Skip to content
CAMPUS LIFE
ALUMNI
ATHLETICS
FOUNDATION

RESOURCES

SERVICES

PAGES

Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
Search Icon
SEARCH
Children Learning

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.

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

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!

students sitting at computers

Careers In Early Childhood Special Education

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.

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.

visit icon

Apply Now

catalog icon

Academic Catalog

catalog icon

Financial Aid

question icon

View FAQs

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


Visit SMSU

Request Info

Apply Now