Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog (ARCHIVED) 2019-2020 
    
Undergraduate Catalog (ARCHIVED) 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Online Secondary Education Certification Program


This online academic certificate program is a collaborative effort between the South Dakota Regental universities. This program provides an option for individuals who want to become teachers and who have a baccalaureate degree in a content area in which the South Dakota Board of Education certifies teachers. This certificate program prepares prospective teachers with the necessary pedagogical knowledge and skills to succeed as K-12 or secondary teachers. For more information about this certification program, contact the College of Education.

Admission Requirements:


Cumulative GPA of 2.6;

Content GPA of 2.7; and

Completion of ENGL 101 , SPCM 101 , SPED 100 , EPSY 302  and EDFN 338  with a grade of “C” or better.

Testing Requirements


  1. Successful completion of the Praxis I Core Academic Skills for educators exam in reading, writing and mathematics.
  2. Successful completion of the Praxis content exam in major area of preparation.
  3. Successful completion of the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam.

Teaching Certificate and Licensure


Dakota State University (DSU) Educator Preparation Programs are approved by the South Dakota State Board of Education. Dakota State University is a regionally accredited post-secondary institution.  All students completing Teacher Certification programs through Dakota State University will be recommended for an initial South Dakota Teaching License regardless of the state in which they reside while completing the coursework.  Therefore, out-of-state applicants will want to verify the licensure and certification requirements for their state of interest.

Students who successfully complete Educator Preparation Programs at Dakota State University are eligible to receive a recommendation for the applicable teaching certification in the State of South Dakota.  All education graduates are encouraged to apply for South Dakota certification immediately upon completion of their degree.

Teacher education graduates may also be eligible for Dakota State University recommendation for certification in other states. Teaching certification/licensure requirements vary among states.  Dakota State University cannot confirm the graduate will be immediately certified outside of South Dakota and is researching certification/licensure outside of South Dakota.  If you are seeking certification or licensure, you will want to contact the appropriate governing body in your state. The U.S. Department of Education hyperlink will help you learn more about certification in your state:  http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.  Please contact the College of Education Office regarding licensure certification outside of South Dakota at 605-256-5177.