Online Bachelor's in Special Education

At Saint Mary’s, we want you to succeed, and we help you do so, inside and outside of the classroom:

Student Central: Your one stop for student services

Library: Resources and services are available 24/7 to all students.

Writing Center: Offers virtual and face-to-face services to support students

Career Services: Can help you develop your career-readiness skills at any point in your education

Yes, this program offers flexibility through online coursework and adaptable student teaching experiences. If you’re currently working as a paraprofessional, you’ll have a direct connection between your job and your studies, allowing your colleagues to support you and collaborate on assignments. 

The program’s flexible structure lets you continue working in an educational setting while completing your degree and licensure requirements. If you’re new to education, It also includes realistic simulations to enhance your training.

 If you’re new to education or working part-time in another field, this program is designed to help you start a career in education by offering a bachelor’s degree and initial teaching licensure. We welcome everyone to our program! We’ll support you throughout the entire process, from applying and registering to completing coursework and student teaching experiences. You don’t need to be a paraprofessional; you can transfer up to 90 credits from any field, not just education. This program is open to all learners, regardless of your current employment status.

 Students can complete coursework to prepare to seek a Minnesota license in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs). A program pathway will be individually designed for you depending on your licensure preference. Please note that this program is designed to meet educational requirements for special education licensure in Minnesota and is not designed or intended to meet educational requirements for special education licensure in other jurisdictions.

EBD: Kindergarten-12th Grade Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
The K-12 EBD licensure concentration is designed for educators who work with students facing emotional or behavioral challenges. This concentration equips teachers with strategies to address behavioral issues, create a positive learning environment, and promote the social-emotional well-being of students.

ASD: Birth- Age 21 Autism Spectrum Disorders
B-21 ASD licensure concentration is designed for educators specializing in working with students on the autism spectrum. This concentration prepares teachers to address the diverse needs of students with autism.

SLD: K-12 Specific Learning Disabilities
This licensure concentration is tailored training for teachers working with students with specific learning disabilities. Please note: The SLD licensure track has limited offerings. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.

Yes! We provide preparation for initial special education (SPED) licensure in Minnesota, which is necessary for your first teaching license. A bachelor’s degree is required for most teaching licenses in Minnesota, including special education. To obtain your licensure, you will need to complete observations and clinical field experiences in the required settings. Your licensure recommendation will depend on successfully meeting all Minnesota state licensure requirements.

You’ll complete student teaching in a special education setting, either full-time for 12 weeks or half-time for 24 weeks, based on your licensure areas. Saint Mary’s has a field placement office that will help identify and secure student teaching opportunities that meet your needs, often allowing you to student teach at your workplace or in a nearby school. If you’re new to education, we can accommodate realistic simulations to fulfill your student teaching.

You’ll collaborate closely with a cooperating teacher at your school and a university supervisor, ensuring you receive strong support and guidance. University supervision visits can be conducted either virtually or in person, providing you with flexibility and mentorship.

The B.S. in Special Education from Saint Mary’s not only provides essential skills and training but also leads directly to licensure as a special education teacher in Minnesota upon fulfilling all requirements. This dual benefit creates a clear pathway to a career in education, offering the flexibility to pursue additional licensures or advanced degrees in the future.

This degree program builds knowledge and competence progressively from your first course to your last, rather than offering isolated skills training. You’ll be part of a cohort, learning alongside the same peers throughout the program, fostering a strong sense of community, even in our convenient online setting.