Online Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Southwest Minnesota State University’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is a 120-credit online degree that prepares you to become a licensed special education teacher for infants, toddlers, and young children ages birth through 6 with disabilities. If you’re passionate about working with young children with special needs, have a strong commitment to family-centered care, and prefer the flexibility of online learning, this program may be right for you. The program combines online coursework with hands-on learning experiences and concludes with a semester-long student teaching practicum. 

Yes, SMSU’s ECSE degree is completely online. The program is designed for working adults and can generally be completed in 2-4 years depending on your course load and credit transfers. You study on your own schedule from anywhere, but you are not alone — you will have access to engaged faculty, peers, and support services throughout the program. The program offers five start dates per year (January, March, May, August, and October), giving you multiple enrollment windows. 

SMSU awards a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Early Childhood Special Education. The total program requires 120 credits, of which 80-81 are major-specific coursework. The major focuses on age-appropriate instruction, assessment, curriculum design, transitions, and procedural safeguards in special education for the birth-through-6 age group.

Yes. The SMSU ECSE program is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and meets the requirements for Minnesota licensure as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher. Upon graduation, you are eligible to obtain your Minnesota ECSE license, which allows you to work with children ages birth through 6 with disabilities in public schools, preschools, and other settings. Graduates teaching in states other than Minnesota should verify state-specific licensure reciprocity, as not all states recognize Minnesota ECSE licensure automatically. SMSU recommends contacting your state’s Department of Education for reciprocal licensure agreements. Please note that some out-of-state field placements or licensure pathways may have residency or location restrictions.

The SMSU ECSE degree specifically prepares you for Minnesota licensure in Early Childhood Special Education, which is a single, integrated credential combining early childhood education and special education for the birth-through-6 age group. This is not a traditional dual licensure program with separate early childhood and special education endorsements. The ECSE license integrates both specialties in a unified credential tailored for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities. If your state requires separate early childhood and special education licenses, you may need to explore alternative programs or additional certification pathways after graduation.

To apply, you will need: (1) a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts; (2) a minimum 2.5 GPA (3.0 recommended); (3) completion of the online application form; and (4) payment of the $20 application fee, which is waivable. Transfer students must submit transcripts from each institution attended, and SMSU accepts transfer credits, which can reduce your total program cost. You do NOT need prior teaching experience or a background in education to apply. The enrollment team can answer questions about GPA requirements, transcript submission, and transfer credit evaluation.

Background screening is standard for education licensure programs due to work with vulnerable populations. You should anticipate that a background check will be required for field placement, student teaching, and/or licensure. Contact SMSU’s enrollment team at 1-800-201-2944 for specific details on timing and procedures.

The total estimated cost is $41,954.40 for the full 120-credit degree, calculated at $349.62 per credit hour. This estimate covers tuition only and does not include textbooks, supplies, or additional fees. SMSU offers several financial support options: (1) in-state tuition rates for all students regardless of residency; (2) federal financial aid via the FAFSA (SMSU school code: 002375); (3) available scholarships for qualifying applicants; (4) acceptance of GI Bill and VA education benefits for military and veteran students; and (5) transfer credit acceptance, which can reduce your total credits and overall cost. The online tuition calculator can help estimate your specific cost based on your transfer credits.

Student teaching is a semester-long, culminating field experience where you apply what you have learned in a real classroom or educational setting under the guidance of a mentor teacher. This hands-on experience is essential for licensure and is built into the SMSU ECSE curriculum. You will have clinical experiences throughout the program beginning in your first semester, but the full student teaching practicum is typically scheduled toward the end of your degree. For online students, student teaching placements are arranged to accommodate your location. If you have concerns about availability of local placements or need to arrange practicum in a specific geographic area, contact SMSU’s enrollment team to discuss options and logistics.

While the program is fully online, your hands-on clinical experiences and student teaching must take place in-person at a school, preschool, or early intervention program in your geographic area. SMSU’s enrollment team will assist you in identifying and arranging field placements and student teaching in locations convenient to you. However, the availability and types of placements may vary by region. If you are in a rural area, have specific state licensure requirements, or live in a state with residency restrictions for education programs, contact SMSU before applying to confirm that suitable placements are available for your location.

With your ECSE degree and Minnesota licensure, you can pursue roles such as: (1) Special Education Teacher in public school preschool or early childhood programs (median salary ~$74,730/year); (2) Early Childhood Educator in preschools, Head Start programs, or licensed child care settings (median salary ~$43,030/year); (3) Early Intervention Specialist working with infants and toddlers in home-based settings or developmental disability programs; and (4) Developmental Disability Specialist supporting children with special needs in various educational and therapeutic environments. Demand for special education teachers remains strong — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 37,800 openings for special education teachers each year, on average, over the 2024–2034 decade, largely due to the need to replace teachers who leave the field. Job growth is expected to continue as early intervention and inclusive education initiatives expand.

To apply, visit the online application portal (select campus code 075 for SMSU and undergraduate application). You will need to submit official transcripts, pay the $20 application fee (waivable), and complete all required fields. Application deadlines vary by semester start date. SMSU’s enrollment team is ready to help you throughout the process — call 1-800-201-2944 to ask questions, request information, or get assistance meeting application deadlines. It is always the right time to invest in your education.

Yes. SMSU proudly welcomes active military and veteran students and accepts the GI Bill® and other VA education benefits. If you are eligible for military education benefits, contact SMSU’s Student Engagement Specialist at 1-800-201-2944 or visit the military benefits page for details on how to apply your benefits toward your ECSE degree.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.