NSU Catalog 2025-2026
Career and Technical Education (BSEd)
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This program equips future educators with the knowledge and skills to teach in career-focused fields at the secondary level. In addition to core secondary education coursework, the program includes specialized training in career and technical education history, authentic assessment, work-based learning coordination, and curriculum development. Graduates will be prepared to design industry-aligned instruction, manage work-based learning experiences, and support workforce development through high-quality teaching. Successful completion leads to secondary education certification with CTE specialization.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Design and deliver standards-based, industry-aligned instruction that integrates technical skills, content literacy, and real-world relevance to promote student career readiness.
- Facilitate and manage effective work-based learning experiences by coordinating school-to-career opportunities that connect classroom learning to workplace applications.
- Apply knowledge of educational psychology, development, and motivation to plan instruction that is age-appropriate, engaging, and responsive to how students learn.
- Create well-managed learning environments that support academic, behavioral, and developmental needs through the use of classroom routines, behavioral supports, and student-centered strategies.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical competence by applying legal knowledge, ethical reasoning, and collaborative practices in support of effective teaching and workforce development.
- Analyze the history, philosophy, and evolving trends in CTE to inform curriculum design, instructional decision-making, and program development.
- Engage in reflective practice and integrative learning to connect education theory, field experiences, and professional standards in preparation for licensure and lifelong teaching.
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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. General Education Requirements - Baccalaureate (30 credits)
Please see General Education & Degree Requirements for specific information about each SGR. SGR #3 - 6 credits in two disciplines
Elementary and Special Education majors must take GEOG 210 , POLS 100 , and HIST 151 or HIST 152 . Civics Requirement: one course must be completed to fulfill the civics requirement. Courses that satisfy this requirement are marked with [CIV]. SGR #4 - 6 credits in two disciplines
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
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