Transfer Options
The Special Education Transfer Pathway AS transfers to any of the following Minnesota State universities:
- Metropolitan State University
- Minnesota State University Mankato
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Southwest Minnesota State University
- St. Cloud State University
- Winona State University
For information on transferring, speak with an academic advisor.
Paying for College
NHCC's tuition is among the most affordable in Minnesota.
Financial Aid
- Scholarships are money you don't have to repay
- Grants are money you don't have to repay
Free College Tuition
The North Star Promise scholarship program provides free college tuition to eligible students. Find out if you might be eligible.
Program Roadmaps
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Special Education AS Curriculum
Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
EDUC 1200 | Introduction to Education and | View-EDUC 1200 | n/a | 4 |
EDUC 1280 | Multicultural Education and | View-EDUC 1280 | n/a | 3 |
EDUC 1300 | Technology in Education | View-EDUC 1300 | n/a | 3 |
EDUC 1350 | Foundations in Teaching Literacy and | View-EDUC 1350 | n/a | 3 |
EDUC 1400 | Introduction to Special Education and | View-EDUC 1400 | n/a | 3 |
EDUC 1450 | Learners with Diverse Needs and Exceptionalities | View-EDUC 1450 | n/a | 4 |
Course Title: Introduction to Education Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: This course will familiarize students will the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education. The course will be of particular interest to those students who are exploring teaching as a career or to those who currently work in classroom settings. The class is designed to provide glimpses into a variety of aspects of teaching, to promote discussion and reflection. The major course topics will guide students in exploring the influences of history and society on teaching and learning. Students will also learn a variety of creative instructional student engagement strategies. As part of the course requirement, this course requires at least 10 hours of experience (e.g., service-learning hours, volunteer hours, etc.) in the K-12 setting during the current semester and outside of class meeting time.
Course Title: Multicultural Education Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is designed to help current and future educators acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become effective practitioners in culturally, racially, and linguistically, and gender diverse classrooms and schools. Students will engage in activities and actions that develop teacher identity and criticality. They will demonstrate instructional approaches that build community and inspire and engage diverse learners. As part of the course requirement, this course requires at least 10 hours of experience (e.g., service-learning hours, volunteer hours, etc.) in the K-12 setting outside of class meeting time.
Course Title: Technology in Education Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a hands-on instructional technology course designed for future teachers. Learn how to produce quality videos, podcasts, webinars, and other multimedia presentations. Use Google classroom, Zoom, and other virtual classroom apps for instruction. Expand your knowledge about digital accessibility for the American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
Course Title: Foundations in Teaching Literacy Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: This course focuses on the literacy needs and development of today's children. The course provides background on how literacy develops and places emphasis on the stages of literacy development. It presents both the theories and strategies that are needed in order to fully understand emerging readers and writers and how learners can be empowered in today's classrooms to function competently as literate adults in the twenty-first century. As part of the course requirement, this course requires at least 10 hours of experience (e.g., service learning hours, volunteer hours, etc.) in the K-12 setting outside of class meeting time. Formerly Titled: Language and Learning
Course Title: Introduction to Special Education Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 3
Course Description: Students will be introduced to the field of special education. This course addresses specialized instruction designed to meet the needs of exceptional students. Course content will include an overview of legal mandates, varied evidence-based instructional practices including writing individualized education plans (IEP), collaborative approaches used by child study teams, and cultural implications to consider in the field of special education. Ten hours of field experience are required.
Course Title: Learners with Diverse Needs and Exceptionalities Goal Areas: n/a Credits: 4
Course Description: This course examines principles of educational psychology and the impact these principles have on teacher beliefs and instructional practice. Connections between child and adolescent cognitive, social/emotional, and moral development and principles of effective teaching are addressed. Relevant federal and state laws are discussed within the context of classroom instruction. Finally, students learn major characteristics of the exceptional learner and demonstrate alternative approaches in instruction to provide the least restrictive environment for learners with exceptional needs.
Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
COMM 1010 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking and | View-COMM 1010 | n/a | 3 |
College Writing I | ||||
ENGL 1200 | Gateway College Writing or | View-ENGL 1200 | n/a | 4 |
ENGL 1201 | College Writing I and | View-ENGL 1201 | n/a | 4 |
College Writing II | ||||
ENGL 1202 | College Writing II or | View-ENGL 1202 | n/a | 2 |
ENGL 1203 | College Writing II with Workshop and | View-ENGL 1203 | n/a | 2 |
BIOL 1000 | Life Science and | View-BIOL 1000 | n/a | 4 |
CHEM 1000 | Chemistry and Society and | View-CHEM 1000 | n/a | 4 |
MATH 1031 | Math for Elementary Education I and | View-MATH 1031 | n/a | 3 |
PSYC 1250 | Life Span Developmental Psychology and | View-PSYC 1250 | n/a | 4 |
PHIL 1020 | Ethics | View-PHIL 1020 | n/a | 3 |
Course Title: Life Science Goal Areas: 03 Credits: 4
Course Description: The course introduces the breadth of biology from the principles of chemistry to ecology. The production and utilization of biological energy is explored at the cellular and organism level. The principles of inheritance and cellular reproduction are explored at the molecular, cellular level and organism levels. The unity and diversity of life and life processes is emphasized. The laboratory focuses on the techniques required to discover biological principles. Activities are hands-on.(3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab).
Course Title: Chemistry and Society Goal Areas: 03,10 Credits: 4
Course Description: This is a basic introduction to chemistry in the everyday world, with emphasis on the role that chemistry plays in personal and professional lives. It is intended for anyone seeking to become a better informed citizen of our technological society. Basic chemical principles will be introduced and their impact on society will be discussed. The course enables students to use concepts of chemistry to think critically about current issues in science and technology. No background in Chemistry or other Natural Sciences is presumed; a strong background in math is not required. Heavy use of the internet for research and communication will be an important component of this course. This course is recommended for non-science majors looking to fulfill the science course with lab component. (3 hours lecture / 3 hours lab)
Course Title: Fundamentals of Public Speaking Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides instruction and practical experience in the basics of public speaking. This course has a performance component: students are expected to create and deliver informative, persuasive and other types of speeches.
Course Title: Ethics Goal Areas: 06,09 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course will introduce students to both the methods and issues connected with thinking about morality and ethical systems. Moral skepticism will also be examined. The aim of this class is to allow students to be more aware of their own ethical modes of thinking and the diversity of ways morality enters into human lives.
Course Title: Math for Elementary Education I Goal Areas: 04 Credits: 3
Course Description: This is the first of a two-course sequence designed for prospective elementary education majors. Students will develop a deep understanding of elementary mathematics and the ability to effectively communicate mathematical ideas. The course focuses on heuristics for mathematical problem solving in the contexts of place value and number systems; operations with whole numbers, integers, fractions, and decimals; and rates, ratios, proportions, and percentages.
Course Title: Gateway College Writing Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: College Writing I Goal Areas: 01 Credits: 4
Course Description: This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
Course Title: College Writing II Goal Areas: 02,01 Credits: 2
Course Description: This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content.
Course Title: College Writing II with Workshop Goal Areas: 01,02 Credits: 2
Course Description: This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content.
Course Title: Life Span Developmental Psychology Goal Areas: 05 Credits: 4
Course Description: Life Span Developmental Psychology examines continuity and change across the life span. The course examines the biological, cognitive, and social development of humans from conception through death. Topics will explore maturation, human growth experiences, transitions, and the various stages of psychological and physical development as key components influencing human behaviors.
Course Code | Title | Course Outlines | Goal Areas | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Goal Area 5: Social Behavioral Sciences (must include Goal Area 8) | ||||
ANTH 1010 | Introduction to Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology or | View-ANTH 1010 | n/a | 3 |
ECON 1060 | Principles of Macroeconomics or | View-ECON 1060 | n/a | 3 |
GEOG 1040 | Human Geography or | View-GEOG 1040 | n/a | 3 |
GEOG 1100 | World Geography or | View-GEOG 1100 | n/a | 3 |
HIST 1010 | World History: Origins to 1300 or | View-HIST 1010 | n/a | 3 |
HIST 1020 | World History: 1300 to Present or | View-HIST 1020 | n/a | 3 |
HIST 1030 | Colonial History of the Americas or | View-HIST 1030 | n/a | 3 |
HIST 1110 | History of Western Civilization Pre 1550 or | View-HIST 1110 | n/a | 3 |
HIST 1120 | History of Western Civilization 1550 to Present or | View-HIST 1120 | n/a | 3 |
HIST 2500 | World Regional History | View-HIST 2500 | n/a | 3 |
POLS 1600 | Comparative Politics or | View-POLS 1600 | n/a | 3 |
POLS 1700 | World Politics | View-POLS 1700 | n/a | 3 |
Goal Area 5: Sociology Elective | ||||
SOC 1110 | Introduction to Sociology or | View-SOC 1110 | n/a | 3 |
SOC 1710 | Introduction to Criminal Justice or | View-SOC 1710 | n/a | 3 |
SOC 1750 | Families in Crisis or | View-SOC 1750 | n/a | 3 |
SOC 2110 | Principles of Social Psychology | View-SOC 2110 | n/a | 3 |
Goal Area 6: Humanities Fine Arts - 3 Credits | ||||
ARBC 1030(3), ART1010(1), ART1020(1), ART1040(3), ART1050(3), ART1101(3), ART1102(3), ART1160(3), ART1170(3), ART1270(3), ART1301(3), ART1302(3), ART1310(3), ART1320(3), ART1340(3), ART1341(3), ART1361(3), ART1362(3), ART1401(3), ART1402(3), ART1550(3), ART1601(3), ART1602(3), ART1650(3), ART1770(3), ART1810(1), ART1820(2), ART2180(3), ART2190(3), ART2300(2), ART2611(3), ART2612(3), ART2640(3), ART2740(1), ART2750(1), ART2780(1), ART2781(1), ART2782(1), ART2800(1), ART2820(1), ART2860(1), ART2900(1), ART2970(1), COMM1550(3), GCST1030(3), GCST1978(3), GCST225(3), GCST2410(3), GERM1030(3), INTD1030(3), MUSC1130(1), MUSC1160(1), MUSC1170(1), MUSC1180(1), MUSC1190(2), MUSC1200(3), MUSC1220(3), MUSC1241(3), MUSC1242(3), MUSC1300(3), MUSC1320(1), MUSC1350(3), MUSC1370(3), MUSC1500(2), MUSC1501(2), MUSC1502(2), MUSC1510(1), MUSC1560(1), MUSC1600(2), MUSC1610(1), MUSC1800(2), MUSC1801(2), MUSC1802(2), MUSC1810(1), MUSC1830(1), MUSC1850(1), MUSC1860(1), MUSC1870(1), MUSC2010(2), MUSC2170(3), MUSC2180(3), MUSC2241(3), MUSC2242(3), MUSC2970(1), PHIL1010(3), PHIL1020(3), PHIL1030(3), PHIL1040(3), PHIL1060(3), PHIL1070(3), PHIL1080(3), PHIL1120(3), PHIL1220(3), PHIL1230(3), SPAN1030(3), SPAN2201(5), SPAN2202(5), TFT1200(3), TFT1210(3), TFT1250(3), TFT1260(3), TFT1270(3), TFT1280(3), TFT1310(3), TFT1320(3), TFT1350(3), TFT1500(3), TFT1510(3), TFT1520(3), TFT1531(3), TFT1532(3), TFT1540(3), TFT1600(1), TFT1610(1), TFT2010(3), TFT2500(3), TFT2950(1) | ||||
Goal Area 6: Humanities Fine Arts, Literature (must include Goal Are 7) | ||||
ENGL 2300(3), ENGL2320(3), ENGL2330(3), ENGL2350(3), ENGL2360(3), ENGL2370(3), ENGL2380(3), ENGL2410(3), ENGL2450(3), ENGL2460(3), ENGL2570(3), ENGL2900(3), MnTC Elective - 1 Credit |
Course Title: Introduction to Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology Goal Areas: 08,05 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines the nature of culture by studying the forms of conventional behavior (language, ideology, social organization, and technology) and their material manifestations. It also seeks to explain the variation in cultures of representative ethnic groups and societies of present and recent past in terms of ecological adaptation and cultural evolution.
Course Title: World History: Origins to 1300 Goal Areas: 08,02,05 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines world history from human origins to end of the 13th century CE. By looking at history from a global and comparative lens, students will develop both a complex understanding of the variety of cultural, political, social, economic, and religious systems that prevailed in different world regions at different times and an appreciation of the universal elements of human societies and the patterns of development and change. We will look at world history from early human migrations, through the development of agriculture and pastoralism, to the construction of states and empires in Afro-Eurasia, the Americas, and the Trans-Pacific. We will consider the changing nature of political authority, social organization, systems of production and exchange, and religious beliefs and practices. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the ongoing formation of historical knowledge and direct experience with the interpretation of primary historical sources.
Course Title: World History: 1300 to Present Goal Areas: 05,08,02 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines world history from the 14th century CE to the present. By looking at history from a global and comparative lens, students will develop both a complex understanding of the variety of cultural, political, social, economic, and religious systems that prevailed in different world regions at different times and an appreciation of the universal elements of human societies and the patterns of development and change. We will look at the construction of new empires of land, labor, and commerce, and the revolutions of the Modern era. We will consider the changing nature of political authority, social organization, systems of production and exchange, and religious beliefs and practices. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the ongoing formation of historical knowledge and direct experience with the interpretation of primary historical sources.
Course Title: Colonial History of the Americas Goal Areas: 08,05 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines the human migratory phase that led to the initial peopling of the Americas beginning ca. 35,000 BCE; it explores the first colonial period that began ca. 7500 BCE with the rise of domesticated agriculture and the consequent establishment of major civilizations in South America, Meso-America, and North America; and it covers the second colonial period initiated by the arrival of the Spanish in 1492 and that began drawing to a conclusion in the late eighteenth century. Study of the second colonial period includes the colonization of North America, Central America, The Caribbean, and South America by six European empires: the Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Russian, and English.
Course Title: Human Geography Goal Areas: 08,05 Credits: 3
Course Description: Human Geography is concerned with how human interactions shape material and cultural landscapes. It broadly examines the great diversity of human organization and experience in different countries through a variety of perspectives. Essential to this examination is a comparative review of the contemporary geographies of race, language, political ideologies (including religion), public policy, ecology, economic activity, natural resources, settlements, and demographics.
Course Title: Principles of Macroeconomics Goal Areas: 05,08 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course covers mainstream theories, the economy's recent performance, national income and output levels, money and the banking system, inflation and unemployment, fiscal and monetary policies, economic growth, and international trade.
Course Title: World Geography Goal Areas: 05,08 Credits: 3
Course Description: World Geography is concerned with how domestic and international capital shapes the physical and cultural landscapes of different regions and countries. It broadly examines the great diversity of human economic activities that have given rise to global cultures of agriculture, natural resource production, manufacturing, transportation, development (including education, welfare, and healthcare), shopping and services, and tourism. Essential to this examination is a comparative review of the contemporary geographies of globalization, finance, immigration, poverty and displacement, or any aspect of nature or human behavior that gives an insightful understanding of each region or country in a world made for money.
Course Title: History of Western Civilization Pre 1550 Goal Areas: 08,02,05 Credits: 3
Course Description: Western civilization refers to the cultures and traditions today most associated with Europe and the United States, but which emerged in modern-day Iraq and spread both east and west. In this course, we will examine a variety of civilizations that developed and were influenced by cultures centered on the Mediterranean, such as the ancient Hittites, the Roman Empire, and the Islamic world. We will consider the ways these diverse civilizations interacted with their neighbors, ruled their territory, and understood the world they lived in.
Course Title: Introduction to Sociology Goal Areas: 05,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a study of social and cultural aspects of human behavior. Topics include society and culture, roles and norms, groups and organizations, deviance, inequality, social and cultural change, and research methods.
Course Title: History of Western Civilization 1550 to Present Goal Areas: 02,08,05 Credits: 3
Course Description: Western civilization refers to the cultures and traditions today most associated with Europe and the United States, but which emerged in what is now Iraq and spread both east and west. In this course, we will look at how West became associated with Europe and the United States as West was continually redefined as Europeans encountered others (both peacefully and violently) around the globe. We will examine the emergence of core cultural traditions associated with the West, such as nationalism, democracy, capitalism, and racism.
Course Title: Comparative Politics Goal Areas: 05,08 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines and compares the organization and politics of modern governments around the world. Countries studied exemplify larger course themes of political institutions, political culture, elections, public policy, democratization, economic development, and comparative methodology.
Course Title: World Politics Goal Areas: 08,05 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course is a general introduction to international relations with emphasis on great power politics, international organizations, security studies, international political economy, and global environmental politics.
Course Title: Introduction to Criminal Justice Goal Areas: 05 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course covers the history, organization, and function of the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics include foundations of crime and justice, victimization, crime statistics and the extent of crime, police issues, court systems, corrections, and future trends. Note: Sociology 1110 recommended prior to taking this course.
Course Title: Families in Crisis Goal Areas: 05 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course analyzes the dimensions and dynamics of family dysfunctions. Topics may include, domestic abuse, child abuse and protection, vulnerable adults, peace officer response to crime victims, Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to peace officers, mental health, poverty, homelessness, and the substance abuse as related to family issues. Prerequisite: Soc 1110
Course Title: Principles of Social Psychology Goal Areas: 05,07 Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines the major theories and classic research studies of Social Psychology. We will analyze how individuals thoughts, feelings and actions are influenced by others. Topics include perception, attraction, altruism, aggression, attitudes, leadership, conformity and obedience, stereotyping and prejudice, persuasion and propaganda and the self-concept.
Course Title: World Regional History Goal Areas: 08,05 Credits: 3
Course Description: Each semester this course is devoted to the history of a specific world region, and the region will change from semester to semester. The goal is to provide the student with the opportunity for an in-depth study of specific societies and specific cultures from around the world. The course may be repeated for credit under a different subtitle as the subject matter changes.
Total Credits Required | 60 |
2024-2025
Minnesota needs special education teachers; this licensure area is experiencing increased teacher shortages.
This transfer pathway specifically ensures that a student who successfully completes a Special Education Transfer Pathway Associate of Science (AS) can transfer the entire completed degree into a designated parallel baccalaureate degree program in Special Education at one of the seven Minnesota State universities.
- Engage in activities and actions that develop teacher identity and criticality.
- Understand systemic racism by examining structural policies historically practiced in our housing, economic, employment, and education institutions.
- Critically examine teacher beliefs and instructional practices to provide equitable curricula.
- Critically examine teacher beliefs and instructional practices regarding student achievement.
- Critically examine teacher beliefs and instructional practices regarding assessment practices.
- Access resources to aid instructional design in equitable curriculum and pedagogy.
- Engage in a variety of cultural and professional experiences to challenge current teacher beliefs and instructional practices.
- Present an ongoing professional development plan to address white supremacy characteristics and challenge teacher beliefs and instructional practices.
Program roadmaps provide students with a guide to understand the recommended course sequence to complete their degree.
Information on careers, including career descriptions, salary data, and employment outlook is available on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website and O*Net Online website.
If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete the credentials for a specific career and/or prepare for transfer to complete a bachelors degree at a college or university with whom North Hennepin Community College has an articulation agreement. The A.S. degree provides a balance of general education courses and the required scientific, professional or technical courses in the degree program.
A student shall:
- Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits as required in the program, with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above in courses taken at North Hennepin Community College. Specific programs may have additional requirements or a higher minimum grade point average.
- Earn a minimum of 15 semester credits at North Hennepin Community College. A student must complete at least 50% of career specific courses at North Hennepin Community College.
- Earn 30 credits in at least 6 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.
- Earn 30 professional/technical credits.
- Have four years to complete the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete their graduation requirements may follow any catalog published during the fouryear period preceding their graduation.
Completion of an A.S. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.
Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.
North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
1-800-621-7440