You can also choose to use TommieBot, an AI search assistant developed by St. Thomas College of Engineering students and faculty.
Take me to TommieBot
Advocate for Students. Lead Meaningful Change.
If you already have the graduate credits needed to pursue licensure, you can now earn your Director of Special Education license at the University of St. Thomas without completing an Education Specialist (EdS) degree. This streamlined pathway reduces the program from 31 to 25 credits while preparing you for district-level leadership in special education.
This program is designed for educators who:
Our administrative licensure programs are designed to help you meet the demands of educational leadership. Effective school administrators can make a tremendous difference in the lives of others. The University of St. Thomas Administrative Licensure program is committed to providing you with the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment for educational leaders. With a focus on social justice, our program is guided by current practitioners as well as award-winning educators and leaders.
Cohort model, online courses
Summer, fall or spring semester (you choose)
Not sure which pathway is right for you? Compare your options for the Director of Special Education Licensure.
| Licensure Only | EdS + License | |
|---|---|---|
Graduate Credits |
25 |
31 |
Best For |
Experienced education leaders who already have sufficient graduate credits and want to earn licensure without another degree. |
Educators who want Director of Special Education licensure while also earning an Education Specialist (EdS) degree. |
Credential Earned |
Director of Special Education Licensure (this program) |
Education Specialist (EdS) degree and Director of Special Education Licensure |
Why Choose This Option? |
Complete licensure with fewer credits and a streamlined path. |
Gain an additional graduate degree that may support future leadership and career advancement. |
From Director of Special Education to entrepreneur, Elizabeth Orme is reimagining how schools support special education teachers. Learn how her St. Thomas experience prepared her to lead meaningful change.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Bongila, Ed.D, is the founding and current director of the Global Leadership Program (MA, Certificate & Doctorate concentration) at the University of St. Thomas within the department of Educational Leadership, which he joined in 2006.
Dr. Alecia Mobley is the Director of Special Education for Richfield Public Schools. She has been in district-level leadership for the past eight years and is an expert in designing programs to effectively serve and support students who have typically been underserved by educational systems.
Dr. Wharton-Beck began her career as a teacher for hearing impaired students in the Chicago Public Schools. Her leadership positions include mentoring and coaching teachers, serving as an adjunct faculty in higher education and as an elementary school principal.