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Take a look. Then take your pick.

Choosing the Right Degree

Unique Programs for Unique Students

The School of Education offers a wide variety of teaching degrees, pathways, and continuing education options.

If you are exploring the prospect of running your own classroom for the first time or are a long-time teacher looking to expand your knowledge, the School of Education has the perfect program for you. Regardless of the program you choose, you'll learn from the best and study alongside peers and faculty from a variety of backgrounds who all share a commitment to advancing the common good through education.

The School of Education inspires students to be a source of hope and an instrument of change for children and their families. When you're ready to embrace this calling, learn more about our program offerings below and start your journey at the University of St. Thomas today.

Degree and Licensure Options

  • New Teachers
  • Experienced Teachers
  • Special Education
  • Unique Pathways (Learn on the Job)
  • Administrative Licenses
  • Continuing Education and Certificates
  • New Teachers

    Brand new to teaching? The School of Education offers 10 initial teacher education licensure options from Chemistry to World Languages. And better yet, you will walk away with the confidence to lead your own classroom and an advanced Masters Degree in Teaching. Check out all of our licensure options and click below to learn more about our programs for new teachers.

    Initial Licensure Concentrations
    Chemistry Education (9-12)
    Communication Arts and Literature (5-12)
    Elementary Education (K-6)
    Music Education-Instrumental (K-12)
    Music Education-Vocal (K-12)
    Life Science Education (9-12)
    Mathematics Education (5-12)
    Physics Education (9-12)
    Social Studies Education (9-12)
    World Languages & Cultures - Spanish Education (K-12)

    Learn More about our Initial Licensure/MA in Teaching Program

    Experienced Teachers

    Interested in expanding your teaching power and taking your career to the next level? The School of Education has advanced degree options to meet your unique needs.

    Additional License Options for Experienced Teachers

    Already a veteran in the classroom? The University of St. Thomas has degree options for you. If you are interested in adding an additional license, The School of Education has 10 options for you to choose from.

    MA in Educational Studies

    The MA in Educational Studies is an advanced degree for licensed teachers who want to advance their curricular and content knowledge in Engineering, Mathematics, K-12 Reading, Spanish, or Teaching College English.

    MA in Educational Leadership

    Ready to be a leader in education? Our Educational Leadership Program is an advanced degree that prepares students to implement sound administrative policy, create strategies for change, and put into service effective practices for the day-to-day needs of your schools.

    MA in Leadership in Student Affairs

    Ready to advocate for students in higher education institutions? Our Leadership in Student Affairs program is an advanced degree offering specific coursework in student development theory, organizational theory, administrative leadership, and social justice theories.

    EdD in Educational Leadership and Learning

    Already have a Master's Degree and are ready to take the next step in education? Our EdD program prepares students to engage in and advocate for continuous improvement, systematic reform, and social justice within educational institutions and communities.

    Learn More about our Advanced Degrees

    Special Education

    The School of Education at St. Thomas offers award winning programs in the field of Special Education. Whether you are just starting out on your journey to become a special educator, or this has been your calling for many years, the School of Education has a program for you.

    Initial Licensure/MA in Teaching in Special Education

    New to the field of Special Education? Our initial licensure program allows you to specialize in one of six disability areas. Not only will you leave with the tools and knowledge to make a difference in a high-demand field, you will earn your Master's Degree in Teaching.

    Additional Licensure for Experienced Teachers

    Already a licensed Special Educator? The School of Education offers six different Special Education license options and makes it easy to earn an additional license.

    MA in Special Education for Experienced Teachers

    This advanced degree option is a perfect pathway for experienced teachers who want to add an additional license while also earning a Masters degree. Choose from one of our six license options, all available online, and elevate your career today.

    LEARN MORE about opportunities in special education

    Unique Pathways (Learn on the Job)

    St. Thomas offers many pathways to licensure including residencies and Work and Learn opportunities across the state of Minnesota.

    Residencies

    Our residencies are 15-month, graduate level, district-serving programs where students learn alongside a trained classroom teacher. St. Thomas currently partners with St. Paul Public Schools, Minneapolis Public Schools and many charter schools.

    Work and Learn

    The Work and Learn program is for current or prospective Special Education employees in Minnesota school districts. The program provides an affordable, accessible, and accelerated program for participants to earn their teaching license and master's degree in special education while working in their district.

    Administrative Licenses

    The School of Education offers several degree tracks to prepare the future leaders in education. Whether you have your sights set on becoming a principal, director of special education, or a superintendent, the School of Education has you covered.

    Director of Special Education Licensure

    Principal Licensure

    Superintendent Licensure

    LEARN MORE About our Administrative Licenses

    Continuing Education and Certificates

    Whether you're looking to advance your skills or fulfill requirements for licensure, the School of Education offers a variety of continuing education courses. Classes are frequently on demand and self-paced, which means you complete all coursework online, on your schedule. Educators can also receive CEUs toward licensure renewal requirements for some courses.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT CONTINUING EDUCATION and CERTIFICATES

    New Teachers

    Brand new to teaching? The School of Education offers 10 initial teacher education licensure options from Chemistry to World Languages. And better yet, you will walk away with the confidence to lead your own classroom and an advanced Masters Degree in Teaching. Check out all of our licensure options and click below to learn more about our programs for new teachers.

    Initial Licensure Concentrations
    Chemistry Education (9-12)
    Communication Arts and Literature (5-12)
    Elementary Education (K-6)
    Music Education-Instrumental (K-12)
    Music Education-Vocal (K-12)
    Life Science Education (9-12)
    Mathematics Education (5-12)
    Physics Education (9-12)
    Social Studies Education (9-12)
    World Languages & Cultures - Spanish Education (K-12)

    Learn More about our Initial Licensure/MA in Teaching Program

    Experienced Teachers

    Interested in expanding your teaching power and taking your career to the next level? The School of Education has advanced degree options to meet your unique needs.

    Additional License Options for Experienced Teachers

    Already a veteran in the classroom? The University of St. Thomas has degree options for you. If you are interested in adding an additional license, The School of Education has 10 options for you to choose from.

    MA in Educational Studies

    The MA in Educational Studies is an advanced degree for licensed teachers who want to advance their curricular and content knowledge in Engineering, Mathematics, K-12 Reading, Spanish, or Teaching College English.

    MA in Educational Leadership

    Ready to be a leader in education? Our Educational Leadership Program is an advanced degree that prepares students to implement sound administrative policy, create strategies for change, and put into service effective practices for the day-to-day needs of your schools.

    MA in Leadership in Student Affairs

    Ready to advocate for students in higher education institutions? Our Leadership in Student Affairs program is an advanced degree offering specific coursework in student development theory, organizational theory, administrative leadership, and social justice theories.

    EdD in Educational Leadership and Learning

    Already have a Master's Degree and are ready to take the next step in education? Our EdD program prepares students to engage in and advocate for continuous improvement, systematic reform, and social justice within educational institutions and communities.

    Learn More about our Advanced Degrees

    Special Education

    The School of Education at St. Thomas offers award winning programs in the field of Special Education. Whether you are just starting out on your journey to become a special educator, or this has been your calling for many years, the School of Education has a program for you.

    Initial Licensure/MA in Teaching in Special Education

    New to the field of Special Education? Our initial licensure program allows you to specialize in one of six disability areas. Not only will you leave with the tools and knowledge to make a difference in a high-demand field, you will earn your Master's Degree in Teaching.

    Additional Licensure for Experienced Teachers

    Already a licensed Special Educator? The School of Education offers six different Special Education license options and makes it easy to earn an additional license.

    MA in Special Education for Experienced Teachers

    This advanced degree option is a perfect pathway for experienced teachers who want to add an additional license while also earning a Masters degree. Choose from one of our six license options, all available online, and elevate your career today.

    LEARN MORE about opportunities in special education

    Unique Pathways (Learn on the Job)

    St. Thomas offers many pathways to licensure including residencies and Work and Learn opportunities across the state of Minnesota.

    Residencies

    Our residencies are 15-month, graduate level, district-serving programs where students learn alongside a trained classroom teacher. St. Thomas currently partners with St. Paul Public Schools, Minneapolis Public Schools and many charter schools.

    Work and Learn

    The Work and Learn program is for current or prospective Special Education employees in Minnesota school districts. The program provides an affordable, accessible, and accelerated program for participants to earn their teaching license and master's degree in special education while working in their district.

    Administrative Licenses

    The School of Education offers several degree tracks to prepare the future leaders in education. Whether you have your sights set on becoming a principal, director of special education, or a superintendent, the School of Education has you covered.

    Director of Special Education Licensure

    Principal Licensure

    Superintendent Licensure

    LEARN MORE About our Administrative Licenses

    Continuing Education and Certificates

    Whether you're looking to advance your skills or fulfill requirements for licensure, the School of Education offers a variety of continuing education courses. Classes are frequently on demand and self-paced, which means you complete all coursework online, on your schedule. Educators can also receive CEUs toward licensure renewal requirements for some courses.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT CONTINUING EDUCATION and CERTIFICATES

    We're here to help!

    Graduate Admissions and Aid

    The School of Education provides a quality education for teachers and educational leaders that is also affordable. Our graduate programs fit today's multi-tasking lifestyle, with an emphasis on diverse perspectives, discussions and experiences.

    We offer our students much more than just a degree - we offer the chance to be a part of a personal and professional network like no other. Which means your graduate education can enrich your life and career long after you leave the classroom.

    We have recently removed all testing requirements for admission, with a goal to make teaching more inclusive.