Teacher and principal licensure programs are available through the School of Education's Center for Educator Preparation (CEP).

Requirements for Licensure 

Colorado licensure requires completion of an approved teacher preparation program and the recommendation of the institution at which the program was completed. The CEP Co-Directors and Student Teaching Coordinator serve as the licensure officers for CSU. Additional requirements of the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado Department of Higher Education include the successful completion of the state licensing exam. Successful completion of the approved teacher preparation program at CSU does not guarantee successful completion of the state licensing exam. 

Students who successfully complete an approved teacher preparation program will be prepared to pursue licensure in Colorado. Licensure requirements in other states and U.S. territories may differ. Students are encouraged to work with the education department and the professional licensure board in the state in which they intend to pursue licensing to ensure all requirements are satisfactorily met. CEP does not assume responsibility for the successful completion of the state licensing exam.

CSU's approved teacher preparation program requirements include completion of a bachelor's degree, completion of the content area and professional education course work, and fulfillment of the Colorado Performance-Based Standards for teachers at the proficient or advanced proficient level. Additionally, all grades earned in professional education and content courses must be a C or better for licensing. The minimum scholastic average acceptable for completion of the teacher preparation program and recommendation for licensing is 2.750, computed for all course work.

CSU reserves the right to not recommend a student for licensure on the basis of unacceptable professional dispositions and academic fitness/performance. 

One of the most important ways to help people and to impact our society is through involvement in schools. Teachers make lasting contributions to our nation and its many generations of learners. Teacher education programs at CSU serve the needs of individuals preparing to teach in: 

  • Early Childhood Education (PreK-3rd grade)
  • Grades K-12: Art, Foreign Languages, Instructional Technology, Music
  • Secondary (Grades 7-12): Agricultural Education, Business/Marketing Education, Computer Science (coming soon), English, Family and Consumer Sciences, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Speech

CSU is one of the public institutions in Colorado designated to offer programs leading towards a career and technical (vocational) credential. Candidates for teacher licensure are skilled in a teaching concentration and educational methodology. These students take their professional education course work concurrently while completing their content area coursework. Candidates may complete licensure while enrolled in an undergraduate program or after completing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university.

Endorsements available through the program include:

Endorsement Levels U P G
Agricultural Education Secondary X X X
Art K-12 X X X
Business Education Secondary X X
Early Childhood Education Ages 0-8 X X X
English/Language Arts Secondary X X X
Family and Consumer Sciences Secondary X X X
Foreign Language (French, German, Spanish) K-12 X X X
Instructional Technology K-12 X X X
Marketing Education Secondary X X
Mathematics Secondary X X X
Music K-12 X X
Science Secondary X X X
Social Studies Secondary X X X
Speech Secondary X X X
Technology Education Secondary X X X

Special Services/Administrative Endorsements

Endorsement Levels U P G
Occupational Therapist Ages 0-21 X
School Counselor Ages 0-21 X
School Principal K-12 X
School Social Worker Ages 0-21 X

(Pursued at indicated level(s). G = graduate; P = post-baccalaureate; U = undergraduate)