Did You Know You Can Earn an Education Specialist Degree Online?
If you’re looking to advance your career in education, an Education Specialist degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can set... Read More
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Master’s in Special Education Without Licensure
Support diverse learners: Grow your expertise in one year.
Are you a teacher or professional looking to better support students — and advance your career and salary potential — without pursuing a teaching license?
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Master of Arts in Special Education (Non-Licensure) is designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise while seeking a lane change. This unique program is ideal for teachers, behavior specialists, administrators, and others committed to supporting diverse learners.
All you need to get started is a bachelor’s degree in any field and a passion for inclusive education. Through the program, you’ll build critical skills in behavioral support, inclusive instructional design, collaboration, legal and ethical responsibilities, and systems thinking.
This degree also provides a smooth transition into licensure programs if you decide to pursue one later. Many alumni have gone on to serve as K–12 administrative leaders, specialists, and employees within state education agencies.
In as little as a year, you’ll gain the foundation needed to make a meaningful impact in special education. Apply today to get started and work with an admission counselor.
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Program Highlights
- Complete PELSB-aligned coursework through workplace-based or simulated learning options, paired with training in behavior management, inclusive education practices, and SPED law.
- Connect with schools and organizations that value special education training, leveraging the strong professional networks of our Program Director and expert faculty.
- Use this as a stepping stone to a graduate degree with licensure, like our M.A. in Special Education with Initial Licensure or administrative or doctoral pathways from Saint Mary’s
- Learn more about grants and financial aid including Teacher Forgiveness loans and TEACH grants, plus how your district could help.
- See if your district is part of our Trusted Partnership Program, offering scholarships through partnerships with numerous school districts. Learn more.
What You'll Learn
- Advanced knowledge and skills in supporting diverse learners
- Contribution to systemic improvements in education
- Knowledge in assessment, individualized instruction, and inclusive practices
- Strategies to enhance collaboration, differentiation, and student outcomes
- Readiness for leadership roles in special education and program coordination
Information Sessions
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
- Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year.
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from 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.
- An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
- 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, One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.
- 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.
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Summer 2025: April 5, 2025
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Fall 2025: August 2, 2025
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Spring 2026: December 5, 2025
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Summer 2026: April 4, 2026
The priority application deadlines are listed but these are general as not all of our programs have a start every semester.
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- Summer 2025: May 5 or June 30
- Fall 2025: Sept. 2 or Oct. 27
- Spring 2026: Jan 5 or March 2
- Summer 2026: May 4 or June 29
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Explore options to finance your education.
We’re committed to making your investment as accessible and affordable as possible. Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Course Catalog
You’ll take courses such as:
- Assessment & Evaluation of Learners with Exceptionalities
- Literacy Development and Interventions
- Social Emotional Learning and Well-Being
- The IEP Process
- Transition and Collaboration
See all the courses you’ll take and requirements in the catalog.
Careers & Salary
The M.A. in Special Education at Saint Mary’s deepens expertise in supporting students with diverse learning needs and prepares educators for leadership in special education. Common job titles include:
Related Programs
Advance your career with flexible programs designed for busy professionals.
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.
The only thing virtual about your online experience is the classroom. Our flexible online programs offer the rigor and reputation you expect from Saint Mary’s. Explore more here.
If you are in a degree-granting program and enrolled at least half time, you may be eligible for financial aid. Learn more here.
Life gets busy. Whether you’re raising a family, pursuing your career, or playing an active role in your community, we know you want to keep up with what you love while you take the next step in your career. That’s why Saint Mary’s online programs are flexible and designed to fit your demanding life. Learn more here.
This program is designed for individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree who are not seeking licensure. Saint Mary’s also offers pathways to your first Minnesota teaching license through a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree with initial licensure, or a program for adding an additional license.
- B.S. in Special Education — For those who need to earn a bachelor’s degree and initial teaching licensure
- M.A. in Special Education with Initial Licensure – For individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking their first teaching license
- M.A. in Special Education with Additional Licensure – For licensed teachers pursuing an additional licensure area.
Yes, the Master of Arts in Special Education without Licensure is a fully online program featuring asynchronous (not live), 8-week courses.
No, this non-licensure program doesn’t require classroom time for graduation. If you pursue a licensure program, field experience and student teaching are required, and Saint Mary’s field placement office will help arrange a placement.
No, you don’t need a practicum for this non-licensure program. If you pursue a licensure program, a practicum is required. Saint Mary’s field placement office will help secure a suitable student teaching site.
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