Become an educator with a dual degree in elementary education and human development and family science

If you’re an aspiring educator looking to gain a deeper understanding of child education and effective teaching strategies, the elementary education and human development and family science dual degree program is a perfect fit.

Offered jointly by NDSU and Valley City State University, the program blends two complementary disciplines through a comprehensive curriculum that covers family dynamics, cultural diversity, educational psychology and more. Graduates earn two bachelor’s degrees in four years; one in human development and family science from NDSU and another in elementary education from VCSU.

“This is the only program we're aware of in the country that combines HDFS and elementary education in a single program leading to both degrees in the same 4-year period. The result is teachers who start their careers with a depth of knowledge in child development and family relationships that will make them stronger teachers,” said Joel Hektner, NDSU professor and head of the Department of Human Development and Family Science.

Abigail Becher, a recent graduate in the program, said she has learned a lot of valuable skills and appreciates the built-in student teaching experiences that have helped her build confidence.

“This program really gets you that exposure super early and they have a bunch of different programs to help you get in the classroom,” said Becher, who is from Fargo.

The program is designed to immerse students in classroom experiences early in their academic journey. During the first two years, you’ll focus on teaching pedagogy and gaining a better understanding of the behavioral and developmental needs of children. In your final year, you’ll attend your classes entirely from an elementary school setting for a practicum where you’ll learn directly under the supervision of an experienced educator.

Becher completed her student teaching in a second-grade classroom at Legacy Elementary School in West Fargo, where she’ll begin her career as a full-time second-grade teacher in the fall.

“Being in the classroom is the most rewarding experience you'll ever have as a teacher, including seeing students come to you for that level of support, whether it's academic or behavioral kind of things,” she said. “I think it's so rewarding to be in that space and be educated about it and feel confident going in.”

Among the certificates, credentials and endorsements you can receive in addition to your dual degree are an English Language Learner certificate, kindergarten endorsement, STEM certification and much more. You can also participate in the Substitute Teacher Program to receive your substitute certificate.

The program utilizes a cohort model where you take all your elementary education classes with a group of around 25 fellow peers. All classes are held on NDSU’s campus in Fargo, with VCSU faculty traveling from Valley City to teach.

“Students in each cohort really get to know each other well and support each other, even after they graduate,” Hektner said.

That strong sense of community is what Becher said initially drew her to the program.

“Being on campus at NDSU has really helped me with being in the community, such as going to NDSU football games, things like that, but then you're also getting that supplement from the VCSU side of things where you have professors that are totally dialed in to being there for you,” she said.

Graduates of the program enter rewarding teaching careers right here in Fargo, as well as school districts in the surrounding communities and across the state. Joan Klein, the Interim Dean of the School of Education and Graduate Studies at VCSU, said cooperating schools and districts always have amazing things to say about the students in VCSU@NDSU program.

“Students from this program stand out and are actively recruited by school districts,” Klein said. “They immerse themselves into their new schools, becoming an integral part of the faculty and community.

The partnership between VCSU and NDSU has been going strong for 30 years, with both institutions actively working together to ensure students are receiving the best education to become future educators.

“We’re proud of the results our programs deliver and proud of the students we serve in these programs,” Klein said.

For those wanting to get both an elementary education degree and a HDFS degree, Becher highly recommends the NDSU/VCSU dual degree program.

“I'm super grateful to be coming away from NDSU and VCSU with such a wonderful experience and the vast knowledge that every single person through the VCSU and NDSU program gives you,” she said.