Special Education Academic Behavioral Strategist Bachelor's Online

The Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS) is one of Minnesota’s specific special education licensure categories, designed for educators who work with students with mild to moderate learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and related academic challenges. Unlike a broad special education credential, the ABS license focuses specifically on designing individualized academic and behavioral interventions — making it a highly targeted qualification for working within resource rooms, inclusion settings, and co-teaching environments across K-12 grades. It is one of the most in-demand special education license types in Minnesota, particularly in rural districts where staffing shortages are most acute.

While coursework is delivered fully online, the program includes required fieldwork — practicums and student teaching that must take place in a Minnesota public school under the supervision of a Minnesota-licensed teacher. These experiences are arranged in coordination with SMSU’s program team and are designed to align with your coursework progression, not front-loaded at the start. If you are already working in a Minnesota school as a paraprofessional, instructional aide, or substitute, your current placement may be able to serve as your supervised field site. Contact an enrollment specialist to discuss how fieldwork is coordinated for your specific situation.

SMSU’s BS in Special Education Academic Behavioral Strategist is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), meaning graduates are eligible to apply directly for the ABS teaching license upon program completion. The licensure process is administered by PELSB and involves submitting program completion documentation, passing required content assessments, and meeting any additional state requirements in effect at the time of application. Because this is a Minnesota licensure program, fieldwork must be completed in a Minnesota public school, and students are required to reside in or near the state. Review full admissions details before applying if you are located near the Minnesota border.

Beyond the classroom teacher role, graduates with an ABS credential pursue positions as behavioral interventionists, IEP coordinators, transition specialists, inclusion support specialists, and district-level special education leads — roles that often carry additional compensation beyond the standard teaching salary schedule. In Minnesota specifically, special education teachers frequently earn above-median wages due to sustained demand and district recruitment incentives for licensed professionals in high-need areas. Talk to an advisor about how your current experience maps to these career pathways.

Yes, the program is built for working adults who are often already employed in education. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, so there are no required live class sessions that conflict with a school day schedule. Many students work as paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, or substitute teachers while completing their degree, and their school environment also supports the required fieldwork component. With three program starts per year, you can time your enrollment around the academic calendar that fits your district’s school year.

Many Minnesota school districts offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funding for paraprofessionals and staff pursuing teaching licensure, particularly in special education where vacancies are hardest to fill. In addition to district-level support, federal Title II and Title III grants — often administered at the district or state level — can fund pre-service teacher preparation for high-need subjects like special education. SMSU also accepts in-state tuition rates for Minnesota residents and participates in federal financial aid through FAFSA. Explore all funding options or speak with your district’s HR office about licensure reimbursement policies before applying.

Yes. SMSU also offers a Master of Science in Special Education Academic Behavioral Strategist (ABS) for licensed professionals looking to deepen their expertise and advance into leadership or specialized roles. The graduate program is 60 credit hours and is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are working in or entering the special education field. Completing your BS at SMSU creates a natural pathway into the MS program with established familiarity with SMSU’s faculty and curriculum. Browse SMSU’s full online graduate program catalog to learn more about continuing your education.

Yes. SMSU accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, which can meaningfully reduce the time and cost to complete the 120-credit program. Transfer students should submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions, and an enrollment advisor will evaluate which credits apply toward degree requirements. Students with prior coursework in education, psychology, or child development may find significant overlap with program prerequisites. Start your application or contact an enrollment specialist for a transcript evaluation before you commit.