Special Education Licensure - Hamline University

Be an advocate for innovation in special education.

Schools nationwide face urgent special education teacher shortages, so there’s never been a better time to earn your licensure and ensure these students get the specialized instruction they need.

Whether you are ready for a new career in teaching, just starting school, or a practicing teacher looking to expand your capabilities, you will find your sense of purpose as an educational professional in this high-demand field.

Gain the ability to work with diverse special needs students and advocate for them in any school setting.
Earn a license that’ll open doors to unfilled special education positions.
Specialize or get your additional license with a focus in autism spectrum disorder or academic behavioral strategist programs.

Special Education License Overview

Balance work and school	The program blends online and in-person course options, plus a customized in-personal clinical experience.
When you can start	Inquire today about how you can start the initial licensure program fall 2021 or the additional licensure programs in special education and ABS in summer 2022.

Program Overview

Hybrid Format - Flexibility and Community

Hamline’s hybrid programs are designed to accommodate working adults, including:

Practicing teachers wanting to specialize with an additional license.
Paraprofessionals ready to move into a teaching position.
Initial licensure students wanting a sought-after license.
Bachelor of Arts students seeking to also pursue a teaching license.

Foundational education courses for the initial license are offered online or in person. Courses specific to the special education license are available online; in-person clinical experiences are customizable to meet each candidate’s needs.

Academic Behavioral Strategist

Earn a license where you’ll gain the skills to successfully manage today’s diverse classrooms, including those with students diagnosed with mild to moderate learning or other disabilities. Students who already hold a teaching license can complete the program in two semesters.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Learn strategies for teaching, communicating with, and advocating for students with autism spectrum disorder, and earn a license that’ll make you a sought-after teacher in districts statewide

View courses

Scholarships and Discounts

Your education could become even more affordable. Find out if you are eligible for one of several scholarships or tuition discounts.

See if you're eligible

Affordable Tuition

Hamline’s program is a cost-effective option for educators seeking to deepen their expertise. View current program tuition rates.

Get cost info

Application Requirements - Graduate Programs

If you are new to teaching, and need to get your first teaching license, you’ll apply to our Master of Arts in Teaching Initial Licensure program.

See requirements

Already have a teaching license and want to add to it?

See requirements

Disclosure Information

Autism Spectrum Disorder Gainful Employment Disclosure
Completion of any licensure program serves as preparation for seeking initial or additional licensure in the state of Minnesota. For more information regarding Minnesota educator licensure requirements, visit the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board website.

State Eligibility and Complaint Process

Hamline University, like all higher education institutions, must follow individual state regulations before enrolling students outside of Minnesota in its online programs. Hamline can enroll students residing in most states, but please confirm whether your state is among the eligible states.

Hamline University is committed to providing outstanding online education. If you have a question, concern, or complaint about your online education experience at Hamline, please review our complaint process for online education at Hamline.

School of Education

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING