Rated #10 in the nation among special education graduate programs.
Find your path
Undergraduate degree and teaching licensure
Each of our undergraduate programs is designed for those who want a traditional on-campus experience and those working full-time who are looking to finish their bachelor's degree and earn their teaching license.
BS with academic behavioral strategist licensure
Earn your bachelor's of science (BS) in special education and academic and behavioral strategist (ABS) teaching license in four years, through in-person and online course options. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to be licensed to teach students with mild-moderate disabilities in K-12 school systems.
BS with early childhood special education licensure
Earn your bachelor's of science (BS) in special education and early childhood special education (ECSE) teaching license in four years, through in-person and online course options. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible to be licensed to teach infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with delays/disabilities in a wide variety of home, community, and school settings.
BS foundations of special education for schools and society
Gain expertise in the field of special education to expand its reach in schools and society. This degree does not lead to a teaching license.
Become a special education teacher
Get more detailed information on the process of becoming a special education teacher as well as degrees and licenses available.
Graduate degree with teaching licensure
Earn your master’s degree and a teaching license for academic and behavior strategist (ABS), early childhood special education (ECSE), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), or emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Our hybrid programs are primarily taught online and in the evening with in-person field experiences in your community. All are designed for working professionals.
Academic and behavioral strategist MEd and licensure
Earn your master’s of education with an academic behavior strategist (ABS) license in two years through online courses and in-person field experiences in your community. The ABS license can serve as your initial license or add-on to another license. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to work in K-12 schools or age 18-22 transition programs with students who have a broad array of disabilities (examples include: autism, learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, other health disabilities).
Deaf and hard of hearing MEd and licensure
Earn your master’s of education with a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) license in two years through online courses, in-person field experiences in your community, and several in-person events. The DHH license can serve as your initial license or add-on to another license. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to work in school systems supporting infants through students up to age 21 with diverse identities and hearing levels.
Early childhood special education MEd and licensure
Earn your master’s of education with an early childhood special education (ECSE) license in two years through online courses and in-person field experiences in your community. The ECSE can serve as your initial license or add-on to another license. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to work as a home visitor or in classroom settings, supporting families and their infants through preschoolers who have a broad array of conditions and disabilities (examples include: developmental delays, autism, emotional or behavioral disorders, speech or language impairments, chromosomal abnormalities, low birth weight).
Emotional or behavioral disorders MEd and licensure
Earn your master’s of education with an emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) license in two years through online courses and in-person field experiences in your community. The EBD can serve as your initial license or as an add-on to another license, Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to work in K-12 schools or age 18-22 transition programs with students who have emotional or behavioral disorders with high intensity needs supported through a broad range of settings.
MEd with or without licensure
Advance your expertise for work within school systems, while also having the option to become eligible to obtain a teaching license from one of our teacher licensure programs.
Become a special education teacher
Get more detailed information on the process of becoming a special education teacher as well as degrees and licenses available.
Graduate MA and PhD
These graduate programs are designed for individuals who want to advance their research and leadership skills. Each requires a full-time commitment and in-person learning experiences on and off campus.
Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)
Work directly with faculty to develop your skills to be an innovative researcher and engage in leadership that shapes the field of special education. This is a four year program requiring a full-time commitment. Some students are admitted to this program without a masters degree, which can be earned while working towards their doctoral degree.
Master's of Arts (MA)
Work directly with faculty to gain research experience and leadership skills valuable to careers working in research and practice settings as well as a future doctoral degree.
Master's of Arts (MA) with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis (ABA)
Work directly with behavior analysts to gain valuable practice-based experience applying research supported strategies and become eligible to work as a board certified behavior analyst.
Related programs
Graduate minor in special education
Complement your master’s degree with the knowledge and skills to improve the way your field supports people with disabilities by earning a graduate minor in special education.
Students wishing to pursue this graduate minor must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at the University of Minnesota. Students with an educational psychology major may elect a minor in special education, but no courses may count for both the major and the minor.
Special education minor
Increase your knowledge, skill level, and experience in working with children with special needs in educational settings. As you become more familiar with the field of special education, this minor offers the opportunity to expand your knowledge in teaching methods for children with mild to moderate academic, social/emotional, and behavioral needs in order to increase their academic potential.
This minor is a good choice for preservice Elementary and DirecTrack teacher candidates, Developmental and Child Psychology majors as well as others who wish to learn more about methods to help children with special needs be more successful in classroom settings.
Online autism spectrum disorder (ASD) certificate
Obtain a certificate that demonstrates advanced expertise in working with individuals with ASD in school settings. This certificate does not lead to a teaching license, but may be combined with one of our other teaching licensure programs. The certificate program is available to any undergraduate or graduate student.
Global Seminar: In the field - Teaching and learning in Danish schools & communities
Gain firsthand experience in Danish schools and communities.
During your seminar, you'll:
- Observe classrooms, participate in field studies, and hear from local educators.
- Visit lively cultural centers such as Kronborg Castle and Tivoli Gardens.
- Explore connections between Viking history and Minnesota.
Tuition and funding
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for information on tuition.
Special education scholarships, fellowships, and awards
PhD only: Submit your application materials by December 1, and you’ll automatically be considered for Graduate School fellowships and departmental awards based on scholastic achievement. Notification of awards will be sent in March.
Visit OneStop Student Services for more information on available financial aid.
Faculty and staff
M.Y. Savana Bak
Assistant professor
Sam Choo
Assistant professor
Anne Foegen
Professor, department chair
Debbie Golos
Associate professor, DHH licensure program lead
Robert Henery
Senior lecturer, EBD licensure program lead
Amy Hewitt
Professor, Institute on Community Integration director
LeAnne Johnson
Associate professor, special education program coordinator
Rebecca Kolb
Lecturer, ABA program
Brynn Kraning
Lecturer, DHH licensure program
Amy Kunkel
Assistant teaching professor, special education licensure coordinator, ABS licensure program lead
Jennifer McComas
Professor, ABA program lead
Kristen McMaster
Professor. Guy Bond Chair in Reading
Charissa O'Neill
Teaching specialist, field placement coordinator
Brenna Rudolph
Senior lecturer, ECSE licensure program lead
Kathy Seifert
Teaching associate professor, director of undergraduate studies
Frank Symons
Distinguished McKnight University Professor, CEHD Senior Associate Dean for Research and Policy
Jason Wolff
Associate professor, McKnight Presidential Fellow, director of graduate studies, ASD certificate program lead