Early Childhood Special Education Online

About the Program

Graduates will be prepared to obtain MN licensure for ECSE. Candidates will have the necessary foundation to work with infants and toddlers and young children with disabilities ages birth through the age of six. Licensure to teach is a professional program. Formal application for admission to the Education Program is required during the sophomore year. A minimum GPA of 2.8 from all colleges and universities attended along with other requirements are included in the Teacher Education Packet available in the Education Department.

Cost & Financial Aid

Undergraduate Online tuition rates are affordable and banded for full time student enrollments.
SMSU offers in-state tuition to nearly everyone. No out-state rates. Reciprocity rates may apply.
U.S. Citizens & eligible noncitizens can apply for federal aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Minnesota residents completing the FAFSA will also be considered for Minnesota State Grant and Federal Direct loan funds as well.
SMSU offers a variety of Scholarships that students can apply for!
Return on investment! SMSU graduates have a 99% Employment Rate within 6 months of graduation!

Admission Requirements

Minnesota Licensure Only ~ must be able to complete field experiences, practicums and student teaching within the state of Minnesota.

First Year Students
Transfer Students

Students wishing to be considered for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University must present the following information:

Completed application for admission and a non-refundable application fee of $20.
Self-report GPA and/or standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)

Note: Final high school transcripts, complete with date of graduation, must be submitted to the Office of Admission prior to enrollment.

Transfer students wishing to be considered for admission to Southwest Minnesota State University must present the following information:

Completed Application for Admission and non-refundable application fee of $20.
Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended outside the MinnState System, transcripts must be sent directly from each institution to the Southwest Minnesota State University Office of Admission.

Online Student Services
Supporting Your Success!

Careers In Early Childhood Special Education

Graduates who earn an ECSE license teach in an Early Childhood setting work with at-risk children and their parents (birth through 35 months) in a home-based setting and teach children identified, as having special needs ages 3-6 years in an early childhood setting. Working with birth to 3-year-old children will give you the opportunity to collaborate with the child’s parents as well as service providers and work hand-in-hand assisting with the growth of the child. It is an opportunity that benefits not only the child, but the family as well.

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Last Modified: 2/28/23 3:19 PM | Website Feedback