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Make a difference. Teach special education.
Are you a paraprofessional looking to obtain your special education (SPED) teacher licensure, or considering a career change to become a special education teacher? Our online bachelor’s degree program offers a comprehensive pathway: finish your bachelor’s degree to pursue your initial teacher licensure.
You only need 30 prior credits to get started, even if they aren’t in education. We welcome applicants who are passionate about helping students thrive and supporting their growth into capable, successful individuals.
Our B.S. in Special Education program emphasizes Workplace-Based Assessments (WBA), so you’ll gain hands-on classroom experience while reducing time spent on traditional coursework. You’ll focus on lesson planning, behavior management, and individualized instruction in real classroom settings, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the demands of teaching.
The program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to continue working in an educational setting while you complete your degree and licensure requirements. If you’re new to education, it offers alternative simulated assessments to enhance your training.
Talk to us about our credit transfer policy to fast-track your degree by making the most of your previous hard-earned credits.
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B.S. in Special Education Program Highlights
- Specialize in high-demand areas or combined PELSB-approved licensure concentrations; K-12 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD), Birth through Age 21 Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and K-12 Specific Learning Disabilities (LD)
- Your district may have funding to support your education. Learn more about grants and financial aid, including Grow Your Own and Special Education Teacher Pipeline Program
- Fast-track to a graduate degree, like our M.A. in Special Education, by taking courses that count toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Ask your transfer counselor for details.
- Check if your district or employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program, offering scholarships through partnerships with numerous school districts and businesses. Learn more.
What You'll Learn in the B.S. in Special Education Program
- Core skills in SPED instruction
- Disability-specific teaching strategies
- Ethical frameworks to inform practice
- Building collaborative partnerships
- Developing intercultural competence
- Critical thinking for informed decision-making
How can I transfer my credits? How long will it take me to finish? Sign up for an information session to get these questions answered and more or watch a recorded session on your time.
Accelerate your path to a degree
Take advantage of our credit transfer policy to possibly avoid retaking classes and speed up your degree completion.
- Your past credits never expire and are always eligible
- Transfer up to 60 credits (50% of your bachelor of science degree)
- Associate degree or technical college credits are accepted
- Get credit for your military experience and training
Learn more about accepted credits or submit your transcripts for a personalized degree plan.
Apply in two easy steps
Apply for admission now. Plus, we may be able to order and cover the cost of transcripts for you — making the application process even easier.
| Application Deadlines | Start Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2025 | December 2, 2024 | January 6,2025 |
| Summer 2025 | April 4, 2025 | May 5, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | August 1, 2025 | September 2, 2025 |
Applicants who complete the application process by the priority deadline are guaranteed consideration for their intended start date and will be notified of acceptance about two weeks after application completion.
- Applicants must demonstrate an overall grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale with evidence of at least 30 transferable semester credits¹.
- These credits must include completion of one basic English composition course with a grade of C- or better.²
- Applicants may be required to complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admissions process.
¹These credits may be made up of:
- Industry Training and Military Separation Paper carrying American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations or,
- Past College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exam credits or,
- International credits evaluated by a source accepted by Saint Mary’s University or,
- Any credits transferable from a regionally accredited or non-regionally accredited institution.
²The English composition course requirement helps the student prepare for college level coursework. The applicant may be conditionally admitted if he or she cannot prove competency in this area, in which case the CLEP College Composition exam with essay or a similar university course must be taken within the first semester of study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States or a waiver country listed here are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 100. Please see our academic catalog for a list of all approved waiver countries.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts should be issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from all previous institutions attended with a minimum of 30 semester credits (C- and higher) and a college level English Composition course.
- Order official transcripts from all institutions yourself.
- Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards). Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted.
Official Transcripts should be sent to Office of Admission:
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404 - Or email: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Tuition & Fees
Only pay for the credit you need with the credits you’ve already earned. Plus, there are resources to help cover the cost of your degree, including loans, grants, and exclusive Saint Mary’s financial aid programs. Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you.
Course Catalog
You’ll take courses such as:
- Educational Psychology and Child Development
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Classroom Management
- Learners with Exceptionalities
- The IEP Process
See all the courses you’ll take and requirements in the catalog.
Careers & Salary
Step into the high-demand field of special education or make a career transition. With one in six Minnesota students receiving special education services and a growing teacher shortage, now is the perfect time to earn your bachelor’s degree and pursue licensure to address the unique needs of special education.
Case Manager
$74,135 per year*Special education teacher (Minnesota)
$66,833 per year*Youth Development Coordinator
$53,957 per year*Related Programs
Advance your career with flexible online programs designed for busy adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 (EBD)s. 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.
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Sources and Disclaimer
- Sahan Journal, Do Minnesota’s special education teachers meet federal standards? The answer could cost the state $219 million at https://sahanjournal.com/education/special-education-minnesota-federal-funding-teacher-licensing/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%202022%20state,of%20compliance%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20said. (visited Oct. 24, 2024).
- Indeed, Special Education Teacher Salary in Minnesota at https://www.indeed.com/career/special-education-teacher/salaries/MN (visited Oct. 24, 2024).