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University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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About

Founded in 1851 on the Indigenous homelands of the Dakota people, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities stands out among land-grant institutions for its location within the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Known as "U of M" or simply "The U," it is the largest of five campuses systemwide and the ninth-largest public research university in the country, with over 54,800 students enrolled in 2023–24.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers over 40 approved teacher licensure programs with a variety of pathways to support your unique educational and professional goals. Most licensure programs are offered at the graduate level, allowing you to earn a Master of Education degree alongside your teaching license. The University also offers three undergraduate licensure programs: Agricultural Education, Music Education and Special Education, where you earn your bachelor’s degree and teaching license at the same time.

  • College or University
  • Minneapolis

Institution Links

  • Financial Aid Office

As a teacher licensure student at the University, you’ll be a part of:

  • A world-renowned research university, where you’ll learn from faculty and graduate students who are respected experts in education and engaged in research that directly impacts the children, schools and communities you’ll work with.
  • A highly respected licensure program. Minnesota principals and superintendents know and respect the University’s reputation and they actively seek out its grads.
  • A cohort of future teachers, so you can learn from your peers and build a lasting network of teacher colleagues.
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Programs

Bachelor’s + master’s & certification

BS Foundations + MEd and Initial Teaching Licensure

  • 60 months

    Program Duration

  • In-person

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Graduate AdmissionsUndergraduate AdmissionsGraduate ApplicationUndergraduate ApplicationTeacher Education Program

Program Info

Earn your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a Minnesota teaching license in just five years through these accelerated programs at the U of M.

The Elementary Education program combines a four-year bachelor’s degree in elementary education foundations with a one-year MEd and teaching license, so you can graduate classroom-ready with hands-on experience. Your Minnesota license is highly transferable to other states, and local school districts actively seek out U of M graduates. While the program is designed to prepare you to become an elementary teacher, you'll also gain skills that can lead to careers in education-related fields like consulting, test prep, adoption services, publishing and more.

In the Early Childhood Education program, you’ll earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood foundations and, in your fifth year, complete your MEd and earn a teaching license for birth through third grade. You'll build a strong understanding of child development, research, and effective teaching methods that will help you thrive in early learning classrooms.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Oct. 01, 2025

    Spring

  • Jan. 01, 2026

    Fall

  • Mar. 01, 2026

    Summer

Get Deadline Reminders

Ways to Lower Your Costs

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

Amount
Description

Varies

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

Many scholarships are available to help graduate students. MEd and Initial Licensure students receive over $1 million in aid yearly.

Visit the Aid for Future Teachers page to explore teacher education scholarships funded by U of M foundations, donor contributions, and available state and federal grants as well as your department’s funding page to find other opportunities.  

Varies

Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled

Work-study awards can help undergraduate and graduate students with financial need earn money while they study. To be considered, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you qualify, your work-study award will be included in your Financial Aid Notice. 

Visit U of M’s financial aid steps page to learn how to apply and get the support you need.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 3)
Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
For more information, visit: Admissions

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit University of Minnesota Twin Cities's website to learn more and apply.

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