Online Education Degrees: Colorado

The Centennial State is fast becoming a great place to establish a successful teaching career for many reasons. First, Colorado’s public education system needs more K-12 teachers and administrators. Students pursuing their education degrees now can anticipate good job opportunities after graduation.

Second, Colorado has among the best public education systems in the United States. The US News & World Report ranked it #5 in Education, meaning its public schools provide world-class education for K-12 students. Colorado is also a strong implementer of education-centric laws, such as the No Child Left Behind Act.

Third, morale among teachers in Colorado is high. This is according to the Colorado Department of Education’s 2024 Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado Survey. In it, the majority (88%) of survey respondents say that their schools are good places to work and for students to learn. Their schools also have supportive communities.

If you’re interested, read on. Here, we’ll take a look at the teaching licensure requirements and the best online degree programs in education in Colorado. We recommend online degree programs because of their affordability, accessibility, and convenience, particularly for non-traditional students and working professionals.

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Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Colorado

The teaching licensure requirements in Colorado have similarities with other states. The Colorado Department of Education oversees the entire teaching licensure process and, thus, is the best source of information in this regard.

Nonetheless, here are the general steps that you should know first.

Earn a bachelor’sfrom a regionally accredited college or university. The state agency has a list of approved academic programs in education for aspiring teachers.
Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program with a student teaching clinical hours requirement. This can either be part of your bachelor’s degree program or a post-baccalaureate program.
Achieve passing scores on a mandatory teaching certification test. Colorado is unique in that candidates can choose between the PLACE test and the Praxis test. Getting passing scores on either of these tests results in eligibility for licensure.

The PLACE or Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators test is unique to the state. This is for candidates for initial teaching certification who must pass content area tests and those in the Alternative Licensure Preparation Program.

The Praxis tests, a series of tests by the Educational Testing Service, is administered by ETS nationwide. The type of Praxis test you should take depends on your goals. The Praxis II test, for example, is for newbies to the teaching profession. The Praxis I test is for college students who want to enter teacher education programs. The Praxis Core test is for candidates who want entry into teacher preparation programs.

Apply for Teaching Certification

In addition to submission of a completed application form and payment of non-refundable fees, candidates must submit these supporting documents:

Verification of completion of a bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program
Passing scores on your preferred content assessment tests
Submission of fingerprints for a background check to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation

The Colorado State Department of Education uses an online e-Licensing system for new application approval.

Candidates can also consider Colorado’s alternative teacher certification program. Eligibility requirements include:

Have at least a bachelor’s degree from a college or university approved by the Colorado Department of Education
Be willing to work as a full-time teacher while completing a state-approved teacher preparation program
Enrolled in a program with a physical location in Colorado
Pass a background check
Pass required teacher certification exams

The alternative routes toward a teaching license in Colorado are:

Colorado Alternative Teacher Program
Career and Technical Education Authorization
Teaching license reciprocity for individuals with out-of-state teaching licenses

The State of Colorado uses a three-tiered teaching licensure structure.

The Initial Teacher License is valid for three years with a renewal option.
The Professional Teacher License has a five-year validity. Candidates must complete an induction program consisting of supervised work, ethics training, and continuing professional development. Regular performance evaluations are part of it, too.
The Master Teacher Certificate is valid for seven years. Master Teachers have earned advanced licensure through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Note that renewal of teaching licenses has a specific set of requirements, such as proof of professional development activities.

Online Education Program Admission Requirements

Being accepted into an online program in education isn’t a walk in the park in comparison to admission into on-campus programs. This is because reputable universities adopt the same admissions requirements and criteria for their online and on-campus programs. The rigorous standards apply to their shared curriculum and degree requirements, too.

While universities have specific admissions criteria, the common requirements for online bachelor’s degree programs are:

Completed online application with an application fee, if any, paid
High school diploma with a minimum GPA (cumulative) or GED equivalent
Completion of prerequisite courses, if any
Official transcripts

Online graduate degree programs have these common admission requirements:

Bachelor’s degree for admission into a master’s degree program or a master’s degree for a doctoral program
Official transcripts from colleges attended; minimum cumulative GPA requirement applies
Curriculum vitae or professional resume
Statement of purpose or essays with prompts
Letters of reference or recommendation

Depending on the program, applicants must submit a copy of a valid teaching certificate and proof of relevant teaching and work experience. Many programs also require a leadership portfolio and conduct an interview.

Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Colorado

Elementary School Teachers $66,425
Middle School Teachers $67,290
High School Teachers $67,300
Special Education Teachers $64,153
School Administrators $121,904
Principals $120,778
Assistant Principals $99,170
Curriculum Developers $81,300
Instructional Coordinators $76,980
Librarians/Media Specialists $62,729

Scholarships for Future Educators in Colorado

The federal TEACH Grant Program provides scholarships of up to $4,000 a year for education majors. Applicants must be in a teacher education or preparation program and plan on teaching in a low-income area and a high-need field.
The Future Educators in the Liberal Arts Scholarship program is open for students pursuing either a degree or a teaching license in music education or English education.
The Saccomanno Scholarship is open for residents of Mesa County.
The Delta Kappa Gamma offers two $1,000 merit scholarships to outstanding women educators.
The CABE Scholar Award program grants $10,000 over four years to students pursuing a Bilingual Education teaching career in Colorado.

The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Colorado

These Colorado universities were selected as the best online education degree providers based on the following criteria:

Gained a regional accreditation status from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Established a reputation for rigorous academics, quality instruction, and student support and career development services
Provide students with a wide range of choices in online education programs.

University of Colorado – Denver

CU Denver takes pride in its traditions of innovation, research, and learning for its diverse student body. Students and alumni agree that, indeed, their transformative learning experiences changed their lives. The School of Education and Human Development fosters conducive learning environments for its online students majoring in education.

MA in Early Childhood Education
- The 30-credit program emphasizes holistic child development and family-centered practices in early childhood education.
EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity – Executive Leadership
- This is a fully online 54-credit program with a summer starting date and a cohort model.
EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity – Higher Education
- The 54-credit program prepares students for leadership positions in colleges and universities.
Among the other online and hybrid education degree programs are:
- MA in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education Specialist (Endorsement and License)
- MA in Leadership for Educational Organizations, Leading Change for Student Success in Higher Education
- MA in Learning Design & Technology
- MA in Literacy Education
- MA in Literacy Education, Reading and Writing, Reading Specialist (Endorsement)
- MA in Research and Evaluation Methods
- MA in Special Education
- MA in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis
- Master of Arts in STEM Education, Math
- Master of Arts in STEM Education, Math-Science
- EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity, Justice, Equity, and Diverse Identities
- EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity, Research Leadership

In-state Tuition: $486/credit hour (Graduate)
Online Education Degrees: 17
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Colorado State University Online

Being a CSU Online student is being a CSU student – the only difference is the learning venue. The online education programs feature the same rigorous academic standards, quality of instruction, and faculty as the on-campus programs.

MEd in Adult Education and Training
- Students in the 30-credit program can earn the MEd in Adult Education and Training degree in as few as five semesters. Strategic thinking regarding adult learning theory, instructional design, and learning technologies is emphasized. Students learn the skills to create, adopt, and evaluate adult education and training programs.
MNSE in Natural Sciences Education
- The 30-credit program has a research option where students complete education and natural sciences courses. The culminating requirement is a research project that demonstrates a student’s mastery of the subject. Students develop their teaching competencies in the natural sciences, including physics, biology, environmental sciences, and chemistry. Graduates become effective science educators.
MEd in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change
- Students can complete the 33-credit curriculum in two years and earn the MEd in OLPC degree. There’s a strong emphasis on practical applications of OLPC principles and practices in diverse settings. Students learn talent recruitment and development, among other OLPC-related subjects.
The hybrid programs (a combination of online and on-campus class sessions) are:
- MEd and Principal Licensure
- MEd and Teacher Licensure

In-state Tuition: Starts at $627/credit hour (Graduate)
Online Education Degrees: 5
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University of Northern Colorado

UNC, a public university, is known for its excellent track record in teacher education. Founded in 1889, it started as the State Normal School of Colorado, a place for teacher training. Today, students enjoy the university‘s holistic approach to teacher education – it isn’t only about the destination but the quality of your journey.

BA in Early Childhood Education Licensure (Ages Birth-8)
- Students must complete 120-121 credits and extensive fieldwork experience. The program of study emphasizes connecting theory and research with practical applications.
MAT in Education: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Concentration
- The 30-credit program welcomes individuals with a strong passion for CLD education. Students learn the teaching competencies for formal education among bilingual learners.
MA in Dance Education
- If you love dancing and teaching, consider the MA in Dance Education program. Students usually have a K-12 teaching license, but it isn’t a requirement. The curriculum features 33-36 credits covering dance forms and styles, performance production, and choreography.
Other online education degrees include:
- MAT in Education: Curriculum Studies
- MA in Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure
- EdS in Educational Leadership with Principal (K-12) Licensure
- MA in Educational Leadership and Special Education Administration with dual licensure as a Principal and Special Education Director
- EdS in Educational Leadership and Special Education Administration
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- MA in Educational Psychology: Teaching Applications

In-state Tuition: $427/credit hour (Undergraduate); Starts at $612/credit hour (Graduate)
Online Education Degrees: 31
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University of Denver

DU, a private research university, prides itself on its spirit of innovation and exploration. Students and professors are encouraged to collaborate on potentially life-changing research.

MA in Early Childhood Special Education

Students in DU’s MA in Early Childhood Special Education program must complete 55 quarter credit hours to earn said degree. The degree requirements also include completion of 600 hours of practicum plus field experiences. Students must also pass either the PLACE exam or the PRAXIS II Elementary Education Exam for completion purposes.

The program emphasizes practical applications of theories and principles of early childhood education in school settings. Students complete their field and practicum experiences at the Fisher Early Learning Center and community organizations.

MA in Research Methods and Statistics

If you’re interested in advanced research in education, consider the MA in Research Methods and Statistics program. Students learn advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods suitable for educational research. There’s an emphasis on creating social change and data-driven decision-making.

Students learn advanced research knowledge and skills through rigorous coursework and hands-on research projects. The research projects can be in diverse fields, such as education and business.

In-state Tuition: $59,340
Online Education Degrees: 2
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Regis University

Regis University, a private Jesuit university, promotes the Jesuit values of cura personalis, social justice, and community. Students learn to care for their whole self and enjoy transformative education.

BA in Education: Elementary (Initial Licensure; Accelerated)

Students can work full-time while pursuing their bachelor’s degree in elementary education in preparation for initial teaching licensure. Note that students must complete teaching placement during their last semester, and thus, full-time work may not be feasible.

The beauty of earning the degree is in its licensure in three areas – Elementary Education, Special Education, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.

MEd in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure

This is a blended program with online and on-campus class sessions. Students can complete the program in 12-18 months. Note that students learn as a cohort, a learning model that provides excellent networking, peer support, and peer learning opportunities. Students prepare for success as principals in the public education system.

MEd in Education

Students can choose from four concentrations:

MEd in Education: Elementary (Initial Licensure; 45 credits; 24-36 months time-to-degree)
MEd in Education: Reading Specialist (Practicing teachers; 30 credits; 18-22 months time-to-degree)
MEd in Education: Special Education (Initial Licensure; 48 credits; 24-36 months time-to-degree)
MEd in Education: Secondary Education (Initial Licensure; 42 credits; 24-36 months time-to-degree; choose a licensure content area)

Note that the MEd in Education programs have a $589 per credit hour tuition. Applicants who are in contracted positions and paraprofessionals are eligible for a 10% tuition discount. These programs feature didactic coursework and field hours.

In-state Tuition: $43,980
Online Education Degrees: 5
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Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Colorado

Colorado Christian University

Location: Lakewood, CO
Number of Online Education Degrees: 18
Accreditation: HLC
Average Tuition and Fees: $39,266

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BA in Early Childhood Education (Licensure)
BA in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)
BA in Elementary Education (Licensure)
BA in Elementary Education (Non-Licensure)
BA in Special Education (Licensure)
BA in Special Education (Non-Licensure)
MA in Curriculum and Instruction
MA in Curriculum and Instruction with Emphasis in Alternative Licensing
MA in Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis in Biblical Studies
MA in Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
MEd in Educational Leadership (Principal Licensure)
MEd in Educational Leadership (Non-Licensure)
MA in School Counseling
MEd in Special Education (Licensure)
MEd in Special Education (Non-Licensure)
MEd in Special Education Emphasis in Alternative Licensing
MEd in TESOL
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Western Colorado University

Location: Gunnison, CO
Number of Online Education Degrees: 6
Accreditation: HLC
Average Tuition and Fees: $11,083