The Alternative Certification for General Education Teachers Graduate Certificate is designed for individuals who hold a Preliminary Alternative Teacher Certificate from the South Dakota Department of Education. This stand-alone, stackable credential fulfills the coursework required to progress toward a permanent alternative teaching certificate issued by the South Dakota Department of Education. All credits earned can be applied toward the M.S.Ed. in Educational Studies: Secondary Education. 

 

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On Campus / Online

15 Credit Hours

Start Any Term

Who Should Earn This Certificate?

This graduate certificate is a strong fit for individuals pursuing South Dakota’s alternative route to teacher certification who want to build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a 5–12 classroom while working toward a permanent alternative teaching certificate.

Particularly valuable for professionals in:

  • Secondary education (grades 5–12)
  • Alternative route teaching positions in South Dakota schools
  • Classroom educators seeking stronger classroom management and inclusive practices
  • Professionals transitioning into teaching from another field 

Career Paths

Career paths include:

  • Alternative route classroom teacher (grades 5–12)
  • Middle school teacher
  • High school teacher
  • Educator focused on culturally responsive teaching and inclusive practices 

Program Highlights

  • Designed for working educators, with course availability online and on campus
  • Meets South Dakota coursework requirements to progress toward a permanent alternative teaching certificate
  • Builds essential skills in classroom management, inclusive education and adolescent development
  • Stackable credential: credits can be applied toward the M.S.Ed. in Educational Studies: Secondary Education
  • Support from faculty and advising throughout the program 

Admission Requirements

 

Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and be a state-licensed educator.

Apply online

($36 application fee).

Cost

 

Tuition and fees are determined by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

View current tuition and costs

South Dakota teachers may qualify for a tuition reduction of up to six credits per academic year. 

 

Contact

 

Questions? Contact the Graduate School at gradstudies@northern.edu or 605-626-2558.