Gifted Education Core Endorsement (Ages 4-21)

  • Graduate Educator Licensure or Endorsement
Format
  • In-Person
  • Online
This program is also offered through Extended Campus.
Location
  • Greeley
  • Online
Estimated Completion Time

21 Months

Start Date

Fall

Tuition Rate

Tuition & Fees

Department(s)

School of Special Education

Credits

24

Area of Study

Program Overview

The Gifted Education Core Endorsement graduate program prepares elementary and secondary teachers to support gifted and talented students and help them reach their full potential. Teachers who hold a Colorado teaching license can add the Gifted Education Core Endorsement to their current license after completing the program.

Students must pass the approved Praxis exam before the endorsement can be added. Coursework and practicum experiences are planned with an advisor to meet each student’s goals and requirements.

Flexible Online Program

This program is offered fully online, giving you the freedom to balance your studies with work and personal commitments. Courses are designed for busy educators and allow you to engage with faculty, collaborate with peers, and complete assignments from anywhere.

You’ll gain the same high-quality preparation as our on-campus students, with online coursework, interactive learning experiences and a practicum tailored to your professional background.

Learn More About the Online Format

Applicants must apply to the Graduate School at the University of Northern Colorado before the program area reviews the applicant’s request for admission. Failure to submit all required materials will delay the evaluation and screening of your application.

Each applicant must:

  • Possess a baccalaureate degree from an Institutionally Accredited college or university or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 scale) for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress.
    • If you are still completing your bachelor’s degree at the time you apply, admission will be based on your current cumulative GPA, and you will need to re-submit your official transcript (showing your conferred degree and final GPA) during your first semester. If your final GPA fell below 3.00, you will be given additional requirements as defined by the academic program that must be met within one calendar year to remain enrolled at UNC.
    • If you have completed a master’s degree, or at least 18 credit hours towards a master’s degree, the GPA of your master’s work will be used.
  • Have a valid teaching license, (if you plan to use this degree to teach).
  • Have completed two years of successful teaching experience at time of application.

View Full Admission Requirements and Apply 

Course topics include:

  • Understanding gifted learners and their needs.
  • Assessing and identifying gifted students.
  • Teaching and curriculum for gifted learners.
  • Communication, collaboration and leadership in gifted education.

View Full Program Requirements 

Help Your Students Thrive

In this program, you’ll explore the full range of knowledge and skills needed to support gifted learners. Your coursework covers key areas such as understanding diversity in gifted education, the characteristics and needs of gifted students, and how to assess and identify advanced abilities. You’ll learn how to design differentiated curriculum and instruction, support students’ social and emotional development, and build effective program strategies and services.

Grow Your Skills Through Applied Experience

You’ll also develop skills in communication, collaboration and leadership to work with families, colleagues and school communities. A supervised practicum gives you hands-on experience teaching gifted learners. Practicum hours are planned with your advisor and are based on your background and experience in gifted education.

Student teacher working with a young student at Chappelow Arts Magnet School.

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