A Flexible, 100%-Online Path to Your Graduate Degree
What is IDEA?
Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) is a consortium of public universities that collaborate to offer online, flexible, and affordable graduate degrees and certificates in human sciences and related fields. Students enroll at one home university, then take online courses taught by expert faculty across multiple member institutions, with all credits applying toward their NDSU degree.
- 100% online – designed for working professionals balancing school, work, and family.
- Taught by faculty across IDEA universities – instructors bring real-world experience and deep disciplinary expertise.
- Accredited programs – degrees and certificates are awarded by NDSU and backed by institutional accreditation.
How IDEA Works
1
Choose your NDSU program.
2
Apply through NDSU Graduate School
3
Take online courses through IDEA partner universities
4
Earn your NDSU degree or certificate.
Why study online with IDEA at NDSU
- Designed for working professionals – take 3, 6, or 9 credits per term depending on your schedule.
- Stackable certificates – start with a certificate and later apply credits toward a full master’s degree.
- Strong career outlook – programs align with growing fields in youth services, community leadership, aging services, and financial planning.
IDEA Tuition
Tuition for IDEA programs is set at one common price among all institutions at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. There are no other fees charged but there may be books and supplies you will need to purchase that are not included in the tuition listed below. Please view the charts below to determine what your tuition will be for the number of credits you will be taking.
*Note: Courses offered through IDEA are not eligible for NDSU tuition waivers
2025-2026 Graduate Level Tuition
| Credits | Tuition |
|---|---|
|
1 |
$622 |
|
2 |
$1,244 |
|
3 |
$1,866 |
|
4 |
$2,488 |
|
5 |
$3,110 |
|
6 |
$3,732 |