Special Education Licensure Programs

The Department of Professional Education at Bemidji State University offers five special education licensure programs (D/APE, EBD, SLD, VI, and D/HH). These programs provide in-service teachers with a broad base of knowledge about disabilities and programming strategies to use with students with disabilities. 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.

Students who have questions about specific licensure programs should contact the appropriate coordinator. For more information on licensure programs, refer to the Bemidji State University Graduate Catalog or contact any of the special education faculty.

Online Licensure Programs

The SLD and EBD licensure programs, the Masters of Special Education (MSPED), and the Master of Science - Special Education (MS in Special Education) are available online. Additional information, including the schedule of courses can be found on the Special Education: Online WebPage.

NOTE: While the licensure programs are highly correlated with the master's degrees, completion of a licensure program does not lead to a masters degree. Additional cousework is required.

Admission to the Licensure Programs

An undergraduate degree in education and a valid teaching license are required to be admitted to the special education licensure programs. Applicants who are not licensed teachers or the equivalent may be admitted into the program with the consent of the Coordinator of Special Education.

Students do not need to be admitted into the graduate program to take graduate level classes; however, it is recommended that they are. For information on admission to graduate education at Bemidji State University, contact the Graduate Studies Office.

Length of Time to Complete Licensure Programs

Typically an individual will need 2 years to complete the program if no special education coursework has been completed previously. Coursework taken at the undergraduate level or at other institutions may reduce the time required to complete the licensure. The total semester credits required for EBD and SLD licensures is 32-33 credits.

Clinical Experiences or Practica

Eight classes in the SLD and EBD licensure programs have embedded clinical experiences or practica designed to provide experience with a variety of age levels in the licensure area. Students who transfer these courses from other institutions will have to complete a practicum experience.The embedded clinical experiences take the place of a culminating student teaching experience.

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

Several of the classes have a prerequisite requirement.