dual Degree Program, the Morgridge College of Education will issue the state verification needed to apply for your license. You will not need to take any additional tests or coursework to obtain your initial license in Colorado.
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 Dual Degree Program?
Please contact the Enrollment Services Coordinator at 303-871-2503 or ci@du.edu.