Apprenticeship Program Tuition Costs

Good to Know:

• Most undergraduate apprenticeship program students take 20-25 credits a year.

• SMSU has reciprocity agreements with nearby states, so many out-of-state students pay the same rate as Minnesota residents. Check the website to see if your state qualifies! 

• SMSU doesn’t charge extra for out-of-state tuition in most cases.

• There’s a one-time $20 application fee when you apply.

• Learn more about tuition and fees here. 

To help you stay on track, SMSU offers clear and easy-to-follow advising guides for each education program.

These guides include course requirements, licensure steps and suggested timelines to help you plan your path from student to licensed teacher.

SMSU believes that hands-on experiences in kindergarten-grade 12 schools are essential to prepare you to enter and succeed in the teaching profession. These experiences are integrated into many courses throughout the program.

From the start of the program, you’ll be immersed in real classroom settings where you’ll observe experienced teachersand connect theory with practice. Your first step into teaching will be planning and teaching lessons under the guidance of a cooperating teacher—building foundational skills and confidence. 

Your methods courses include fieldwork where you’ll gradually take on more teaching responsibilities—from small-group instruction to leading whole-class lessons. 

In your final year, you’ll complete a half-day student teaching placement while continuing to work as an apprentice. Throughout the process, you’ll be supported by a mentor teacher and a faculty advisor. 

SMSU believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. You’ll learn how to work effectively with students from many different backgrounds including different races, cultures, languages and life experiences. Equity and inclusion are important parts of your education.

You’ll take key courses like Human Relations and Diversity in Education, Foundations of Teaching Multilingual Learners, and Introduction to Special Needs to build a strong foundation for teaching diverse learners.

If you want to specialize, you can choose a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language or Special Education to gain deeper skills in these high-need areas.

Throughout your program, you’ll hear from guest speakers and experts on important topics like culturally responsive teaching, mental health in schools, and how to support students who’ve experienced trauma. This will help you gain knowledge and sensitivity to support all learners.

You’ll receive ongoing support from the very beginning of your teaching program to the end of your student teaching experience. You’ll work alongside experienced teachers and faculty who guide you as you observe classrooms, plan lessons, and practice teaching. This early mentorship helps you connect what you learn in your courses to real-life teaching and build important skills in a supportive setting.

When you reach student teaching, you’ll have both a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor supporting you. Your cooperating teacher will give daily help and feedback, while your supervisor will visit for formal observations and offer advice to help you grow. This teamwork makes sure you’re ready to be a confident, skilled teacher for all kinds of students.

To provide students with top-quality preparation, SMSU works closely with many school districts. These partnerships give you real-world experience and targeted support to develop as an educator.

A key partnership with Marshall Public Schools helps SMSU stay connected to the needs of Minnesota’s kindergarten-grade 12 schools, enhancing the program’s relevance. SMSU also partners with nearly 300 districts and over 2,100 schools, demonstrating its strong commitment to community-engaged teacher training. 

Together, these partnerships support SMSU’s mission to prepare skilled, culturally responsive and compassionate educators who are ready to meet the diverse needs of today’s classrooms.