Special Education: Master's Programs

The Department of Professional Education at Bemidji State University offers the Master of Science (MS) - Special Education degree, along with several licensure programs that will allow teachers to teach special education in Minnesota.

These programs provide graduate students with a broad base of knowledge about learners with special needs and programming strategies for those learners. As a foundation for the program, BSU emphasizes performance-based standards for teacher preparation established by the Minnesota Board of Teaching and the Council for Exceptional Children.

We encourage students to apply for admission to the MS in Special Education when they begin the EBD or SLD license. 

NOTE: We are not offering the MSPED, a different special education master's degree, at this time.

Master of Science - Special Education

The Master of Science --Special Education is a research-based degree that emphases a scholarly understanding of the field. Coursework for the degree parallels the coursework for the SLD and EBD licensure programs. For the most part, students who have completed a licensure program may complete the Master of Science in Special Education by completing the scholarly requirement.

Online Licensure Programs

Online classes for the EBD and SLD licensure programs are available.

NOTE: Course enrollment for all classes is capped and prerequisite courses will be enforced. Students are advised to register early for graduate special education courses to reduce the risk that a course will be filled.

For more information on licensure programs, refer to the Bemidji State University Graduate Catalog or contact one of the faculty members in Special Education

Annual Calendar

An annual course schedule has been developed to help students plan ahead to complete their licensure program. It is highly recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure that they are able to complete the program in a timely manner. Students need to note that none of the licensure programs can be completed in one year.