Special education undergraduate degree and licensure programs

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Help all students get the support they need to succeed

Improve outcomes for individuals who require specialized support to achieve success throughout their lifespan. At the University of Minnesota, we are committed to engaging in meaningful research—and to bridging research and practice—to improve the lives of children and families in diverse contexts, and to have a lasting impact on teacher education, leadership, and policy.

Earn your bachelor of science degree in special education AND your teaching license in just four years! Undergraduate licensure areas include Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). Transfer students with an associate degree can complete the program in as little as two years. Online options available!

Already have an undergraduate degree?

We also offer a master of education (MEd) in special education with teacher licensure in the following areas: Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), ECSE, and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD). Contact us to request information.

Special education BS with Early Childhood Special Education licensure

This program prepares you for initial teaching licensure in early childhood special education (ECSE). Coursework provides the knowledge and skills needed to support the development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from birth through age six, with a range of disabilities/delays (motor delays, speech or language impairments, autism spectrum disorders, emotional or behavior disorders, low birth weight, chromosomal abnormalities, etc.).

120 credit hours

transfer credits acceptable

Gain practice working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with delays/disabilities

in a variety of settings through required in-person field experiences at a program or school in your community each semester

100% online courses

with field experiences and the option for on-campus learning

Opportunity to add on an online autism spectrum disorder certificate

by simply completing two additional online courses

Three key career benefits

Special education BS with Early Childhood Special Education licensure from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota

Pursue diverse roles within early childhood special education

including teaching in inclusive or special education preschool classrooms, conducting home visits as an early interventionist, serving on evaluation teams to determine eligibility for special education, and more.

Implement effective instructional practices

based on the most current scientific research in the field of early childhood development and special education.

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Make a meaningful impact on special education learners

by establishing and maintaining a successful career in one of the most rewarding fields in education.

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Make a difference in special education learning

Prepare to serve special education learners through a blend of theory and hands-on practice in diverse education settings — pursue your BS in early childhood special education.

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Special education BS with Academic Behavioral Strategist licensure

Become an expert at meeting students’ needs by providing individualized instruction to students with disabilities in grade K through age 22. The program leads to an Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) teaching license, which qualifies you to teach students with mild-moderate disabilities in the following areas:

Autism spectrum disorders
Developmental and cognitive disabilities
Emotional and behavioral disorders
Specific learning disabilities
Other health disabilities

120 credit hours

transfer credits acceptable

Gain real-world practice working with students at the elementary or secondary level

through field experiences at a program or school in your community each semester

100% online courses

with field experiences and the option for on-campus learning

Your BS coursework can be applied to additional licenses

offered by the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, including Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)

Three key career benefits

Special education BS with Academic and Behavioral Strategist licensure from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota

Make a meaningful impact on children and young adults with disabilities

through a highly fulfilling career path that positions students for academic and developmental success.

Apply evidence-based strategies in a number of special education settings

including elementary, middle school, and high school settings, social service agencies, and 18-22 transition programs.

Prepare to meet the developmental needs of students

through individualized education programs and strategic instruction.

Enable success for special education learners

Give special education learners the tools they need to succeed in their future — pursue your BS in special education academic behavioral strategist.

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