North Dakota State University

Program Description: North Dakota State University Graduate College Teaching Certificate

The Graduate Certificate Programs in College Teaching (CTC) provide a structured program in pedagogy for NDSU graduate students from across campus who plan to teach in a college or university. Students study contemporary education research focused on higher education issues, as well as gain experience in the teaching and learning process through microteaching modules, field experience, peer observations, and a structured practicum.

Students can choose from two tracks: Students enrolled in either track of the CTC programs must be concurrently enrolled in an NDSU graduate program leading to a degree. Prior to enrollment in a CTC program, students are advised to consult with the chair of their home department and then with the CTC programs director to assure that completion of the Field Experience (795) requirement will be possible. Track 1: Arts & Humanities, or Track 2: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics). Each track consists of 9 semester hours (SH).

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to the program, the applicant must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution of recognized standing.
2.  At the baccalaureate level, have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all courses of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applications should be submitted directly to the graduate school.

Applications should specify the Graduate Certificate Program in College Teaching (Track 1: Arts & Humanities or Track 2: STEM).

Track 1 Requirements: CTC in Arts & Humanities Teaching

All students enroll in two core courses:

• COMM 702: Introduction to College Teaching (3 SH; check COMM for scheduling). This course is designed to introduce students to pedagogical philosophy and practice in higher education. Ideally, students begin their certificate program with this course.
• EDUC/XXXX* 795: Field Experience (3 SH; every semester). This field experience is an opportunity for students to teach a course at the college level with structured guidance. This is arranged in pre-consultation with the chair of the student's home department/program and the CTC director

In addition, students select at least 3 SH among these didactic courses (schedules subject to change):

• EDUC 752: Curriculum Design & Delivery
• EDUC 753: Managing & Monitoring Learning
• Others (with prior approval of the CTC program director) 

*Refers to courses cross-listed to be taken under a prefix in the student's major field.

Track 2 Requirements: CTC in STEM Teaching

All students enroll in three core courses. Substitutions are possible with the approval of the candidate’s committee and program director:

• BIOL/EDUC 705: Teaching College Science (3 SH; every spring)
• STEM 704: STEM Curriculum & Assessment (3 SH; every other fall)
• STEM/EDUC/XXXX*795: Field Experience (3 SH; every semester)

This field experience requires a minimum of 15 face-to-face teaching hours, with the remaining credit hours to be dedicated to preparing lesson plans, evaluating student data, and developing assessments. The field experience will be designed in consultation with a faculty teaching mentor. Students will prepare a 2-page field experience proposal for approval from the home department chair, the STEM Track Supervisory Committee, and the CTC Director during the semester prior to the experience.

*Refers to courses cross-listed to be taken under a prefix in the student's major field.

For further Information

please contact Dr. William O. Martin, School of Education, CTC Programs Director, 210F Family Life Center (tel: 701.231.7104; william.martin@ndsu.edu)  

A printable pdf version of this program announcement is available here.

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How to Apply
Online Application