NSU Catalog 2025-2026 
    
    Dec 05, 2025  
NSU Catalog 2025-2026

Secondary Education (BSEd)

Location(s): Northern State University Campus, Online, HyFlex



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The BSEd in Secondary Education prepares students to become licensed teachers for grades 5-12. Students choose from two distinct pathways: a dual-degree emphasis that combines pedagogy with in-depth content knowledge, or a teacher apprenticeship emphasis that blends coursework with real-world classroom experience.

Dual Degree Pathway


The dual-degree pathway allows students to earn a BSEd in Secondary Education alongside a second degree in one of fifteen approved content areas. This option ensures graduates are well-equipped in both subject-matter expertise and instructional practice, meeting all requirements for teacher licensure in South Dakota.

NSU Major Endorsement Area
Communication Studies Speech & Debate
English Secondary Intermediate English Language Arts
History Secondary Advanced History
Sociology Secondary Sociology
Spanish Secondary Spanish
Digital Media Web & Digital Communication Career Pathway
Accounting Accounting Career Pathway
Biology Secondary Advanced Biology
Business Administration Business Management and Administration Career Cluster
Chemistry Secondary Chemistry
Finance Finance Career Cluster
Management Business Management and Administration Career Cluster
Marketing Business Marketing and Management Career Pathway
Mathematics Secondary Advanced Mathematics
Psychology Secondary Psychology

Additional Information:

Some content-area majors may require additional coursework or specific CTE methods classes. Praxis exam requirements also vary by endorsement area. Students should consult with their academic advisor early and regularly to ensure they understand all licensure and graduation requirements.

Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway


The apprenticeship pathway combines teacher preparation coursework with full-time work as a paraprofessional in a school. To pursue this emphasis, students must already be employed full time as a paraprofessional. This hands-on route offers a flexible way to earn teacher licensure while gaining daily, practical experience in the classroom.

Content Specialization (27 credits)


General Education Requirements - Baccalaureate (30 credits)


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

SGR #1 - 6 credits


SGR #4 - 6 credits in two disciplines


SGR #6 - 6 credits


Degree Requirements (BSEd and BME)


  • 3 credits
  • 3 credits
  • 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


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