Special Education

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The special education alternative licensure program can be completed entirely online, with the exception of the internship, which is completed on the job in a public school classroom.

If you have a degree in education and have completed student teaching, the state does not require you to do so again; your previous student teaching experience counts as your internship.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Graduate School.
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA between 2.8 and 2.99 will be considered for conditional admission; if accepted, applicants must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 with no grade less than a "B" during the first semester of enrollment.
A letter of application to the program. The letter should specify the intended area of emphasis (Special Education Alt Licensure) and career goals. The letter should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Copies of passing scores for the Praxis Core Academic Skills Licensure Exams in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics or verification of registration for the exams. Applicants with an existing teaching license should submit a photocopy of the license.

You can find more information about this process on our How to Apply page.

How to Apply

Program Highlights

Eligible for employment as special education teacher as soon as you are accepted into the program
100% online program
Program taught by experienced special education and reading educators
Internship completed in your own classroom
Affordable tuition

Apply for Admission to ENMU Graduate School

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Learning Format for Alternative Special Education Certificate Coursework

Our certificate in special education is designed to be completed 100% online. You'll complete assignments, readings, papers, tests and projects throughout each semester.

In all classes, your participation using Canvas and recorded lectures will connect you with professors and other students on your own time, and can be completed at your convenience, rather than during a specific time.

Advising for Alternative Licensure Students

If you are taking the time to complete an advanced study program, we know you want not only the benefits from our classes, but also our faculty's professional experience. To support you, we offer advising via phone or email for online students and in-person appointments if you are on campus. We look forward to working with you!

Alternative Licensure in Special Education Resources and Academic Support

We want to make sure you get the support you need. We offer flexible tutoring services, including the ENMU Writing Center which is available to help you improve your writing and help you clearly communicate for written, school-related projects and assignments.

We also have online databases, journal articles and eBooks accessible through the Golden Library. Since ENMU has a dedicated distance learning librarian on staff, you'll always have the help you need to take advantage of library resources.

See our distance learning library services

Affordable Alternative Licensure Certificate

Our affordable tuition makes it easy for you to pick ENMU, a school with a strong reputation for producing capable teachers and administrators that are prepared to lead schools and school districts.

Eastern New Mexico University has the second lowest bachelor's and master's-level tuition in the state of New Mexico, and has one of the most affordable graduate tuition rates in the U.S. If you are an out-of-state student enrolling in 6 or fewer hours per semester, you'll pay tuition and fees at the low in-state rate. Depending on your career goals, you may be eligible for a TEACH Grant or the New Mexico T.E.A.C.H program.

View graduate tuition and fees >

Career Opportunities with an Alternative Licensure in Special Education

Eligibility to apply to the NMPED for Level 1 Teaching License
Work in a variety of settings in PreK-12 including, but not limited to:
- Full inclusion classrooms with general content teachers
- Pull-out resource and tutoring classrooms and, in some instances, self-contained classrooms as defined by individual districts
Work with New Mexico students ranging from those with the most severe disabilities, to those been diagnosed as gifted and talented

Required Coursework (21 Hours)

Note: Degree information on this page is based on the 2020–22 Graduate Catalog.

Course	Credits
RED 510 Literacy Assessment and Evaluation	3
RED 518 Content Area Literacy	3
SPED 501 Introduction to Exceptional Students	3
SPED 505 Low Incidence Disabilities: Theory to Practice OR SPED 548 Emotional Disturbance: Theory to Practice	3
SPED 539 Classroom/Behavior Management	3
SPED 540 High Incidence Disabilities: Theory to Practice	3
SPED 571 Internship I: Classroom Management	1
SPED 572 Internship II: Instruction and Assessment	1
SPED 573 Internship III: Professional Evaluation SPED 573 can only be taken upon successful completion of all courses on the special education alternative licensure plan and successful completion of all licensure exams as set forth by the NMPED.	1

You must pass the following exams for successful completion of the program:

5713: Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading
5723: Core Academic Skills for Educators: Writing
5733: Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics
5622: Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6 or 5624: Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12
5354: Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications

Note: The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) may change requirements at any time and in order to gain licensure in New Mexico, candidates must adhere and complete all requirements as identified by the NMPED.

More Information About Praxis Exams