Health Education

The Health Education Program uses a student-centered, skills-based approach to prepare future educators to promote health literacy and lifelong wellness. Graduates are equipped to teach health education in grades 7–12 and develop skills in curriculum design, health advocacy, and student wellness.

Students complete coursework through the Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences and the School of Education. A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA is required to remain in good standing.

Student teachers standing in front of health class teaching.

Students are encouraged to add a double major, certification, or minor to enhance their credentials. The curriculum also allows students to complete a physical education major within the four-year plan. For more, see the Physical Education program.

Teacher candidates may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the School of Education (SOE). Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, teacher candidates must complete the application for admission to the SOE; attain a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average overall in their course work and pass the Core Academic Skills for Educators exam or meet minimum scores on the ACT+.

Student teaching (clinical practice) is the culmination of the teaching program. During the clinical practice, teacher candidates apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their college courses to real-world classrooms under the supervision of experienced health teachers in middle or high schools. Faculty members from NDSU conduct regular on-site visits to support, encourage, and evaluate teacher candidates so that they gain the confidence and ability to join the teaching profession after graduation.

Students will be assigned individual advisors who will work closely with them in program planning. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor(s) at least once a semester.

Upon completing this program, teacher candidates are eligible for certification to teach health in most states. Our program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the North Dakota Education and Standards and Practices Board (ESPB).

State Authorization Information