Special Education Licensures Admission & Application Requirements
Deadlines
- Summer: April 15 (flexible)
- Fall: April 15 (flexible)
- Spring: November 15 (flexible)
To pursue a special education licensure option, you must meet Selection and Retention into Teacher Education (SARTE) requirements: (1) previous completion of a teaching education licensure program (graduate or undergraduate) with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and (2) hold a current Minnesota teaching license.
- Online graduate application
Submit the Graduate Online Application.
- $35 Non-Refundable application fee for all graduate applications
After you complete the Graduate Online Application:
- Log in to eServices with your StarID.
- Click on Bills and Payment, and you will be able to pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Contact ALL the colleges and universities you have attended and have your transcripts sent to:
Graduate Studies Office, MSU Moorhead
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563
You do not need to order transcripts from MSUM or other MnSCU institutions. See Transcript Policy for more details.
- Special Education Application Form
- Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
- Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
- Select “Continue” to access the extended program application and fill in all information. Be sure to “Submit Application” when you have completed all aspects.
- Copy of Minnesota Teaching License
- Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
- Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
- Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
- Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.
Reflect on your responses to the EDA and prepare a 1,000- 1,200 word essay.
- Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
- Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your graduate application listed.
- Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
- Upload both documents (EDA and essay) by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.
Special Education MS Licensure Application Deadlines
- Summer: April 15 (priority)
- Fall: July 1 (priority)
- Spring: November 15 (priority)
Steps to Apply
You may begin your application before all documents are ready. GradCAS saves your progress, and you may return any time to continue updating your application.
- Create your account in GradCAS
- Select your program from the list and click “+” to add to your cart.
- Complete the three general application sections.
- Complete the fourth, MSUM section (See Application Requirements below).
- Make sure to request all documents before submitting your application. Once you submit, you can no longer amend or upload additional documents.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
The Admission and Graduate Studies Offices will verify your documents and requirements.
Special Education MS Licensure Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- A major in education, special education, or a related field, such as speech language pathology, school psychology, or psychology.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits.
Special Education MS Licensure Application Requirements
- GradCAS application
- A current resume.
- Unofficial transcripts are required from all institutions you list on your application.
- If you attended MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions, you can retrieve your unofficial transcripts from eServices, contact graduate@mnstate.edu and we can assist.
- Upon admission, you must request official transcripts from your degree-conferring institutions and any other transcripts listing possible graduate transfer coursework. Official transcripts can be requested through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and sent directly to processing@mnstate.edu.
- MSUM or MN system institution students do not need to request official transcripts. The admission team will do this on your behalf.
- Educator Disposition Assessment- Complete the assessment form and upload it to the Document section of the application.
- A copy of your Minnesota teaching license.
International Student Requirements
- An official comprehensive course-by-course transcript evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluator (ECE), World Education Services (WES) or any other NACES accredited evaluation firm, from post-secondary institutions outside the U.S.
- The ECE, WES, or NACES evaluation must certify your international degree is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- For students whose native language is not English, or who were not taught in English, an official score from either TOEFL (6678 MSUM code) or IELTS (Minnesota State University Moorhead) is required.
- TOEFL scores-550 (paper-based) or 78-80 (online)
- IELTS score of 6.5
For questions about the program or the application process please call Graduate Studies 218.477.2134 or email graduate@mnstate.edu.
Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.
Questions about completing the application:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | support@gradcas.myliaison.com
Chat help for applicants is available.
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