Online Master of Special Education

We offer programs in special education for three licensure areas: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Behavioral Disorders and Specific Learning Disabilities; candidates will complete field experiences embedded within coursework for all levels required for licensure K-12; ASD is a birth to grade 12 license. Required core course work is the same for all BSU Special Education licenses. The required methods courses are dependent upon the area of licensure. We also offer a Master of Special Education program.

The Master of Special Education (MSPED) degree at BSU is a100% onlinepathway for individuals to earn their master’s degree and Minnesota Tier 3 Special Education Teacher Licensure in Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (EBD), or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Individuals with a license in one or more of these areas work as case-managers and Special Education Teachers for K-12 aged students in Minnesota schools across all settings and levels. The MSPED at BSU is a flexible degree program designed to accommodate the unique needs of working special education teachers. Courses are offered online in 16-week sessions in the fall and spring semesters and condensed 8-week sessions in the summer.

Program Eligibility

  • You have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline outside of education (e.g. History, Art, Social Work, etc.) and want to be a Tier 3 fully licensed special education teacher.
  • You are currently teaching on a Tier 2 Minnesota License and want to be a Tier 3 fully licensed special education teacher.
  • You currently hold a Tier 3 or 4 teaching license in an area other than special education and want to be a Tier 3 fully licensed special education teacher.
  • You currently hold a Tier 3 or 4 teaching license and bachelor’s degree in special education (e.g. Academic and Behavioral Strategist or disability specific) and want to add another license in SLD, EBD or ASD and earn your master’s degree.

Note: Individuals who want additional special education licensure—but not a master’s degree—can apply for our 12-credit disability specific licensure (non-degree) certificate programs.

Application Process

  • Apply for Graduate Admission at BSU
  • 3.0 Cumulative Undergraduate GPA
  • Completed bachelor’s degree
  • Letter of Intent
  • Two Letters of Recommendation

Application/Admission Dates

  • Open enrollment (Successful applicants can begin their program in Spring, Summer or Fall semesters)
  • Fall semester applicants are encouraged to apply by April 1

Coursework

The plan of study will depend on previous courses taken, teaching license status and undergraduate degree program. Once admitted, students will work with a faculty advisor in the Special Education Program to develop a plan of study that meets their needs. This advising meeting will help students map out their degree program from their first class through graduation, so students know what to expect. Plans of study are flexible and can be adjusted anytime to meet student needs.

Special Education Foundation Courses for All MSPED Students

Total: 12 credits

  • SPED 5600 Foundations of Special Education (3)
  • SPED 5655 Due Process Foundations (3)
  • SPED 5715 Foundations of Instruction for Special Educators (3)
  • SPED 6610 Applying Special Education Research (3)

SEP Courses (9 Credits) (Only MSPED Students without Tier 3 or 4 Licenses)

  • ED 6107 Educational Psychology (3)
  • ED 5100 Introduction to Education (3)
  • ED 6140 Human Relations (3)
  • HLTH 5400 Health, Drugs and Society (2)

Special Education Core Courses (15-18 Credits) (All MSPED Students)

  • ED 5608 Language Arts 1 (3)
  • SPED 5650 Collaboration: Parents, Practitioners and Professional Partnerships (3)
  • SPED 6603 Math Difficulties: Assessment and Intervention (3)
  • SPED 6605 Advanced Due Process (3)
  • SPED 6608 Reading Difficulties: Assessment and Intervention (3)
  • SPED 5665 Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (3)

Disability Specific Methods Courses (6 Credits) (All MSPED Students)

Autism Spectrum Disorders Methods Courses

  • SPED 5660 ASD Methods
  • SPED 6660 Advanced ASD Methods

Emotional Behavioral Disorders Methods Courses

  • SPED 5630 EBD Methods
  • SPED 6630 Advanced EBD Methods

Specific Learning Disabilities Methods Courses

  • SPED 5620 SLD Methods
  • SPED 6620 Advanced SLD Methods

Student Teaching/Practicum and Seminar Courses (3-8 Credits)

Student Teaching and Practicum Courses

  • SPED 6650 Special Education Licensure Practicum (3 Credits) (Only students with current Tier 3 or 4 licensure)
  • SPED Student Teaching ASD (6 Credits) (Only students with no teaching license, Tier 1 and Tier 2 licensure)
  • SPED Student Teaching SLD (6 Credits) (Only students with no teaching license, Tier 1 and Tier 2 licensure)
  • SPED Student Teaching EBD (6 Credits) (Only students with no teaching license, Tier 1 and Tier 2 licensure)

Seminar Courses

Special Education Seminar (3 Credits) (Add-on Only/Elective)
Graduate Student Teaching Seminar (2 Credits) (Only students enrolled in student teaching)

Special Education Add-On Licensure

If you have a special education license in Minnesota and would like to add a license in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Behavioral Disorders or Special Learning Disorders, Bemidji State’s online special education program was designed for you!

Teachers who have a standard, full-time MN special education teaching license and want to obtain another special education license can be recommended for ASD, EBD or SLD licensure by completing 9 credits of content coursework and field experience specific to the new licensure area.

Contact

SPED@bemidjistate.edu
(218) 755-3734

Dr. Camille BrandtDr. Camille Brandt

Bensen Hall 337

Phone: (701) 200 – 6546

Email: camille.brandt@bemidjistate.edu


Dr. Margaret LubkeDr. Margaret Lubke

Location: Deputy Hall 211

Phone: (218) 755-4613

Email: margaret.lubke@bemidjistate.edu


Dr. Miriam WhiteDr. Miriam White

Deputy Hall 211D

Phone: (218) 755-3744

Email: miriam.white@bemidjistate.edu