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The College of St. 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 are offered in an online format with once-weekly virtual classes. The MS Teaching with Licensure program uses a cohort model, starting a new group each fall semester. Students also have the option to begin selected coursework in the spring or summer semesters.

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

Degree Details

Tuition and Fees

Tuition: $590/credit*

Students will be allowed to enter the program after successfully passing a background check ($59 fee). If you are NOT currently working as a teacher in the state of Minnesota.


* Tuition rates are for the 2024-25 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. View 2023-24 rates

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, start the application.

Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs for Teachers

Learn more about the U.S. Department of Education’s loan forgiveness programs for teachers.

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, you scan or mail the admissions counselor 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

Education is a rewarding and in-demand occupation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teaching positions are projected to grow at about 1% between 2020 and 2032. 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. Take the next step to earning your Master of Science in Teaching 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.

PART I: Publicly Available Program Performance and Candidate Achievement Data

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 approval through June 30, 2026.

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.

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.</p

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 ($59 fee). If you are NOT currently working as a teacher in the state of Minnesota.

Background Check

A background check is required for all students enrolled in this program.

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.