Preparing teachers for over a century
Knowledge is key to turning students into teachers. So is experience. Partnering with our energetic faculty, you will engage in field experiences, immersive classrooms and learning communities that will prepare you to be a world-class teacher.
The School of Education also partners with the nearby South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDSBVI ) for numerous educational opportunities. This unique partnership will expand even further thanks to the Educational Impact Campaign, resulting in projects including a brand-new SDSBVI facility. You can read more about the expansion of NSU-SDSBVI's partnership and the impact it can have on education!
The School of Education - along with the School of Business - is part of Northern's College of Professional Studies, the mission of which is to prepare students for professional careers.
Degrees
Elementary Education
Create lessons that actively involve your students and address a wide variety of learning styles.
Secondary Education
Northern provides hands-on instruction combined with extensive in-classroom experience.
Physical Education (BSEd)
Train to promote physical literacy, to be an exceptional physical educator, and learn skills specific to the gymnasium.
Psychology
Study of the psychological sciences will cover the scientific method and the development of theoretical perspectives and sound scientific philosophies.
Special Education
Create lessons that support students with diverse learning needs in a variety of settings.
Human Performance and Fitness
Build a strong science foundation and enhance the teaching and training in the clinical and applied aspects of exercise physiology.
Sport Marketing and Administration
Be involved with numerous hands-on learning experiences in the athletics field, in addition to a practicum and internship.
Teaching Endorsements
Twenty teaching endorsements are available, including drivers education and coaching.
Graduate Programs
Northern offers master's degrees in several fields.
Certificates
Fourteen certificates and four certifications are available in various areas.
Minors
Northern offers more than 40 different minors.
Community Engagement
The Millicent Atkins School of Education is proud of its rich heritage of community engagement and involvement.
Real World Experiences
We encourage students to seek out internship opportunities. The Office of Field Services coordinates all practicums and student teaching experiences.
Student Organizations
Northern's recognized student organizations will engage you with the campus and community. Get involved!
Education Scholarships
NSU provides a variety of scholarships for new and current students.
Performance/Fitness Lab
The Nora Staael Evert Human Performance and Fitness Lab provides opportunities for exercise science research, training and assessments.
Virtual Tour
EDUCATION IN THE NEWS
ABERDEEN, S.D.— The Northern Academy Early College Program offers high school juniors and seniors a valuable opportunity to get a head start on their college journey at Northern State Univers
Reports and Documents
Accredited Programs
Programs accredited in the recent accreditation visit: CAEP, Spring 2021
https://caepnet.org/accreditation/caep-accreditation/accreditation-decisions
Program Name | Level | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Art Education Major (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Biology Major (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Chemistry Major (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Educational Studies - Secondary Education | ITP | Masters |
| Elementary Education (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| English (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| History (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Leadership and Administration (MSEd) | ADV | Master's |
| Mathematics (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Music Education (BME), Instrumental | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Music Education (BME), Vocal | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Physical Education (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Spanish (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
| Special Education (BSEd) | ITP | Baccalaureate |
The Millicent Atkins School of Education, Teacher Education Program at Northern State University is granted accreditation at the initial-licensure level as described in the Accreditation Action Report.
The Millicent Atkins School of Education, Teacher Education Program at Northern State University is granted Accreditation at the advanced level as described in the Accreditation Action Report.
Documents
Reports
- Title II Report 2023
- Title II Report 2022
- Title II Report 2021
- Educator Preparation Provider Annual Report 2024
- Educator Preparation Provider Annual Report 2023
- Educator Preparation Provider Stipulation Report 2023
The Teacher Education Program does not require certification as part of program completion, but we help candidates through the application process if they wish to be certified.
Certification and program completion require that all coursework and testing requirements be met (varies by program) as defined in the Teacher Education Handbook; this includes taking and passing the Praxis II content exam for the applicable content area, as well as the Principles of Teaching and Learning for the applicable grade level group.
CAEP Accountability Measures
Measure 1: Completer Impact and Effectiveness
Measure 2: Satisfaction of Employers and Stakeholder Involvement
Measure 3: Candidate Competency at Program Completion
- Enrollment and Graduation Data
- Praxis 5 Year Performance Report
- Title II Report 2023
- 2022-23 Assessment Report
Measure 4: Ability of Completers to be Hired in Education Positions for Which They Have Been Prepared
- P-12 Student Impact and Teacher Effectiveness Project 2023 Update
- NSU 40-Mile Radius Project 2023
- Exit, Completer, and Employer Surveys
South Dakota Department of Education
Certification Rules and Requirements
South Dakota State-Designated Tests
South Dakota Educator Certification Rules
Program requirement questions may be directed to the School of Education Assessment Coordinator’s Office.
High School Programs
Get a head start on your college degree at Northern!
- High School Dual Credit
- E-learning Center
- Rising Scholars