Master’s Program

Master’s (MA) programs are available in four general areas in the School of Education: Curriculum and Instruction (C & I); Educational and Psychological Studies (EPSY); Educational Foundations, Policy, and Practice (EFPP); and Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity (EECD).

C & I master’s programs focus on teaching and learning in the following curricular areas: K-12 humanities, K-12 math/science, and K-12 literacy. Course work focuses on foundations of learning, foundations of education, and subject matter knowledge and pedagogy. The programs prepare students to understand the complexities of classroom contexts and teaching practice. The K-12 literacy program also prepares individuals to meet Colorado state requirements for an advanced endorsement in K-12 reading.

Educational and Psychological Studies master's program focus on research, theory, and professional knowledge with an emphasis on learning and teaching in K-12 educational settings.  The program is structured in accordance with a scientist-practitioner model with primary emphasis given to academic study and research.  All students develop an academic foundation in educational psychology that prepares them for further study at the PhD level, work in K-12 education, or employment in the private sector.

Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice master's program focus on policy analysis, curriculum theory, and the application of academic disciplines—anthropology, history, law, philosophy, and sociology—to the analysis of education.  Programs are devoted to the critical examination of the relations among education, society, culture, and government, with special emphasis on problems of race, gender, social class, and multiculturalism.  The programs prepare students for further study at the PhD level and to be policy analysts for state and other organizations.

Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity master's program focus on bilingual special education, bilingual/second language acquisition, and bilingual/multicultural education.  The programs stress analysis, evaluation, and implementation of educational programs for students who represent diverse learning needs within the public school system.  The effects of school culture, language policies, and the social and political context of schooling are examined across program emphases. Several programs prepare individuals to meet Colorado requirements for an endorsement in Linguistically Diverse Education, Bilingual Specialist, Special Education Generalist, and Special Education Specialist.

Admissions
Admissions requirements vary somewhat across the School’s program areas (choose from among program area links above).  In general, decisions are based on multiple criteria, including undergraduate academic record, letters of recommendation, evidence of special accomplishments, and relevant past experience.  The criteria are considered in the aggregate.  Fit between program and applicant goals is also an important consideration.  General requirements are the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 2.75 undergraduate grade point average (GPA), and in all previous course work in education
• Minimum 3.00 post baccalaureate GPA.
• International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL score of 650 (written) or 280 (computer).

International applicants must submit applications for summer or fall terms by December 1, and for spring term by September 1.

Students must have their complete application files in the Graduate Office of the School of Education by the following dates. Incomplete or late applications will be accepted but are processed at the discretion of the admission committee with consideration for space availability.

Admission Requirements
Individuals interested in graduate programs in the School of Education must seek admission to the Graduate School of the University of Colorado at Boulder.  Materials for admission to the Graduate School are available from the Office of Student Services, School of Education, 249 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0249; phone 303-492-6555; e-mail: Edadvise@Colorado.EDU.  Please specify the program to which you wish to apply.  Some programs require supplemental application forms, and they will be provided to you.  

• School of Education Graduate Application.
• Graduate school application forms (Parts I and II).
• Two official transcripts from every college or university where the applicant has been enrolled.
  (Official transcripts are mailed directly to the Education Office from the institution; they cannot be handled by the applicant. Any transcript provided by an applicant will be marked unofficial and will not be considered. Transcripts are also required if you have transferred courses to another college and they appear on that institution’s transcript; this includes study abroad course work.) Download Transcript Request Forms.
• Four references (forms are provided with graduate application or the recommender may use a letter format). For additional forms, click here.
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are required for: (a) master’s applicants whose grade point average is below the required minimum, (b) applicants to the ESPY program, and (c) all doctoral applicants. The test must have been taken within the past five years.
• $50 application processing fee ($60 for international applicants).

• Two sections of the University of Colorado at Boulder Catalog (the section for Graduate School and the section for the School of Education) for information on degree requirements. The University of Colorado at Boulder Catalog is available online or by sending a check for $11.50, payable to the University of Colorado, to the Office of Admissions, 030 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0030.
• The Graduate Student Handbook (PDF) available from the Office of Student Services, School of Education, 249 UCB, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0249; 303-492-6555; e-mail: Edadvise@Colorado.EDU.