University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This programme combines subject-area depth with professional education studies and extensive clinical experience. You will take coursework in foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum design, assessment and classroom management alongside subject-specific methods courses for areas such as English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, or world languages. Core modules typically include:

• Foundations of Education — history, philosophy and sociology of schooling, legal and ethical issues in education.
• Educational Psychology and Learner Development — theories of learning, adolescent development, motivation and classroom application.
• Curriculum and Instruction — planning standards-aligned units, differentiated instruction, backwards design and assessment literacy.
• Content-Specific Methods — pedagogy and instructional strategies tailored to the chosen subject area (for example, secondary mathematics methods, science inquiry instruction, literacy strategies for English teachers).
• Assessment and Data Use — formative and summative assessment design, using data to inform instruction and improve student outcomes.
• Inclusive and Special Education Practices — adapting instruction for diverse learners, co-teaching models and legal responsibilities.
• Technology in Education — educational technology for lesson design, digital resources and blended learning approaches.
• Professional Development and Leadership — models of teacher professional growth, mentoring, coaching and school improvement strategies.
• Clinical Experiences and Student Teaching — progressive field placements culminating in an extended student-teaching placement in partnered K–12 classrooms.

Throughout the degree you will build a professional portfolio, engage in reflective practice and complete coursework that prepares you for state licensure requirements and ongoing professional learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the University of North Dakota's undergraduate admission standards and the additional requirements for admission to the Teacher Education programme. Typical expectations include:

• A secondary school diploma or equivalent with completion of college-preparatory subjects relevant to the chosen content area.
• A minimum cumulative GPA or grade standard as set by UND for education-program entry (students should consult current UND guidance for exact thresholds).
• Completion of prerequisite courses in content-area subjects (for secondary subject endorsements) and introductory education courses as specified by the department.
• Successful completion of criminal background checks and any health or immunisation requirements mandated for school placements.
• Admission to the professional sequence may require a formal application, submission of a reflective statement or portfolio, letters of recommendation, and an interview or advising review.

Specific credentialing or testing requirements for licensure vary by state; candidates should plan to meet state teacher certification standards and any mandated proficiency examinations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for classroom roles in elementary and secondary schools as subject-area teachers. Common career paths include:

• Secondary or middle-school subject teacher (math, science, social studies, English, fine arts, languages, etc.).
• Curriculum coordinator, instructional coach or professional development facilitator within school districts.
• Specialist roles such as literacy coach, STEM coordinator or department head.
• Positions in educational policy, non-profit education organisations, museum education and informal learning settings.
• Further study at graduate level leading to school administration, educational research or specialist certification.

The programme’s emphasis on professional development also equips graduates to lead staff training, mentor early-career teachers and contribute to school improvement initiatives.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a teacher education programme with strong connections to regional schools, enabling sustained clinical placements and mentoring by experienced classroom teachers. The College of Education prioritises practical preparation, research-informed instruction and support for candidates seeking licensure. UND’s programme emphasises responsive teaching for diverse and rural communities and provides access to education technology resources, practicum placements across varied school settings, and faculty who are active in curricular and professional development work.

Students benefit from a structured pathway from introductory coursework through to full-time student teaching, opportunities for collaborative projects, and guidance on meeting state certification requirements and launching a teaching career.