Format: Online or On Campus

This online master's program prepares educators and aspiring educators to tap their leadership potential and deepen their impact through education. Northern also offers you the option to personalize your experience by selecting from two specialized tracks:

Educational Studies: Secondary Education Track

Already have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field - but would like to teach? No matter what your stage of life, if you'd like to become a teacher as a graduate student, the Millicent Atkins School of Education is ready to support you. Through this program, you can earn a master’s degree and become certified at the secondary school level in South Dakota.

The Educational Studies: Secondary Education program is for people who have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and wish to enter the teaching profession. Qualifying bachelor's degree areas are language arts, mathematics, science, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, physical science, science composite, social studies, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology, social studies composite, agriculture, business, family and consumer sciences, industrial technology, art, computer science, physical education/health, physical education, health, music, world languages, French, German or Spanish.

On this track, you'll learn to:

• Apply knowledge of content standards and pedagogy to set goals and objectives for learning
• Develop relevant, rigorous, and developmentally appropriate curricula for secondary students
• Foster a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment
• Demonstrate professional dispositions in varied educational settings with regard for diversity and all members of a school community
• Use assessment of students’ learning and their own teaching to inform future planning and teaching
• Deliver meaningful learning experiences for all students as evidenced by a successful student teaching practicum and internship

MSEd Educational Studies: Secondary Education Handbook

Educational Studies: Individualized Interdisciplinary Studies Track

This track allows you to follow a flexible and varied learning pathway that best fits your objectives, interests, and needs. Students on this track will not earn initial certification, but will explore their potential for educational field careers such as instructional designer, community outreach coordinator, academic advisor, athletic director or education publisher. In addition to taking foundation courses, you'll will work closely with faculty to choose from specialization courses that match your career aspirations. Specialization courses include education, English as a second language, leadership and administration, special education, sports performance and leadership, e-learning, English, and music.

On this track, you will:

• Develop an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of education
• Improve the critical thinking skills needed to apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program
• Develop the knowledge, skills, and perspective to examine and act upon the ethical and social justice dimensions of education
• Research educational issues and challenges

MSEd Educational Studies: Individualized Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook