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Minnesota State University-Mankato

About

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a four-year public university located in south-central Minnesota. Known for pairing big ideas with real-world thinking and practice, the university serves more than 15,000 students, including over 1,300 international students from more than 90 countries.

The College of Education will prepare you to create welcoming and supportive learning environments that help all students succeed. Choose from undergraduate programs in elementary education, special education, kindergarten– grade 12 and secondary education—available to students after completing two years of college—as well as a wide range of graduate programs.

  • College or University
  • Mankato

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Online Application

Awards and Achievements

  • In 2021, MSU was named the Best “Hidden Gem” in the Midwest by College Gazette and #17 among top public schools in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Teacher education students have received over 144 scholarships, with an average award amount of $3,231 annually.
  • Supervisors have rated teacher education students 3.62 out of 4 over the past four years for effectively teaching their licensure subject area.
MSU Mankato College of Education Logo

Programs

Bachelor’s & certification

B.S. in Special Education (Academic and Behavioral Strategist)

Start Checklist

  • 48 months

    Program Duration

  • Online, Hybrid

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

The Special Education Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) program prepares you to support and teach students with a range of needs, including:

  • Mild to moderate learning disabilities
  • Emotional and behavioral disorders
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Developmental disabilities

This program equips you for today’s classrooms, where special education teachers work with students who have a wide variety of learning and behavioral needs.

Minnesota State University, Mankato also offers a registered apprenticeship pathway. Through this program, you can earn your Minnesota teaching license while working in your school district, charter school, Tribally Controlled School or service cooperative. This unique model allows you to integrate coursework with on-the-job training, giving you valuable hands-on experience and practical classroom skills.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Oct. 13, 2025

    Spring

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

  • $9,571

    In State Tuition

  • $18,492

    Out of State Tuition

  • $20

    Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Minnesota State University-Mankato have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Minnesota State University-Mankato to see if you can, too!

Amount
Description

Varies

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

Grants and scholarships vary based on need and availability. Learn more at: https://mnsu.edu/scholarshipfinder.

If you're pursuing special education, you may also be eligible for additional funding opportunities such as:

  • The Apprenticeship Program
  • The Pipeline Grant
  • The Grow Your Own Program

To learn more, talk with your school administrator. After you've connected with them, email Teri Preisler at teri.preisler.3@mnsu.edu, to guide you through the next steps!

$1,450- $5,800

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

Work-study opportunities are available in Handshake on the University website. The average work-study award at MSU is between $1,450- $5,800. 

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Special Education: Academic and Behavioral Strategist (mild to moderate) (grades K-12)

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit Minnesota State University-Mankato's website to learn more and apply.