Generalist Program

The new Generalist Program began offering courses Fall semester, 2005. You may either get a Masters degree in Special Education: Generalist or you may work toward non-degree licensure in the Generalist if you have previous graduate licensure. Take a moment to review the following materials for further information. Please contact your advisor or one of the current program coordinators with questions. The University catalog also contains essential program information.

Please note: all individuals interested in a Generalist licensure must first take, pass, and provide documentation of the Elementary Content PLACE or Praxis II OR provide documentation of elementary education licensure. These materials must be included as part of the application for Generalist licensure admission.

What are the admissions requirements to the Generalist Program?

You will need at least a 3.0 GPA on your last 60 semester hours of coursework.
If you do not have a 3.0 GPA, you will be required to take the GRE and score at least 900 on the exam and a 3.5 on the written section.
If you are an international student, you must pass the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 550 or 80 for the Internet-based exam.
You must have a bachelors degree to apply for the masters degree in Generalist.
You may already hold another masters degree in another field. In this case, you can apply for another masters, or you can apply for a non-degree licensure in Generalist.
You do not need a prior teaching license. Courses for teacher licensure will be added to your Generalist Program of Study plan.

What do I need to do to apply to the Generalist Masters or non-degree licensure?

Complete the online (or you can download it) application for to the Graduate School.
Request that all official transcripts be sent to the Graduate School.
Submit two letters of recommendation from supervisors who know your work. A
Submit a 1-2 page statement of your educational goals and philosophy.

PLACE exam

Praxis II exam

Why do I need to take the PLACE or Praxis II assessment prior to admission?

The Colorado Department of Education requires that all students successfully pass the Elementary Content PLACE or Praxis II assessment as a component of receiving licensure in special education. Passing the assessment provides evidence that you are “highly qualified,” as defined by No Child Left Behind, in content for grades K-8, prior to beginning your special education studies. It is the policy of UNC’s School of Special Education to require this for admission to the Generalist program.

How do I sign up for the PLACE or Praxis Elementary Content assessments?

Please go to the websites listed below to register for one of the assessments. If you live in Colorado, you will probably want to take the PLACE; it is shorter and less expensive. If you live out of state and you are applying to UNC, you may want to take the Praxis in your state. Be sure you register as soon as possible. Remember, you will not be accepted to the program until we receive documentation from you that you that you successfully passed the exam.

There are helpful study guides on each website that you may want to investigate prior to taking the assessment.

Elementary Content PLACE exam

Praxis II exam

Can I still take courses even if I have not been admitted?

Yes, you may take up to 9 total credit hours of work before and concurrent with the semester you are applying. You can apply as a non-degree student for these courses. We recommend you take the first three 500 level courses: EDSE 510, 511, and 512. You will need to be admitted before you can move on. If for some reason you do not pass the Elementary Content assessment, you may lose the credits you have taken if it takes longer to be admitted.

Do I have any recourse if I am denied admission to the Generalist Program?

Of course! You may always ask for a reconsideration of your application. You will need to send a letter specifying why you think you should be admitted, and how you intend to complete the program successfully. The Generalist committee will consider your request and respond in kind. You may be asked to come in for an interview with the committee.

What if I have other questions?

Please contact our office at:

School of Special Education (SOSE)

Campus Box 141

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO 80639

970-351-2691 (office phone)

970-351-1061 (office fax)

theresa.henkelman@unco.edu (School of Special Education administrative assistant)

diane.bassett@unco.edu (Generalist Coordinator)

harvey.rude@unco.edu (School Director)