As a special education teacher candidate, you'll be trained to use the IDEAL Problem Solving Model in special education to:
Rated #9 in the nation among special education graduate programs by U.S. News and World Report in 2019
Enrollment in the MEd degree program is required to obtain initial licensure. Students are usually eligible for licensure near degree completion. Students interested in adding a special education license to an existing license may enroll in the MEd or additional licensure program.
A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the MEd degree. Depending on the licensure you choose, an additional 12.5 - 31 credits may be required. Prior equivalent coursework may be substituted for some courses (maximum 12 credits). You and your advisor will review specific requirements once you are admitted.
Course requirements vary by licensure program. Depending on the licensure you choose, an additional 12.5 - 31 credits may be required. You and your advisor will review specific requirements once you are admitted.
The Academic Behavior Strategist (ABS) license is generally the first special education license teachers obtain. An ABS license qualifies you to work with students with mild to moderate disabilities in the following areas:
We also offer core licenses which do not require an ABS license and allow for specialization in the following areas:
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for information on tuition.
Are you interested in a teaching license in Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS), or cross collaboration between the two? Apply to Project PACT to get funding you need to support your tuition throughout your graduate program!
Special education scholarships, fellowships, and awards
College of Education and Human Development awards
Visit OneStop Student Services for more information on available financial aid.
"The College of Education and Human Development is a community where the staff are knowledgeable, experts within their fields, and provide real life classroom situations. The individuals within CEHD will selflessly make themselves available to you in order to help you succeed and go far. This is how I knew that this was the perfect program for me."
For general questions, contact sped-adm@umn.edu