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Minnesota State University-Mankato

About

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a four-year public university located in south-central Minnesota. Known for pairing big ideas with real-world thinking and practice, the university serves more than 15,000 students, including over 1,300 international students from more than 90 countries.

The College of Education will prepare you to create welcoming and supportive learning environments that help all students succeed. Choose from undergraduate programs in elementary education, special education, kindergarten– grade 12 and secondary education—available to students after completing two years of college—as well as a wide range of graduate programs.

  • College or University
  • Mankato

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Online Application

Awards and Achievements

  • In 2021, MSU was named the Best “Hidden Gem” in the Midwest by College Gazette and #17 among top public schools in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Teacher education students have received over 144 scholarships, with an average award amount of $3,231 annually.
  • Supervisors have rated teacher education students 3.62 out of 4 over the past four years for effectively teaching their licensure subject area.
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Programs

Master’s & certification

M.S. in Special Education

Start Checklist
  • From 18 to 36 months

    Program Duration

  • Online

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program Info

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education with Minnesota teaching licensure prepares you to become a licensed special education teacher while earning your graduate degree.

In this program, you’ll choose a focus area:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Developmental Cognitive Disabilities 
  • Early Childhood Special Education 
  • Emotional and Behavioral Disorders 
  • Specific Learning Disabilities 

You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn evidence-based teaching practices and build the skills needed to support students with a wide range of learning needs. 

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

  • $10,448

    In State Tuition

  • $15,218

    Out of State Tuition

  • $40

    Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Minnesota State University-Mankato have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Minnesota State University-Mankato to see if you can, too!

Amount
Description

Varies

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

Grants and scholarships vary based on need and availability. Learn more at: https://mnsu.edu/scholarshipfinder.

If you're pursuing your initial teaching license in special education, you may also be eligible for additional funding opportunities such as:

  • The Apprenticeship Program
  • The Pipeline Grant
  • The Grow Your Own Program

To learn more, talk with your school administrator. After you've connected with them, email Teri Preisler at teri.preisler.3@mnsu.edu, to guide you through the next steps!

Varies

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

There are a limited number of graduate assistantships available. Some are funded by state or federal work-study dollars. To be eligible, you need to complete the FAFSA. You can also apply for other graduate assistantships that may be open to all students.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Special Education: Academic and Behavioral Strategist (mild to moderate) (grades k-12)
Special Education: Autism Spectrum Disorders (birth-age 21)
Special Education: Developmental Disabilities (grades k-12)
Special Education: Early Childhood (birth through age 6)
Special Education: Emotional Behavioral Disorders (grades k-12)
Special Education: Learning Disabilities (grades k-12)

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit Minnesota State University-Mankato's website to learn more and apply.