Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) in Secondary Education

Students seeking secondary certification in the state of South Dakota must select a major area of study appropriate to teacher certification. The 7-12 teaching majors offered at Northern State University include: Biology Education Chemistry Education Language Arts/English Education History Education Mathematics Education Speech/Debate Education Attention to diversity in classrooms is emphasized, and candidates are provided the preparation necessary to create lessons that address state and national content standards and actively involve students in their learning environments. Extensive field experiences in 7-12 classrooms under the supervision of university faculty provide students with the practical experience and assistance necessary to apply the understandings gained in the university classrooms. Secondary education candidates fulfill requirements in general education and take the Praxis I Pre- Professional Skills Test (PPST) in their freshman and sophomore years; they begin professional education coursework in their junior year. 7-12 education candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.60 and a 2.60 GPA in the major. Secondary education candidates are encouraged to complete additional coursework in areas that will enhance their employability. Endorsements are offered in language arts (composition/grammar education, drama/theatre education, literature education, mass communications education, speech/debate education, speech/debate/drama/theatre education, grammar/mass communication education, literature/composition/grammar education), mathematics education, biology education, chemistry education, physics education, physical science education, economics education, history education, geography education, political science education, psychology education, sociology education, business education, driver education, and coaching. In addition, candidates may add any middle level (grades 5-8) or K-12 endorsements to their 7-12 certification. Students with a completed baccalaureate degrees in any of the above teaching majors may seek 7-12 certification through the post-baccalaureate certification program. Career Directions Professional education Careers appropriate to the major field Graduate study Secondary education majors complete a broad program that includes system-wide core, institutional graduation and degree requirements, professional education courses and a major and minor or additional endorsement. Teacher certification requires completion of the following courses (listed in a suggested sequence).