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**Review** Graduate Catalog 2025-2026

Special Education M.A. – Gifted Education Specialist Endorsement

Program Overview

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

General Master's Degree Admission Requirements

View delivery options, start terms and admission requirements

Director: Corey Pierce, Ph.D.

Location: McKee 36

Telephone: 970-351-2691

Website: www.unco.edu/cebs/special-education/

The MA degree in Special Education with a Gifted Education Specialist Endorsement prepares teachers at the elementary and secondary level to work with gifted and talented students in order to help them develop their full potential.

The Special Education Gifted Education Specialist is required to pass the approved PLACE exam prior to licensing. The program consists of the required courses and practicum requirements agreed upon by the student and advisor. If a student enters the Master of Arts program in Special Education: Gifted Education Specialist Endorsement without a current teacher licensure, they are required to complete additional admission requirements and course requirements listed under Professional Teacher Education.

Degree Requirements — 33 Credits

Required Major Core Credits — 3 credits

SRM 600Introduction to Graduate Research

3

Concentration Requirements — 30 credits

EDSE 664Diversity in Gifted Education

3

EDSE 665Advocacy in Gifted Education

3

EDSE 683Nature and Needs of Gifted Learners

3

EDSE 684Assessment and Identification in Gifted Education

3

EDSE 685Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted Learners

3

EDSE 686Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners

3

EDSE 687Program Strategies and Services for Gifted Learners

3

EDSE 688Communication, Collaboration, and Leadership in Gifted Education

3

EDSE 690Action Research and Reflective Practice in Gifted Education

3

EDSE 691Practicum in Teaching Gifted Learners

1-12

EDSE 691: Take 3 hours - Number of hours determined by advisor based on candidates' prior background and experiences in gifted education.

Program Note

Successful completion of this program will allow teachers with a Colorado teaching license to add the Gifted Education Specialist Endorsement to their current licenses. Students are required to pass the approved Praxis exam prior to adding the endorsement.

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