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º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù. Scholastica

This alternative pathway to teaching allows working professionals from all backgrounds, who already have a bachelor’s degree, to earn their Minnesota teaching license while working toward a Master of Science in Teaching degree with just 6 additional credits.

Classes offered in an online format with once-weekly virtual classes. The Master of Science in Teaching with Licensure has a rolling enrollment process that allows an applicant to start at the beginning of any term (fall, spring or summer).

Fast Facts

  • Online learning with once-weekly virtual classes
  • Hands-on preparation with students: participate in knowledge through student teaching, seminars and clinical opportunities
  • Accelerated terms: earn your MN K-12 license in fewer than 2 years
  • 3 day summer residency
  • Total program credits: 34 credits for secondary and 39 for elementary, plus 6 more to earn an MS in Teaching

Receive Program Info and Financial Aid Options

  • Detailed program overview
  • Personalized financial aid
  • Individual admissions support

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St. Scholastica opened doors for me that have greatly improved my life.

Abbey Kaufman, ’18

Study Buddy Scholarship

Receive a $1,000 scholarship when you and a friend (or a group) enroll.

Saints Succeed Scholarship

Request more information about this scholarship.

Degree Details

Tuition and Fees

Tuition: $570/credit*

Students will be allowed to enter the program after successfully passing a background check ($50 fee). If you are NOT currently working as a teacher in the state of Minnesota.


* Tuition rates are for the 2023-24 academic year. Additional fees and costs for course materials may apply. Total program cost and completion time varies depending on transfer credits and individual program plans. Tuition rates are subject to change.

Program Overview

Prepare for licensure in one of the following areas:

  • Elementary Education (broad studies, K–6)
  • Secondary Education (choose one concentration area, 5–12)
    • Chemistry
    • Communication Arts and Literature
    • Life Science
    • Math
    • Social Studies
  • Spanish (K–12)

Our online Master of Science in Teaching with Licensure program was created in collaboration with the K-12 community. Through coursework grounded in research and best practices, we instill committed teachers with the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to promote student learning. The varied courses and field experiences enable students to develop mastery of the Standards of Effective Practice for beginning teachers.

Work Toward Your Master’s While Earning Your Teaching License

Our Master of Science in Teaching with Licensure program is designed to meet the requirements of a Master of Science while you are working toward your initial Minnesota teaching license. This means you will be able to enter the teaching profession with a master’s degree, giving you more earning potential, better credentials and a full understanding of how to be an effective teacher.

If you’re not interested in earning a Master of Science degree and just want your teaching license, then we can accommodate your needs as well. To learn more, fill out the form today. Or if you’re ready, .

Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs for Teachers

Learn more about the U.S. Department of Education’s .

Curriculum

Visit our Catalog to view the program and course requirements, and learning outcomes. Be sure to create your course plan in consultation with your advisor.

Program Length

The GTL program varies in length due to the differences in students’ undergraduate education. Typically, students are able to complete the program in less than two years.

We highly recommend before you apply to the program to scan or mail the coordinator of the site you will be attending, the following:

  • copy of your undergraduate transcripts (can be a copy, does not need to be official)
  • contact information including an email address
  • content area and grade level you are interested in teaching

We will do an informal analysis of how many courses you will need to be licensed in the area you want to teach. We do this because program length varies due to our program being customized around your undergraduate degree and the Minnesota teaching standards in the area you want to teach.

Career Outlook

Educating isn’t just a rewarding occupation; it’s also in-demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teaching positions are projected to . That demand is even stronger across inner cities and rural areas.

Getting a teacher certificate is a great path to pursue your passion and become the best educator possible.  to earning your Master of Science in Teaching with Licensure at St. Scholastica.

Accreditation

AAQEP logoThe Teacher Education program at the College of St. Scholastica is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) for a period of 7 years, from July 2019 to July 2026. The accreditation does not include individual education courses that the Educator Preparation Program offers to P-12 educators for professional development, re-licensure, or other purposes.

Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)

The fully accredited Teacher Education Program is assessed according to the requirements and standards of the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The teacher education program has full continuing unit and program approval through June 30, 2024.

Admission Information

Visit our admissions page for information about transcripts, online application, international admissions and financing.

Application Deadline

Fall: July 15

Eligibility

New Students
  • BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university
  • GPA of at least 2.8
Note: Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.
Returning Students

A returning student is a student who was admitted and enrolled in a program at St. Scholastica but has been absent from the program for at least three continuous semesters, including summer. To return to the same program at St. Scholastica, a returning student must be in good academic standing and must apply for readmission to the College.

Before Applying

The GTL program length varies due to our program being customized around your undergraduate degree and the Minnesota teaching standards in the area you want to teach. Before submitting an application, you may request an informal analysis of how many courses you will need by contacting your Admissions counselor.

Prerequisite and content courses may be taken throughout the year.

Accepted Students

Students will be allowed to enter the program after successfully passing a background check ($50 fee). If you are NOT currently working as a teacher in the state of Minnesota.

Background Check

The College implemented a Background Study Policy fall semester 2008 for all students enrolled in education programs.

About the Process

First time: For GTL students, the initial background check cost is $50, and must be paid via credit card.

For Duluth Undergraduate students, the background check will be processed during EDU 1540 and paid via a $50 course fee. For Degree Completion students, the background check will be processed during your orientation and paid via a $50 course fee in EDU 2600.

Enter code for the program you will be attending

  • Undergraduate – Duluth:Ìýµþµþ±Ê°ä³Ò-27247
  • GTL – Online: WXHVM-94863
  • Elementary Education Completion Program (2+2) – Inver Grove Heights and Grand Rapids: RTJBJ-74242

If you have any questions, the Client Services Team at Verified Credentials is ready to assist you. Please call them at 800-938-6090 or email at .

  • (These are through the State of Minnesota and are free.)
Criminal Background Study

Our goal in this criminal background study is to protect vulnerable populations. Students in a K-12 system are considered by º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù. Scholastica’s Stender School of Leadership, Business and Professional Studies a vulnerable population. Any costs incurred to complete the background study are the student’s responsibility and must be paid in-full at the time the student is made aware of them.

The SOE requires a criminal background study prior to students entering field experiences or courses that require field experiences. MN law also requires that applicants for licensure complete a similar criminal background study. This study will be made at the initiation of field course work utilizing:

  • Conduct Review Statement (provided by the SOE)
  • Verified Credentials (a private firm that does nation-wide background checks) and each following year utilizing:
    • Conduct Review Statement (provided by the SOE)
    • Criminal history review through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or appropriate local, county, state, providence, or country agency where student resided

The SOE will make the sole and final risk determination of a student. The Red Flag Review (see Red Flag Review procedure below) will be implemented if any discrepancies occur during the Criminal Background Study. An individual who is deemed a security or safety risk to vulnerable populations will be disqualified from having direct student contact as a result of the background study and will not be permitted to participate in field experiences, or courses that require field experiences. Students who receive notice that they are disqualified must arrange for an immediate appointment with the appropriate SOE Chair, or Chair’s designee. Student deemed a risk will not be allowed to complete the Education program. Materials gathered for the background study will be held by the Educational Experience Coordinator in the Stender School of Leadership, Business and Professional Studies offices.

Red Flag Review

The Red Flag Review is a process used when a discrepancy appears on the background check, or Conduct Review Statement, of a Stender School of Leadership, Business and Professional Studies student that may be cause for concern for the safety or security of vulnerable individuals.

Identified discrepancies which may result in a Red Flag Review being initiated:

  • Any Felony
  • Any Abuse Incident
  • Drug/Alcohol Incident
  • Harm to children
  • Crimes of violence
  • Plea bargains
  • Patterns of behavior
  • Other

When a discrepancy appears on a background check, or Conduct Review Statement, the following procedures will be followed:

  1. Contact student involved and schedule a meeting regarding the discrepancy with the “Background Account Administrator” and appropriate “SOE Chair” or designee.
  2. Review the circumstances of the discrepancy.
  3. The Background Account Administrator and SOE chair will determine if notification of the discrepancy to the field experience site personnel is needed. If needed:
  4. Obtain a “Release of Information” from the student.
  5. Notify field experience site personnel of discrepancy.
  6. As needed, meet with field experience site personnel to review discrepancy and background check report. The final determination on placement is determined by the “Superintendent” or designee of the field experience site. Upon acceptance of the student, documentation on the discrepancy will be provided to the field experience site personnel.
  7. Inform student in writing of placement meeting outcome.

View more information about the .

We hope you will appreciate our efforts in keeping kids safe. Questions regarding this policy can be addressed to:

Brenda Fischer, Chair, Tower Hall 3103, 218-723-5971, bfischer1@css.edu, or
Karen Mehle, Tower Hall 3409, 218-723-6180, kmehle@css.edu

Meet Our Faculty

Experienced, Dedicated and Distinguished Educators

Expect to be heard, to be challenged and to be involved. St. Scholastica faculty are world-class scholars and experts in their field who invest in your success. Our values of community, respect, stewardship, hospitality and love of learning reflect our faculty’s commitment to lifting up others and celebrating our common humanity.

º¦Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù. Scholastica

Main Campus

1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
United States

800-447-5444