Special Education
Requirements for eligibility are the same whether you’re applying in pursuit of a Master of Arts in Education, an endorsement, or for alternative certification.
Eligibility for this program is dependent on your meeting certain criteria. As this is a competitive program, the Teacher Education Department will form a cohort from amongst the applicants who meet eligibility criteria. Meeting the eligibility criteria, or minimum standards, alone does not guarantee admission.
You have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
For baccalaureate and prior graduate coursework, you need at least a 3.00 on a 4.00 GPA scale.
*Note: This is true for graduate work even if it did not lead to a degree. If you have multiple undergraduate degrees, the minimum GPA applies to each.
If your GPA is below 3.0, and you still wish to apply, please write a letter to the Admission Committee that:
You must have a contract with a school/district for at least part-time employment in special education.
You need not have field experience, nor are there are any education prerequisites that are required for admission. However, we encourage you to complete ED 222: Global Perspectives in Education, ED 341: Foundations of Teaching, and ED 342: Foundations of Teaching School-Based Field Experiences or the equivalent transfer work for an introduction to the teaching profession.
Complete the online Graduate Studies Application for Admission. Alternative Certification and Endorsement applicants should select “Non-degree” on the drop down menu for “Application Type” and either “Special Education Endorsement” or “Special Education Alternative Certification” for program. MAE applicants will select the MAE (degree seeking) option on the drop down menu. When you submit the application, you will be required to pay the $50 application fee by electronic check or credit card. This fee is non-refundable. If you are experiencing difficulties with the submission of your graduate application, email sped@fortlewis.edu or call 970-247-7097.
Apply Now
Submit sealed official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended for both undergraduate and graduate studies to the Department of Teacher Education. Fort Lewis College transcripts will be obtained for you. In addition to degree applicable coursework, official documents are required for all professional and personal development for which you received credit on a college transcript (this includes conference attendance or coursework for licensure credit). If any of the transcripts show work in progress, final transcripts must also be submitted. Mail transcripts to: Department of Teacher Education Graduate Studies Fort Lewis College 1000 Rim Drive Durango, CO 81301-3999
Submit a 1,200 to 1,500-word statement that describes 1) your interest in graduate education and how it contributes to your personal and professional goals and 2) how the Fort Lewis College graduate program to which you are applying will help you meet your goals. Email your finished statement to sped@fortlewis.edu. Write SPECIAL EDUCATION APPLICATION ESSAY [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.
Take the Praxis 5001 Elementary Education test online at Colorado Department of Education site.
Download and submit Field Experience Application.
The department will complete a background check in Colorado as well as your current state of residency. Contact the Teacher Education Department's Administrative Assistant 970-247-7291 to request the materials.
A copy of your current résumé. Email your finished résumé to sped@fortlewis.edu. Write RÉSUMÉ [YOUR NAME] in the subject line.
Alternative Certification applicants only. District approved employment contract or letter of offer. Letter must include that you have been hired in a special education setting. You may download this statement of assurance form and return, signed by your employer.
Endorsement applicants only. Release form. Request your direct supervisor to complete the Research Day Release form.
Please contact us with your questions.