Explore Featured Degree Options in Education
| University Name | Type of Program | Learn More | Program Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | Master of Arts in Teaching | Learn more about USC Rossier | The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education prepares you to become a transformative K–12 teacher. Through live online classes and enriching field experiences in your community, you can earn your MAT in less than 18 months without relocating. |
| Fordham University | Master of Science in Teaching | Learn more from Fordham University | Fordham University’s online Master of Science in Teaching program prepares aspiring teachers (grades 1-6) for initial teaching certification or dual certification in teaching and special education. |
| Vanderbilt University | Master of Education in School Counseling | Learn more about Vanderbilt Peabody | Vanderbilt University's Peabody College offers an online Master of Education in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling for students interested in becoming school counselors and making a meaningful difference in K–12 settings. |
Sponsored Programs
Steps to Becoming a Teacher in North Dakota
Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. Teach.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. (Last update: 02/18/2019)
1
Prerequisite Coursework in North Dakota
Certified teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree to teach in any state. Additionally, some states require specific undergraduate credit hours for certification in the areas of specialty. North Dakota’s undergraduate prerequisites are as follows:
Required for all levels and subjects: A minimum of 22 semester hours of professional education coursework, including coursework in educational foundations, educational psychology, child development, teaching and learning theory, educational diagnosis and assessment, inclusive education, educational technology, classroom and behavioral management, and human relations specific to teaching. Also: 10 weeks of full-time supervised student teaching, and some classroom experience before student teaching.
The major (in elementary education, middle-level education, or content-specific education at all grade levels) requires a minimum of 32 semester hours of coursework specific to the major beyond the introductory level.
- Elementary Education: 34 semester hours or 50 quarter hours of professional education coursework, including at least 12 semester hours in the teaching of elementary school mathematics, science, social studies, reading, and language arts.
- Middle-Level Education: Must include study of middle-level foundations, adolescent development, reading in the content areas at the middle level, and special methods of teaching at the middle level. Must hold a minimum equivalent of 24 semester hours of content area preparation and methods in the subject area specializations in which they are teaching.
- Secondary English/Language Arts: 26 semester or 40 quarter hours of professional education coursework
- Secondary Mathematics: 26 semester or 40 quarter hours of professional education coursework
- Secondary History/Social Science: 26 semester or 40 quarter hours of professional education coursework
- Secondary Science: 26 semester or 40 quarter hours of professional education coursework
2
North Dakota Teacher Certification Programs
Teacher certification programs can be taken online or on-site. They typically include an educational theory and classroom skills seminar and a fieldwork component of student teaching in the area. A list of North Dakota colleges and universities with approved teacher preparation programs can be found on the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board.
3
Required Tests for North Dakota
To become a certified teacher in North Dakota, you must complete and pass a basic skills test as well as any subject area competence assessments for the desired subject matter of instruction.
- Basic Skills Test: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE): Reading, Writing, and Mathematics sections
- Subject Area Competence: Praxis Subject Assessments in your specialty area
- Principles of Teaching and Learning (PLT): for Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary education, in addition to your specialty Praxis Subject Assessment
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms' Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
To earn your North Dakota teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program.
Teacher education programs generally combine both curricula and fieldwork. The curricula typically include instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Fieldwork can include student teaching, internships, and field observations.
North Dakota issues a two-year Initial In-State License to first-time applicants and the Five Year Renewal License to applicants who have taught successfully for at least 18 months. Various other licenses exist for special situations.
If you already have a valid teaching credential from another state, you may be eligible to earn your North Dakota credential through interstate reciprocity. See the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board’s Routes to ND Licensure for Out-of-State Educators document for more information.
Learn more about earning your North Dakota teaching credential on the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board or read more about getting your teaching credential on Teach.com.
Discover an 8-week Online Teaching Short Course from Harvard's Bok Center
Earn recognition of your ability to develop and deliver a memorable teaching experience when you receive a premier certificate from Harvard’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, in association with HarvardX, upon successful course completion.