Advocate and Innovate for Students and Families
Founded in 1954, UNC’s School of Special Education is committed to excellence in basic and advanced teacher preparation in special education.
The faculty of the School of Special Education believe:
- Students with disabilities and students with gifts and talents are part of a larger community of diverse learners
- All students can learn when provided with effective specially designed instruction, advocacy, and support
- All students can excel when they are held to high standards and expectations
- The larger mission of education is best served when educators collaborate with students, families, and related services professionals
Need Application Support?
TEACH Colorado has free tools and resources to make applying to our program—and becoming a classroom teacher—easier! Create an account today and immediately access:
- An interactive application checklist to keep you on track.
- $100 fee reimbursement towards application and testing expenses.
- 1-on-1 expert advice for any question along the way.
- How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing and finances.
- A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition.
Check them out by signing up for a program below!
News and Announcements
Graduate Experiences
Rachel Beckstrand
“I have had an amazing experience at UNC. The online program that UNC provides made it possible for me to stay in Utah while getting the needed education required to be and Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Staying in Utah was important to me because I help take care of my mother who has Alzheimer"s. UNC really is the reason I now have my dream job.”
Heather Abraham
“I had a fantastic educational experience at UNC. The deaf education program prepared me to work with students from birth-21 years, and I secured jobs in both the early intervention and school settings prior to receiving my diploma. The professors not only provided me with cutting edge information regarding the field of deaf education, they got to know me as a learner and provided me with opportunities to grow individually. Looking back, I would make the same choice to attend UNC again.”
Denise C. Onofrey M.A.
“The School of Special Education was an essential milestone in my development as an educator and human service provider. In addition to a supportive educational environment, I have also felt supported by the program while in the field since I graduated in 2005.”
Rebecca Sidders
2008 UNC Graduate
Teacher of the Deaf, Kalamazoo , MI
“I am proud to have completed my Master of Arts in Special Education at the University of Northern Colorado. Knowledgeable instructors and applicable courses have prepared me to be a local leader in the field of deaf education. The incredible support of faculty and fellow students has not ended with graduation but continues through a valuable network of professionals dedicated to educating, mentoring and supporting our students and their families.”
Moira C. Rennoldson
Masters in Special Education: Visual Impairment, 2010
Endorsement: Orientation and Mobility, 2011
“Each day of my young career as a teacher of the visually impaired and Orientation and Mobility Specialist presents a challenge that corroborates the relevance of the instruction provided at the University of Northern Colorado. The online program removed physical barriers, opening this great opportunity to me. I was surprised by the feeling of community that was fostered among my classmates, my professors, and me. I can also attest that the rigor of the program definitely was not diminished by the online format. I highly recommend this program to the serious student who is interested in entering a rewarding profession teaching students who are visually impaired.”
Gloria Valenciano-Salazar
“When I was ready to obtain a Master's Degree to further my education I knew the Gifted Education Master's Program at UNC was exactly what I needed. I felt like I was a good teacher, but I lacked the skills and knowledge to support and challenge high ability and gifted students. The Gifted Education Master's Program at UNC helped me to understand this population of students and prepared me to work with them at a much deeper level. The program allowed me to continue my full time position as an elementary classroom teacher while taking classes a couple of nights a week. My confidence and knowledge as an educator have increased greatly and helped me transition to my current position as a GT Facilitator. I feel like I can now support and challenge high ability and gifted students, and speak more passionately with parents and educators about best practices for gifted learners. The program was incredibly life-changing for me and for my future in Gifted Education.”
Carrie Reece
“I enjoyed growing and stretching myself while in the Graduate Program at UNC. As an online student, I felt that I learned just as much (or even more), than when I worked on my undergraduate studies in a traditional campus setting.”
Maha Alsuliman
“As an international Ph.D. student, attending UNC opened my eyes not only in the academic life, but also new global perspectives. It has been a unique experience for me to receive my education from elite and knowledgeable professors who challenged me continually and pushed my critical thinking skills. To all international students: there is no better experience than attending UNC!”
Michele McCarthy
“UNC's School of Special Education (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Master's Program) is by far one of the most superb educational programs. It was very instrumental in my life and many benefits I derived from this program illustrates the exceptional education that is offered at UNC. I would highly recommend UNC's School of Special Education, and particularly its instructors, Sandy Bowen and John Luckner.”
