Cost & earnings at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Education graduates earn a median $33,993 Across 412 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Bachelor’s in Education at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota prepares students for professional teaching and roles in schooling through a blend of liberal‑arts study, pedagogical theory and sustained clinical experience. It suits students aiming for initial teacher licensure or careers supporting learning in elementary and middle school settings, particularly those who value a values‑based, community‑oriented approach to education.
The programme combines a liberal arts core with professional education coursework to develop content knowledge, instructional skills and reflective practice. You will study foundational subjects such as educational psychology, child and adolescent development, and theories of learning alongside practical modules in curriculum design, assessment and classroom management. Methodology courses focus on literacy and numeracy instruction, subject‑specific pedagogy for elementary and middle grades, and differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
Specialist topics commonly included are special education and inclusion strategies, multicultural and bilingual education, educational technology and digital pedagogy, behaviour management, and education law and ethics. The course sequence emphasises applied learning through recurring field experiences that build toward a culminating semester of full‑time student teaching in partnered schools. Coursework also typically covers data‑informed instruction, formative and summative assessment practices, and family and community engagement.
The degree typically includes general education requirements, a major in education and a sequence of teacher preparation courses. Many students follow a licensure pathway that integrates consecutive field placements and a supervised student‑teaching semester. Advising ensures alignment with state teacher certification requirements; some students choose additional minors or endorsements to broaden employment options.
Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of academic achievement. Typical admissions materials include official secondary transcripts, a personal statement outlining commitment to teaching, and one or more recommendations. Some applicants may be asked to provide records of prior college study if relevant.
Because teacher preparation leads to licensure, candidates must meet professional and regulatory conditions such as background checks, immunisation and health‑clearance requirements, and any state‑specific prerequisites for certification. There may also be course‑minimum GPA expectations for admission to the professional sequence; students should consult the university’s education department for the exact standards. Those entering as transfer students are assessed for transfer credit and placement into practicum sequences.
Graduates are prepared for initial teacher licensure and classroom roles at the elementary and middle school levels, depending on chosen endorsements and state certification. Common career paths include:
The programme’s practicum and school partnerships help graduates build professional networks and obtain classroom experience valued by employers and certification bodies.
Saint Mary’s offers a teacher preparation programme grounded in liberal arts and informed by its Catholic, service‑oriented mission. The university emphasises small class sizes, close faculty mentoring and personalised advising, which support the development of reflective practitioners. A focus on ethical leadership, community engagement and social justice is woven into courses and field experiences.
Students benefit from established partnerships with regional K–12 schools that provide progressive practicum placements and supervised student‑teaching opportunities. The university also provides structured support for licensure requirements, portfolio development and job placement. For those who value a values‑based education with hands‑on clinical experience and a strong sense of community, Saint Mary’s presents a coherent pathway into the teaching profession.
Shortlist scholarships and plan your application — free guidance from our advisors.