School of Education | Northern State University

Preparing teachers for over a century

The Millicent Atkins School of Education builds on Northern's rich history as a teaching college to develop the next generation of caring, innovative teachers.

View the latest Wolves Academy videos - created by our very own teacher candidates!

Knowledge is key to turning students into teachers. So is experience. At Northern, you’ll receive training and hands-on experience using the latest in classroom technology. High-quality instruction is coupled with hands-on opportunities for internships, lab experiences and service to the community.

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. Read more here!

Degrees

Elementary Education

Elementary Education

Create lessons that actively involve your students and address a wide variety of learning styles.

Secondary Education

Secondary Education

Northern provides hands-on instruction combined with extensive in-classroom experience.

Physical Education

Physical Education (BSEd)

Train to promote physical literacy, to be an exceptional physical educator, and learn skills specific to the gymnasium.

Psychology

Psychology

Study of many psychological sciences, ranging from the academic rigor of the scientific method to the development of theoretical perspectives and sound scientific philosophies.

Special Education

Special Education

Create lessons that support students with diverse learning needs in a variety of settings.

Human Performance

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

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

Teaching Endorsements

Twenty teaching endorsements are available, including drivers education and coaching.

Certificates

Certificates

Fourteen certificates and four certifications are available in various areas.

Minors

Minors

Northern offers 49 different minors.

Students sit in class

Graduate Programs

Northern offers master's degrees in several fields.

Community Engagement

The Millicent Atkins School of Education is proud of its rich heritage of community engagement and involvement.

Rural Student Teaching Program

Real World Experiences

Real World Experiences

We encourage you to seek out internship opportunities. The Office of Field Services coordinates all practicums and student teaching experiences.

Clubs and Organizations

Recognized Student Organizations

Northern's recognized student organizations will engage you with the campus and community. Get involved!

Education Scholarships

Education Scholarships

NSU provides a variety of scholarship opportunities for new and current students.

Performance and Fitness Lab

Performance/Fitness Lab

The Nora Staael Evert Human Performance and Fitness Lab provides opportunities for exercise science research, training and assessments.

Virtual Tour

Our home, Gerber Hall

Education in the News

April 7, 2021

April 7, 2021

NSU Student Nationally Honored as Major of the Year in Human Performance

RESTON, Va.

March 18, 2021

March 18, 2021

Educational Studies program provides path for non-education majors to earn teaching certification, master’s degree at same time

ABERDEEN, S.D.

February 19, 2021

February 19, 2021

NSU alums cultivate connections between students during pandemic

ABERDEEN, S.D.

Reports and Documents

Documents

Teacher Education Handbook

Reports

Educator Preparation Provider Annual Report 2020

Title II Report 2020

Title II Report 2019

Title II Report 2018

Teacher Education Preparation Program Annual Unit Report 2018-19

Teacher Education Preparation Program Annual Unit Report 2017-18

Teacher Education Preparation Program Annual Unit Report 2016-17

Educator Preparation Provider Annual Report 2019

Educator Preparation Provider Annual Report 2018

Educator Preparation Provider Annual Report 2017

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.

South Dakota Department of Education

Certification rules and requirement details

Educator Overview

Endorsement Requirements

South Dakota State-Designated Tests

South Dakota Educator Certification Rules

Certification questions may be directed to the Registrar’s Office. 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