Online Master of Special Education
The Special Education Program at BSU is a 100% online pathway for individuals to earn their master’s degree and/or Minnesota 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
Bemidji State University offers five Pathways to Special Education Licensure. Which one is right for you?
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 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
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.
Contact
Contact Dr. Sean Wachsmuth at sped@bemidjistate.edu or (218) 755-3734 with any questions.
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
Associate Professor & Special Education Program Coordinator
Office: Bensen Hall 333
Phone: (218) 755-4007
Email: sean.wachsmuth@bemidjistate.edu
Book a meeting with Sean Wachsmuth