Fast-Track Special Education License – Transition to Teach (Online)

Special Education

Fast-Track Special Education License – Transition to Teach (Online) Initial License in Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention (P-12)

The online Fast-Track Special Education License (FT-SEL) program provides you with an alternative pathway to obtain an initial practitioner/teaching license in Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention in P-12 school settings.

The program can be completed in as few as four consecutive semesters (approximately 18 months). Applicants are accepted for fall entry only.

The required coursework is integrated with clinical experiences (i.e., field experiences), which allows you to have structured opportunities to practice applying concepts from your courses in authentic school and community settings. You'll prepare to address the complex academic and social/behavioral needs of a diverse range of students with mild to moderate disabilities.

An added benefit is that your credits can also be applied toward an M.S.Ed. in Special Education and our new IDOE approved Dyslexia Graduate Certificate, in which you'll learn about the latest scientific research in reading and literacy, including best practices in identification, assessment, and intervention for students with reading difficulties and disabilities, such as dyslexia.

The FT-SEL program is intended for individuals who have access to a P-12 school setting with individuals with mild to moderate disabilities either through their employer OR through a clinical experience opportunity coordinated through the program.*

*All teacher candidates must complete field placements (6 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters in Year 1) and student teaching (5 days/week for 10 weeks in fall of Year 2).

  • Application Deadlines
    Starting SemesterDeadline
    Fall Aug 1

    International students are encouraged to apply early to allow extra time for their materials to arrive.

  • Admission Requirements

    The Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.

    Note: If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you should qualify for an application fee waiver. Click here for criteria and how to obtain the waiver.

    1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
    2. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
    3. Completed online application that includes:
      • Resume
      • Two letters of recommendation (if the applicant is already working/teaching in a school, one letter of recommendation should be from administration in support of the applicant's field experience and student teaching placement)

    Learn more about how to apply

  • Program Requirements
  • Tuition and Fees

    Per credit hour

    ResidencyTuitionDE FeeTotal
    Indiana Resident$490.60$39.00$529.60
    Non-resident$588.66$39.00$627.66

    Find more information and calculate your expected costs at Student Central.

  • Funding

    Below is a list of potential resources for graduate students. Note: graduate assistantships are generally intended for students studying and working on the Bloomington campus.

    • Learn about the variety of fellowships and assistantships available to graduate students.
    • Visit Student Central for information about financial assistance.
    • Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
    • Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit the Center for Veteran and Military Students to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
    • Applicants who have not earned a teaching license but have earned a non-education bachelor’s degree may receive a scholarship to enroll in a federally-compliant Transition to Teaching program. IU’s FT-SEL program is one of twelve (12) Transition to Teaching programs in special education currently available in Indiana. Click here for additional information.
  • Licensing

    The FT-SEL program leads to an initial practitioner’s license in Indiana in Exceptional Needs: Mild Intervention (Preschool – Grade 12). Teacher candidates must complete the required 24-credit hours of coursework (including field experiences and student teaching), earn CPR/AED/Heimlich certification, complete Suicide Prevention Training, and pass the applicable Praxis licensing exams:

    • Special Education: Core Knowledge & Mild to Moderate Applications (5543), and
    • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades PreK–12 (5625)

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