North Dakota State University

Teacher Education

Data compiled by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) indicate there will be a greater need for teachers over the next decade. The future for college students interested in teaching holds much promise.

Teacher Education Program PDF

The North Dakota State University School of Education (SOE) is comprised of professional education faculty and is responsible for the teacher education program. The teacher education program is accredited by both the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board, thus assuring that other states, as well as North Dakota, certify NDSU graduates to teach. 

The Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree is earned by graduates of the teacher education program. Students are certified to teach grades 7-12 with majors in the following teaching fields:

• Agricultural Education
• Health
• Art (K-12)
• History
• Biological Sciences
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• *Music-Vocal/Instr. (K-12)
• Earth Science
• Physical Education (K-12)
• English
• Physics
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Social Science
• French
• Spanish

*Music students earn a Bachelor of Music through the Department of Music with certification in music education

The curriculum consists of three parts: general education, teaching specialty and professional education core. Curriculum guides can be found online at www.ndsu.edu/registrar/academics/curricula. The professional education core includes courses in foundations of education, educational psychology, general teaching methods, specialized teaching methods, instructional practices with diverse students, evaluation of learning and classroom management. Field experiences are embedded in most of the professional education courses. The professional education core also includes a 15-week student teaching experience.

All new students must first submit an NDSU application for admission, along with transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Students should indicate the teaching specialty they want on the application.

Following completion of the Introduction to Education course, students apply for formal admission to the SOE. The application must be approved before students may enroll in 400-level professional education courses. Students must be admitted to the SOE at least one semester prior to the student teaching semester. Requirements for admission are available at www.ndsu.edu/ted.

All education majors must complete a professional education program and then apply for certification/licensure from the state in which they wish to teach. In order to be recommended for certification/licensure by NDSU, students must complete an NDSU education-based degree, have an overall grade point average of 2.75, have a 2.75 in their teaching specialty area, and satisfactorily complete a capstone portfolio.

Under a cooperative agreement, students on the NDSU campus may earn a Valley City State University (VCSU) degree in elementary education. The courses required in the elementary education major are offered on the NDSU campus by VCSU faculty. Students interested in this program are encouraged to consult with the elementary education advisor in the College of Human Development and Education, EML 270 or call 701-231-9849.

Students have the opportunity to be involved in professional organizations related to education through SNDU. Opportunities include serving as organization officers, attending conferences and networking with other education professionals. Please contact the Office of Teacher Education for more information on how to join.

General Education
This portion of the degree provides a broad-based foundation for the major and the professional education course work.

Teaching Specialty
The teaching specialty consists of a minimum of 24 semester hours. Curriculum guides can be found online at: www.ndsu.edu/registrar/academics/curricula

* Candidates must student teach at both elementary and secondary levels, as well as meet the specific requirements for each major department.

The professional education core includes a minimum of 30 semester hours. Programs in agricultural education, English education, family and consumer sciences education, music education, and physical education require at least one additional course.

These courses and electives must total a minimum of 120 credits to meet requirements for graduation.

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum. Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.

View NDSU equivalencies of transfer courses at: www.ndsu.edu/transfer/equivalencies

College of Human Sciences & Education
NDSU Dept 2600,
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Dept Phone: (701) 231-8211
Dept Website: www.ndsu.edu/hse

                or

Teacher Education Program
NDSU Dept 2625
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Dept Phone: (701) 231-7921
Dept Website: www.ndsu.edu/ted

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept #5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Tel: (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

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