Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, K-12 Generalist (Licensure)

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Within the context of a Christian worldview, the B.A. in Special Education, K-12 Generalist (Licensure) degree provides a challenging, theory-based and application-oriented approach to education. Students acquire knowledge, develop skills, and demonstrate competencies necessary to teach effectively in the special education field. Courses and field experiences develop educators who are dedicated to addressing diverse learner needs with excellence through servant-leadership in their field and in society.

As schools of the 21st century strive to increase performance of all students, they provide multiple tiers of research-based instruction to meet a variety of student needs. The special education generalist plays a critical role in providing instruction and support for students with disabilities across the tiers. 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.

The emphasis on becoming a licensed teacher enhances the student’s instructional skills through the study of curriculum development, program assessment, psychological foundations, teaching methods, group dynamics, student assessment, and critical thinking. These principles are then put into practical application through field-based experiences in real special education classrooms, culminating in a semester-long student teaching experience.

In addition to satisfactory completion of required coursework, candidates must pass the Colorado Department of Education required teacher license exam for special educators. Students who satisfactorily complete all requirements of the Special Education Generalist Licensing program are qualified to teach K-12 special education in Colorado public schools and are also eligible to apply for elementary education licensing through the Colorado Department of Education. Additionally, program graduates meet requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International.

Students residing outside of Colorado may reciprocate the Colorado teaching license(s) to their state per that state’s reciprocation requirements.

Graduates of this program may apply to the CCU Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) program. Upon acceptance, one graduate level course included in the B.A. professional core can be applied to the MACI “Non-Emphasis” degree.

The Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, K-12 Generalist (Licensure) requires completion of the following 120 hours:
General Education Core (48 credits)
Electives (24 credits)
Special Education Professional Core (48 credits)

General Education Core Requirements (48 credit hours)

Arts and Humanities (9 credit hours)

PHL 205A - World Views (3) (must be taken at CCU)
Choose one.
ART 112A - Art Appreciation (3)
HUM 101A - Creative Arts (3)
Any creative arts/fine arts/music appreciation equivalent may be used for either course.
Choose one.
HUM 216A - Classic Christmas Films & Literature (3)
HUM 229A - C.S. Lewis in Film & Literature (3)
Any literature equivalent may be used for either course.

Biblical Studies (9 credit hours)

INT 212A - Adult Studies Seminar II (3) (must be taken at CCU)
BIB 101A - Old Testament Introduction (3) (or equivalent)
BIB 102A - New Testament Introduction (3) (or equivalent)

Communication (9 credit hours)

Mathematics (3 credit hours)

MAT 113A - Math Concepts (3) (*or higher level math)
*MAT 250A - Introduction to Research and Applied Statistics cannot be used to fulfill the general education requirement.

Natural/Physical Science (6 credit hours)

Must include 1 credit hour science lab.

BIO 102A - Biological Diversity (3) (or other science equivalent)
BIO 112A - Biological Diversity Lab (1) (or other science lab equivalent)
Any additional natural or physical science equivalent to at least two credit hours (2).

Social Science (9 credit hours)

PSY 102A - General Psychology (3) (or psychology equivalent)
GEO 280A - Environmental Geography (3) (or world geography equivalent)
Choose one.
HIS 204A - America since 1877 (3) (or U.S. history equivalent)
HIS 202A - Western Civilization I (3) (or world history equivalent)

Elective Requirements (24 credit hours)

Complete 24 hours of electives.

Requirements for Entrance into the Professional Core:

CCU-specified background check. Required for admission into School of Education Professions (SEP) programs in order to participate in field experience requirements.
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 for courses completed at CCU. A minimum of 9 credit hours must be completed at CCU prior to admission into the SEP programs.
Interview with SEP program director or other SEP staff designee.
Writing sample completed at time of interview.
One non-family letter of recommendation.
Applicants must complete all general education and elective requirements prior to enrolling in any SEP courses. Applicants may be admitted by the program director for conditional admission with a maximum of 9 credits outstanding in any of the pre-professional core areas.

Special Education Professional Core Requirements (48 credit hours)

Graduation Requirements

The faculty recommends students in the B.A. in Special Education, K-12 Generalist (Licensure) to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements:

Completion of a total of 120 credits of courses, including all general education, elective, and major coursework.
A passing score on the Colorado Department of Education required teacher license exam for Special Education Generalist.
A grade of D or higher in all CCU non-education coursework, and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher in all CCU coursework.
Teacher candidates must earn a C- or higher in all education core courses, and must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all core courses and field studies.
Teacher candidates must earn a grade of C or higher in the student teaching practicum.
Recommendation by the CAGS SEP Dean for Special Education Generalist Licensing by the Colorado Department of Education.
Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.

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