Special Education Graduate Programs at Bemidji State University
The Department of Special Education at Bemidji State University offers undergraduate and graduate programs leading to the Academic and Behavioral Strategist license. The graduate program leads to special education licensure in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD), or Learning Disabilities (LD). We offer a Master of Special Education degree (MSped). Our program is a 100% online.
Bemidji State now offers a program leading to the Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS) teaching license in Special Education in Minnesota. This licensure prepares teachers to work with students with mild-to-moderate disabilities, including autism, developmental disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, and specific learning disabilities from kindergarten through age 21.
BSU also offers coursework towards licensure in autism, emotional behavioral disorders, and specific learning disabilities, either as part of the MSped or as an add-on to current licensure.
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.
Bemidji State’s MSped Program is for professional educators seeking extended knowledge of evidence-based practice in special education pedagogy. All special education courses are delivered online asynchronously, making it convenient for licensed teachers and professionals to complete a master’s degree while balancing work and personal commitments.
Pathways to Licensure
Bemidji State University offers five Pathways to Special Education Licensure. Which of these pathways is right for you? Reach out to a program advisor to learn more.
Pathway 1. You have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline outside of education (e.g. History, Art, Social Work, etc.) and want to be a licensed special education teacher in ABS and earn your master’s degree.
- Credit Requirements: 52 credits
- Program Length: 7-8 semesters of coursework (including summer semesters)
- Courses: 16-18 courses
- 12-week student teaching (can be completed in your own classroom if you are currently teaching in a special education setting on Tier 1 or 2 license).
Pathway 2. You are currently teaching on a Tier 1 or 2 Minnesota License, want to be a Tier 3 licensed special education teacher, and earn your master’s degree.
- Credit Requirements: 52 credits
- Program Length: 7-8 semesters of coursework (including summer semesters)
- Courses: 16-18 courses
- 12-week student teaching (can be completed in your own classroom if you are currently teaching in a special education setting on Tier 1 or 2 license).
Pathway 3. You currently hold a Tier 3 or 4 teaching license in an area other than special education, want to be a fully licensed special education teacher, and earn your master’s degree.
- Credit Requirements: 32 Credits (required number of credits depends on past coursework)
- Program Length: 5-6 semesters of coursework (including summer semesters)
- Courses: 11-12 courses
- Special Education Licensure Practicum Experience (can be completed in your own classroom if you are currently teaching on a tier 3 license).
Pathway 4. You currently hold a Tier 3 or 4 special education teaching license want to add another license in SLD, EBD, or ASD, and earn your master’s degree.
- Credit Requirements: 32 Credits (required number of credits depends on past coursework)
- Program Length: 5-6 semesters of coursework (including summer semesters)
- Courses: 10-11 courses
- Special Education Licensure Practicum Experience (can be completed in your own classroom).
Pathway 5. You currently hold a Tier 3 or 4 special education teaching license and ONLY want to add another license in SLD, EBD, or ASD.
- Credit Requirements: 12 Credits (required number of credits depends on past coursework)
- Program Length: 2 semesters of coursework (including summer semesters)
- Courses: 4 courses
- Special Education Licensure Practicum Experience (can be completed in your own classroom).
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.
“BSU offered a lot of flexibility as a working professional, allowing me to balance my studies with other commitments. Having attentive and understanding professors made a significant difference in the learning experience, especially as I was juggling multiple responsibilities. Additionally, the affordable tuition was a huge plus, making it so that higher education was much more accessible.”
— Sharri McGibbon
IEP Manager/Special Education Teacher
Special Education Pipeline Grant
The Special Education program at Bemidji State is partnering with multiple Minnesota School Districts to prepare future Special Education teachers through the Special Education Pipeline Grant.
Application Process
Apply for Graduate Admission at BSU and select the MSPED Program.
Application Requirements
- Graduate application for admission
- One-page letter of intent answering the following questions:
- Why did you choose BSU?
- Which pathway do you want to take?
- Which licensure area are you choosing? EBD, SLD, or ASD?
- Two letters of recommendation from professional sources (school administrator, co-worker, university faculty, etc.)
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
- Overall undergraduate GPA: 3.00 GPA
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 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.
Faculty
Office: Bensen Hall 337
Phone: (701) 200 – 6546
Email: camille.brandt@bemidjistate.edu
Office: Deputy Hall 211D
Phone: (218) 755-3744
Email: miriam.white@bemidjistate.edu