NDSU Distance & Continuing Education (DCE)

K-12 Professional Development

Professional development classes are designed for K-12 educators with the purpose of enhancing teaching skills, staying up-to-date with current topics in the K-12 education system, for pay scale increases, and for license renewal.  Other professions that involve working with children may also find these classes useful.

Professional development activities may be listed with either the 600 or 792/793 course designation and are offered in a variety of formats. A bachelor's degree is required to be eligible to take these classes. A maximum of 15 credits is allowed per semester. Students have up to one calendar year to complete a professional development class; however, we suggest you make every effort to complete them in the semester you registered.  A $20 processing fee will be assessed per person for cancellations received after the start of the course. Some courses require the purchase of textbooks in addition to the cost of the class.  Professional development classes are posted to your official NDSU transcript.

Individuals should verify with their school district, certification board, licensing board, or graduate program advisor to ensure these classes will meet their individual needs prior to registering.

Course Designations

600 courses
The 600 course designation is for graduate level professional development purposes and is designed to help teachers stay current in their fields, meet their re-certification needs, and salary advancement goals. Courses with the 600 designation do not require admission to the NDSU graduate school, and consequently, are not eligible for use on graduate programs of study. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for registration. Registration is not complete until payment has been received. Individuals should verify with their certification/licensing boards to ensure professional development courses will meet their individual professional needs prior to registering.

792/793 courses
The 792/793 course designation at NDSU is for graduate level courses and requires admission to the NDSU Graduate School. (Note: a $35.00 application fee may apply) These classes are degree eligible and may be eligible for use on a graduate program of study. Up to ten credits as a non-degree seeking student may be used on a plan of study at NDSU with the approval of the supervisory committee, the program administrator, and the graduate dean. 

Class formats

Web-Based Classes
Web-based classes may use a learning management system called Blackboard (some classes may use Moodle) to post a syllabus, materials, assignments, and communication from instructors. Users do all work online and then submit assignments digitally in a digital dropbox.

Print-Based Classes
Print-based classes have a printed packet that includes a syllabus, materials, assignments, and communication from instructors. Packets are generally mailed to you upon registration. A few print-based classes have materials available at the NDSU Bookstore.

CD ROM Classes
These classes are set up much like a book on CD-Rom, with chapters and multiple choice exams. Once registered, VESi will mail you the software for the course.

Video Classes
These classes are in a DVD format. All materials are shipped directly to your home address.

Face-to-Face Classes
These classes are offered in a regular classroom setting.  They may be offered for regional K-12 educators or for specific school districts and their teachers.

New Classes:

View The Full List of K-12 Professional Development Classes Offered »