Education Major for Paraprofessionals

Tuition is Not only do you pay a reduced tuition rate, you’ll also only pay for what you use. No hidden fees for things you won’t use as an online student..

This is a degree-completion program designed for K-12 educational paraprofessionals to earn an undergraduate degree and teaching license. It allows students to complete coursework primarily online, utilize their current workplace for field experience, and begin major courses immediately while completing general education requirements. The program offers small class sizes, supportive instructors, and individualized advising tailored for working adults.

Focus areas include Elementary education, Special education - autism spectrum disorder, Special education - academic behavioral strategist, English as a second language.

Credit requirements vary by licensure area: 49 credits for elementary education, 51 for ESL, 55 for special education (ABS), and 57 for special education (ASD). These credit counts are for the licensure program, not the entire bachelor's degree, and the page does not detail their distribution across coursework, practicum, or capstone.

Graduates can pursue roles such as K-12 teachers, writing coaches, educational consultants, curriculum designers, or work in fields like test development and child psychology.

The program is designed for K-12 educational paraprofessionals. Specific admission requirements such as GPA, test scores, or prerequisite courses are not detailed on this page, though having a completed AA degree can facilitate faster program completion.

Delivery is available online or hybrid. The hybrid elementary education concentration includes synchronous and asynchronous online classes plus in-person methods courses, while the fully online special education concentration uses synchronous and asynchronous online classes. Part-time study is permitted, and completion can take as little as two years with full-time enrollment and transfer credits, though most working adults take longer. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 90% of applicants.

Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, combines a long history (founded in 1854) with a student-centered liberal arts approach that suits international students seeking a personalized U.S. experience. With roughly 3,100 students and about 95 programs across undergraduate and graduate study, Hamline emphasizes small classes, close faculty mentorship and an inclusive campus community. International learners benefit from dedicated advising, orientation services and campus groups that ease cultural adjustment and support academic goals.

Academics at Hamline focus on experiential learning and professional preparation. Programs integrate internships, field placements, community-based projects and studio work so students graduate with practical skills and real-world experience. Faculty are active mentors who encourage critical thinking, interdisciplinary study and social responsibility; popular areas include education, business, health sciences and the arts. Opportunities for research, service learning and leadership help students build resumes and relationships with local employers.

Campus life blends civic engagement, cultural events and access to the Twin Cities’ broader career network. Housing, career services, study abroad and counseling offices provide practical support for study planning, visa concerns and job searches. For international applicants seeking a close-knit campus with strong mentorship, hands-on learning and clear pathways to internships or graduate study, Hamline offers a welcoming environment and ample opportunities to grow academically and professionally.