Special Education Transfer Pathway
Students with unique needs require teachers who specialize in strategies to help them succeed. Special Education teachers work with students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade, differentiating and customizing their learning to help students meet their goals.
Students learn skills in:
- Special education foundations
- Diverse children and family relations
- Behavior guidance and mental health
- Crisis intervention, drug education and intro to medical challenges
Most graduates transfer to a partner Minnesota State university to earn a related bachelor’s degree to pursue the licensure required to become a Minnesota special education teacher.
* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.
- 17 credit certificate
- 60 credit degree
- Online courses
- Hutchinson or Willmar campus
- Start in fall or spring
Program Delivery
Section titled “Program Delivery”- Three in-person courses are held on Hutchinson or Willmar campuses
- Other classes are held online with no set meeting time; students attend lectures and access class materials according to their schedule
- Fall and spring start
Program Cost*
Section titled “Program Cost*”Tuition/Fees
Section titled “Tuition/Fees”- AS Transfer Pathway – $14,314
- Certificate – $4,056
Additional Costs
Section titled “Additional Costs”- Book costs vary
- Background check: $45
Program Highlights
Section titled “Program Highlights”The Special Education Transfer Pathway AS is designed for a student to attend a partnered Minnesota State university:
- Minnesota State University – Mankato
- Southwest State University – Marshall
- St. Cloud State University
- Winona State University
Careers & Jobs
Section titled “Careers & Jobs”- Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Paraprofessional