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Special Education Transfer Pathway

  • Starting Cost: $4,234*
  • Apply By: January 5, 2026
  • Classes Start: January 12, 2026
Apply Now
Listen

Students with unique needs require teachers who specialize in strategies to help them succeed. Special Education teachers work with students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade, differentiating and customizing their learning to help students meet their goals.

Students learn skills in:

  • Special education foundations
  • Diverse children and family relations
  • Behavior guidance and mental health
  • Crisis intervention, drug education and intro to medical challenges

Most graduates transfer to a partner Minnesota State university to earn a related bachelor’s degree to pursue the licensure required to become a Minnesota special education teacher.

* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.
  • 17 credit certificate
  • 60 credit degree
  • Online courses
  • Hutchinson or Willmar campus
  • Start in fall or spring
Apply Now
Request Info
Financial Aid

Program Delivery

  • Three in-person courses are held on Hutchinson or Willmar campuses
  • Other classes are held online with no set meeting time; students attend lectures and access class materials according to their schedule
  • Fall and spring start

Program Cost*

Tuition/Fees

  • AS Transfer Pathway: $12,671
  • Certificate: $3,571

Additional Costs

  • Books: ~$618/semester
  • Background check: $45

Program Highlights

The Special Education Transfer Pathway AS is designed for a student to attend a partnered Minnesota State university:

  • Minnesota State University – Mankato
  • Southwest State University – Marshall
  • St. Cloud State University
  • Winona State University

Awards & Certificates

Special Education Transfer Pathway AS Liberal Arts and Sciences AA Early Childhood Special Education Certificate

Careers & Jobs

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Paraprofessional

Faculty

Cindy Salfer

Cindy Salfer

Early Childhood Education Instructor

Cindy Salfer
Call Email

Cindy Salfer

Early Childhood Education Instructor

Office: 250c – Hutchinson

Education history:

Bachelor of Science – Elementary Education, St. Cloud State University
Bachelor of Science – Special Education, St. Cloud State University
Master of Science – Education, Saint Mary’s University
Master of Science – Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Literacy, Minnesota State University – Moorhead (in progress)

Applicable career history:

I taught in the PreK – 12th grade school system for 12 years prior to teaching at Ridgewater.

Professional acknowledgments/honors:

Quality Matters Certified Course
Live United Award – West Central United Way
Golden Apple Awards

Year started teaching at Ridgewater:

1996

Tiffany Bredeson

Tiffany Bredeson

Education Instructor

Tiffany Bredeson

Tiffany Bredeson

Education Instructor
Call Email
Nancy Hafner

Nancy Hafner

Early Childhood Education Instructor

Nancy Hafner

Nancy Hafner

Early Childhood Education Instructor
Call Email

Related Programs

Agricultural Science and Technology

Agricultural Science and Technology

Early Childhood Education and Transfer Pathway

Early Childhood Education and Transfer Pathway

Elementary Education Foundations and Transfer Pathway

Elementary Education Foundations and Transfer Pathway

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Willmar Campus

2101 15th Ave NW
Willmar, MN 56201
320-222-5200
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2 Century Ave SE
Hutchinson, MN 55350
320-234-8500
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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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