Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Special Education program provides the skills, theories, and tools to develop an inclusive learning environment for learners at all ability levels. The special education coursework is based on the standards required by the Minnesota Professional Educator and Licensing Standards Board (PELSB). All standards and requirements must be successfully completed by candidates prior to recommendation to PELSB for licensure.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Bachelor of Science in Special Education offers PELSB-approved programming in the following disability specific coursework and licensure areas:
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD)
Learning Disabilities (LD)
A key feature of our Bachelor of Science licensure preparation program is the emphasis on Workplace-Based Assessment (WBA). Within this framework, assessments are designed to take place in, or be based on, actual classroom settings, enabling candidates to apply assessment theories and methods directly to real teaching scenarios. This ensures that their learning experiences are both authentic and relevant to the professional challenges they will face in their future teaching careers. This approach effectively bridges theoretical concepts with practical teaching experiences.
For students who are not currently employed in a classroom environment, we offer traditional assessments that simulate classroom experiences. These assessments are crafted to replicate the challenges and learning opportunities of real classrooms, ensuring that all candidates have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their assessment skills effectively.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Special Education program, graduates are expected to do the following:
- Analyze educational principles, structures, and systems to identify and meet the needs of learners with exceptionalities.
- Apply due process procedures within legal parameters for learners with exceptionalities.
- Create and implement learner-specific instructional strategies.
- Maintain professionalism to cultivate collaborative relationships with learners, families, educators, other professionals, and the community.
- Develop intercultural competence to understand and inform educational practice for all learners, specifically learners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and reflection in analysis and decision making.
- Identify and continue to explore ethical frameworks to inform practice.
Program Structure and Delivery
The program is primarily delivered through an asynchronous model, complemented by some in-person field experiences. This structure allows students to benefit from the flexibility of online coursework through the Canvas learning management system (LMS) while also engaging in valuable face-to-face field experiences. To participate in this program, learners will need access to high-speed internet.
