Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Dakota State College of Education

“Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach” ― Aristotle

Over the years, you’ve had many teachers. When asked who your favorite teacher was, can you picture their face and remember their name? If so, this teacher has impacted your life tremendously. They taught you to think critically and creatively. They enhanced your learning opportunities. They helped you transform into the person you are today. What if you could impact a student the way your favorite teacher impacted you?

As you go through your education program, you will learn about child development, learning styles, and instructional strategies. Participate in a variety of field experiences in area classrooms, ending with a yearlong student teaching residency. Along the way, take advantage of conferences and other professional development opportunities, or team up with faculty on research initiatives.  

Degrees and programs

Enhance the learning opportunities of tomorrow. Inspire a student to achieve their fullest potential. In the College of Education, you’ll be transformed into a devoted educator, with expertise in education fundamentals, pedagogy, and technology. Turn your love of teaching into more than just a career.

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Transform tomorrow’s leaders

At DSU, our future educators are prepared to teach tomorrow’s leaders. From the first day of classes, you’ll learn how to be an empathetic, caring, and devoted educator. Familiarize yourself with Common Core Standards, individual learning styles, and how differentiated instruction can be used within various classroom settings. Not to mention, you have firsthand access to our Virtual Avatar Learning Experience (VALE) and Dewey, our telepresence robot. Two exceptional experiences for our extraordinary students.

VALE uses TLE TeachLivE, a mixed-reality teaching experience. When using VALE, you’ll stand in front of a television screen and teach five avatars, or computer-generated students. Then, you’ll present a lesson to the children while focusing on classroom management as well as effectively teaching the curriculum.

Dewey can assist students and faculty by attending meetings, observing student teachers, or, for online students, attending on-campus classes. With Dewey, you can virtually see and connect to those around you.

 

instructor in front of a class

Technology incorporated

One of our best program features is our high-tech integration. Each of our College of Education programs includes a built-in K-12 technology endorsement. You can add additional endorsements in English as a New Language (ENL), Adapted PE, Coaching, and Kindergarten.

Take pride in earning an education degree from DSU. Why? Our programs are accredited by the South Dakota Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

Students listening in class

Pursue your interests

From reading to educational technology, we have a vast array of minors and endorsements to fit your interests. Expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and enrich your education.

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Students walking past Kennedy Hall

Scholarships

As an education student, you're eligible for scholarships designed to fit your financial and academic needs. To find out more, visit our scholarships page or speak with a financial aid expert.

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Outcomes

After student teaching, you will be ready for your own classroom with its own unique students and learning environment. If your classroom happens to be in another state, simply contact the College of Education, to determine the licensure certification requirements outside of South Dakota: (605) 256-5177. You will work with the Director of Field Services at DSU to determine what, if anything, is needed for certification in other states.

If you want to continue your education, check out our MS in Educational Technology (MSET).

View Teacher Certification and Licensure

The College of Education's programs include accreditations from the following organizations; the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the South Dakota Department of Education.

  • K-12 teacher
  • Elementary Teacher
  • Special education teacher
  • Secondary Teacher

Faculty

Annual Newsletter

In the College of Education, you’ll be transformed into a devoted educator, with expertise in education fundamentals, pedagogy, and technology. We are excited to share the news of our past year and look forward to another year of excellence at DSU.

News

A digital globe with blue dots forming the countries and orange-red lines spreading out from the D.C. area on the America portion of the globe.

From the Great Plains to Washington, D.C.: DSU In Our Nation’s Capital

Cybersecurity and AI continue to be a focus in D.C. and nationwide, and Dakota State University is pleased to lead the conversation in these emerging areas, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships. The Fall 2023 semester included major successes for the University in the nation’s capital.

List of honor students - DSU Campus Sunrise

2023 Fall Honors List Released

A total of 702 full-time and 183 part-time students qualified for the President’s Academic Honors list for the 2023 fall semester at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, S.D.

Summer Schultz (right) with her son Brayden Pankonen, a freshman on the men's basketball team at DSU.

A legacy of leadership

DSU alumna Dr. Summer Schultz (B.S. ‘98, M.S. ‘03) was inspired to become an educator by many individuals. Most notable among these was her father, a high school principal and athletic director at Colman-Egan.

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College of Education

820 N Washington Ave.
Madison SD 57042