Special Education (BSEd)

Coursework Required

• IDL 190 - Seminar 1-3 credits (2 credits required)
• EDER 415 - Educational Assessment 2 credits
• EDFN 102 - Introduction to Education 3 credits
• EDFN 440 - Classroom Management 3 credits
• EDFN 445 - Methods of Teaching English and Academic Content to English Learners 3 credits
• EDFN 472 - School Law and Ethics for Educators 2 credits
• ELED 330 - K-8 Math Methods 3 credits
• ELED 395 - Practicum 1-2 credits (1 credit for this program)
• ELED 440 - K-8 Language Arts Methods 3 credits
• ELRN 435 - Principles of Instructional Design 3 credits OR
• ELRN 535 - Principles of Instructional Design 3 credits
• ELRN 485 - Classroom Technology 3 credits OR
• ELRN 585 - Classroom Technology 3 credits
• EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology 3 credits
• EPSY 296 - Field Experience 0-1 credits (0 credit)
• EPSY 428 - Child and Adolescent Development 3 credits
• GEOG 210 - World Regional Geography 3 credits
• INED 411 - South Dakota Indian Studies 3 credits
• MLED 480 - Middle Level Methods 2 credits
• SEED 450 - Reading and Content Literacy 2 credits
• SPED 100 - Introduction to Persons with Exceptionalities 3 credits
• SPED 210 - Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities 3 credits
• SPED 396 - Field Experience 1 credit (1 credit)
• SPED 410 - Behavior Management of Exceptional Children 3 credits OR
• SPED 510 - Behavior Management of Exceptional Children 3 credits
• SPED 417 - Vocational-Transitional Programming 2-3 credits (2 credits) OR
• SPED 517 - Vocational-Transitional Programming 2-3 credits (2 credits)
• SPED 420 - K-12 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies 2-3 credits (3 credits) OR
• SPED 520 - K-12 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies 3 credits
• SPED 431 - Identification and Assessment in Special Education 3 credits OR
• SPED 531 - Identification and Assessment in Special Education 3 credits
• SPED 432 - Methods and Materials for LD K-12 2 credits
• SPED 441 - Inclusive Methods for Diverse Learners 2 credits
• SPED 460 - Family Systems and Professional Collaboration 2-3 credits (2 credits) OR
• SPED 560 - Family Systems and Professional Collaboration 2-3 credits (2 credits)
• SPED 470 - Individual Education Programs and Assistive Technology 2 credits
• SPED 485 - Special Education Law 2 credits
• SPED 488 - Student Teaching in Special Education 1-16 credits (8 credits for this program)
• SPED 496 - Field Experience 1-12 credits (2 credits)

Pre-Admission Field Experience

Pre-admission field experience (PAFE) taken concurrently with EPSY 302 on NSU campus:

The purpose of the pre-admission field experience is self-awareness, self-selection, professional selection, reflection, and goal setting. Students registered for EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology , will also enroll in EPSY 296 (PAFE) and will receive specific instructions for completion of the PAFE. Students must observe and assist a teacher for a minimum of two full school days (16 hours). Students will not be approved for admission to the teacher education program until this course is completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

Pre-admission field experience (PAFE) when credit has already been received for EPSY 302 :

In cases where a student has previously earned credit for EPSY 302 , they may enroll in EPSY 296  if they:

• Are a degree seeking education major at NSU.
• Have a 2.6 cumulative GPA.
• Completed EPSY 302  with a “C” or higher.
• Can attend the face-to-face PAFE registration and placement meetings on NSU campus.

Teacher Education Information (Undergraduate)

A major focus for Northern State University is the preparation of professional educators.  The Millicent Atkins School of Education Teacher Education Program prepares teachers whose instructional decision making is based on current theory, research, and experience.  The School of Education offers bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education, K-12 education, and secondary education. 

Any student who plans to major in education at Northern State University must complete the system-wide core, institutional graduation, and degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education, including professional education courses and major and minor requirements as established for the appropriate discipline.  Students who successfully complete a teacher education program will be recommended for a teaching certificate issued by the state of South Dakota. 

All teacher education programs comply with certification requirements and have been approved by the SD Department of Education.  Students will complete content and pedagogy examinations at the achievement level set by the SD Department of Education. 

Accreditation

Northern State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the Teacher Education Program in the Millicent Atkins School of Education is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).  The BME in Music Education is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

NOTE:

ELRN 535  and ELRN 585  may be taken in place of ELRN 435  and ELRN 485  if accepted into the accelerated MSEd Instructional Design in E-learning program and completed at least 90 credit hours of the undergraduate program.

Total: 80 credits

General Education Requirements - Baccalaureate (30 credits)

Please see General Education & Degree Requirements  for specific information about each SGR.

Degree Requirements (BSEd and BME)

• EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology 3 credits
• EPSY 428 - Child and Adolescent Development 3 credits
• INED 411 - South Dakota Indian Studies 3 credits

• In addition to fulfilling all General Education Requirements, candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Education or Bachelor of Music Education degrees must take the professional education course work required for certification in the state of South Dakota. See specific requirements for Elementary Education; K-12 Certification requirements for majors including Art, Health/Physical Education, Music, World Languages, and Special Education; and secondary education requirements for BSEd majors in Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, and Social Sciences.

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED: 120 CREDITS