For educators, career development and continuing education is important to stay up-to-date with your teaching skills and innovations. Instead of spending your summer break on-campus or at a workshop, enroll in an online class from USD. We offers quality courses at affordable rates that make it possible to advance your career.
Some programs are funded externally by non-university partnerships as projects or classes. You may earn college credits for the courses, however, the funding to offer the course is provided by the external source or organization.
If you are interested in offering a course for educators through partnership with USD, please contact us.
Inquire About Offering Course(s)
AHED 790: LERN Contract Training Institute
Instructor: William A. Draves
Dates: March 2, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 3
Fee: $120.00
*This course requires dual enrollment. After registering for USD credit and paying the tuition fee, you must also register with LERN.
Course Description: The Contract Training Institute (CTI) is the most complete, comprehensive, and
advanced training in the field of Contract Training. This is an online offering in a how to format where students will learn the practical and proven skills in Contract Training from proven best practices and skilled practitioners. After attending the Contract Institute, students will be prepared to boost contracts, increase Operating Margin as well as net, and price contracts for the highest return. This training can lead to a Contract Training Certificate by passing the Certification Exam.
Register for USD Graduate Credit Here Register with LERN Here
AHED 790: LERN Operations Institute Online
Instructor: Travette Webster
Dates: March 2, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 3
Fee: $120.00
*This course requires dual enrollment. After registering for USD credit and paying the tuition fee, you must also register with LERN.
Course Description: This course is designed to explore the best practices and strategies that maximize the effectiveness of a lifelong learning operations department. It provides an overview of theory-based techniques for operations management, including business principles, staffing structure, finances and benchmarks, job standards and competencies, and data collection and analysis. Participants will discuss suggested strategies and be prepared to take an Operations Institute exam after nine weeks of course participation.
Register for USD Graduate Credit Here Register with LERN Here
AHED 790: LERN Certified Program Planner (4CR)
Instructor: Julie Coates
Dates: March 2, 2026 - May 22, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 4
Fee: $160.00
*This course requires dual enrollment. After registering for USD credit and paying the tuition fee, you must also register with LERN.
Course Description: This course will be delivered online twice per year through the UgotClass Platform. All materials will be delivered digitally, and the course will be conducted through the UgotClass software. You will be sent a link for access. All sessions are available to students after completion of the course. Exams may be completed online or in a proctored setting.
Register for USD Graduate Credit Here Register with LERN Here
ART 592: Arts in Healing SD Intensive: Professionalization in Arts & Wellness
Instructor: Alison Boughn
Credits: 1
Dates: April 6, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Location: Rapid City, SD
Course Description: This one-credit special topics course is built around the Arts in Healing SD Intensive, offered April 24, 2026, as part of the Arts South Dakota Conference. The course provides graduate students and professionals in counseling, art, healthcare, and education with an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience exploring how creative practices promote health, equity, and community resilience. Students will engage with global leaders, regional practitioners, and community-based facilitators in arts-integrated wellness through lecture, applied workshops, dialogue, and resource sharing. This course emphasizes professional growth through cross-disciplinary collaboration and is designed to complement graduate training with education value for licensed professionals.
Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 592: Arts in Healing SD Intensive: Professionalization in Arts & Wellness
Instructor: Alison Boughn
Credits: 1
Dates: April 6, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Location: Rapid City, SD
Course Description: This one-credit special topics course is built around the Arts in Healing SD Intensive, offered April 24, 2026, as part of the Arts South Dakota Conference. The course provides graduate students and professionals in counseling, art, healthcare, and education with an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience exploring how creative practices promote health, equity, and community resilience. Students will engage with global leaders, regional practitioners, and community-based facilitators in arts-integrated wellness through lecture, applied workshops, dialogue, and resource sharing. This course emphasizes professional growth through cross-disciplinary collaboration and is designed to complement graduate training with education value for licensed professionals.
Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Dr. Russell Barkley Professional Training Series
Instructor: Aimee Deliramich
Credits: 1
Fees: $40/ Credit
Dates: April 10, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Location: Online
*Please Note: You must register through Canvas first before you can enroll for USD graduate credits.
Course Description: This course aims to provide training and assistance to South Dakota educators, administrators, other related professionals, and graduate students interested in learning more about Executive Functioning and ADHD. Many of the cognitive deficits associated with ADHD lie in the domain of executive functioning in neuropsychology. The focus of this course will be to promote a better understanding of the nature of ADHD symptoms, the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and the modifications necessary for its use with special populations.
Register through Canvas Here Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Autism Spectrum Disorders - Behavior Basics
Instructor: Heidi Aderhold
Credits: 1
Fees: $40/ Credit
Dates: April 11, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Location: Online
*Please Note: This course requires dual enrollment. After registering for USD credit and paying the tuition fee, you must also register through Canvas for the class.
Course Description: This course aims to provide information to educators, administrators, related professionals, and graduate students interested in learning more about Autism Spectrum Disorder. The focus of this course will be to introduce information about the behavioral principles often utilized in educational settings.
Register through Canvas Here Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Childhood Mental Health and Diagnoses
Instructor: Aimee Deliramich
Credits: 3
Fees: $120
Dates: May 12, 2026 - August 5, 2026
*Please Note: This is a synchronous course, and your LIVE attendance at each session is mandatory. Please note that you must register through Eventbrite first before you can enroll for USD graduate credits.
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to provide training and assistance to South Dakota educators, administrators, other related professionals, and graduate students who are interested in learning more about childhood mental health and psychopathology. The focus of this course will be to promote a better understanding of childhood mental health, diagnostic criteria, as well as commonly occurring social, emotional, and behavioral problems which may present in children and adolescents. Course participants will engage in lectures, case studies, active participant responding, small group discussions, video presentations and hands-on learning opportunities which will be directly applicable to their work settings. These trainings aim to positively influence how participants instruct, interact with, and support children and adolescents in their respective settings. Every effort will be made to encourage application to their work environment. This is an introductory course and is intended for those wanting to gain broad knowledge related to mental health diagnoses which can impact children and adolescents.
Register through Eventbrite Here Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 492: Making Digital Content Accessible
Instructor: Angela Jackson
Dates: June 1, 2026 - June 26, 2026
Location: Online
Registration Fee: $200.00
Tuition: $40/1 Credit (optional)
Overview: This course introduces the principles of accessible digital content based on WCAG 2.1, aligning with updated ADA Title II requirements. It is designed for South Dakota educators and employees who create digital materials for electronic distribution, including documents, websites, marketing pieces, and course content. Participants will learn practical strategies to ensure their materials are usable by individuals with disabilities, including those who rely on assistive technologies.
Why Learn Digital Accessibility Practices?
This program is targeted toward any state or local government employee or educator who creates digital content (e.g., documents, web content, digital marketing materials, course materials, etc.) intended for electronic distribution (e.g., published on a website, emailed, etc.). This may include, but is not limited to, staff, faculty, administrators, teachers, web content creators, assistants, etc., who need support in making content accessible to individuals using assistive technology.
Program Format
The program will be offered in a digital format that is 100% online with five, two-hour meetings over Zoom. Participants may attend synchronously or asynchronously, as all sessions will be recorded and made available for later viewing.
Part 1: June 1 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
Part 2: June 2 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
Part 3: June 3 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
Part 4: June 4 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
Part 5: June 5 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
The instructor for this program is Angela K. Jackson, Ed.D. Dr. Jackson is the Director for the Office of Accessibility and Director for the Center of Digital Accessibility at the University of South Dakota and is a nationally recognized expert in Digital Accessibility.
Software Requirements
This program includes all course learning materials except software required for document creation and editing. Hardware and Software requirements include access to:
Microsoft Office
Adobe Acrobat Pro or FoxIT PDF Editor (software used to edit PDF’s)
An internet connection
A computer or device with audio/video and Zoom web conferencing capabilities
If participants need access to a PDF editing software, USD has user-specific licenses for FoxIT PDF Editor that are available for the duration of the course for free.
Credentials and Credits
Successful completion of this program will result in the awarding of a digital badge. Participants interested in pursuing this program for credit can register for a one-credit hour course (EDFN 492/592) and pay a tuition rate of $40 per credit hour. Course credit requires completion of the education program, a final project, and online discussions. Students are expected to participate in 10 hours of instructional time plus an additional 5-10 hours of time working independently and with instructional staff to compete assignments and project. EDFN 492/592 Syllabus
Program Cost
Access to transcripted credits are available for an additional fee.
Minimum Participation Requirements
We need a minimum of 25 students for this program to be offered. We will notify participants by May 28, 2026, if the program will be canceled.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
USD reserves the right to cancel educational programs due to lack of registered participants. If this program is canceled, USD will refund registration fees for all registered participants.
Participants may cancel their registration up to 30 days prior to the Program and will be refunded the registration fee. Any cancellations less than 30 days will not be refunded.
Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 592: Making Digital Content Accessible
Instructor: Angela Jackson
Dates: June 1, 2026 - June 26, 2026
Location: Online
Registration Fee: $200.00
Tuition: $40/1 Credit (optional)
Overview: This course introduces the principles of accessible digital content based on WCAG 2.1, aligning with updated ADA Title II requirements. It is designed for South Dakota educators and employees who create digital materials for electronic distribution, including documents, websites, marketing pieces, and course content. Participants will learn practical strategies to ensure their materials are usable by individuals with disabilities, including those who rely on assistive technologies.
Why Learn Digital Accessibility Practices?
This program is targeted toward any state or local government employee or educator who creates digital content (e.g., documents, web content, digital marketing materials, course materials, etc.) intended for electronic distribution (e.g., published on a website, emailed, etc.). This may include, but is not limited to, staff, faculty, administrators, teachers, web content creators, assistants, etc., who need support in making content accessible to individuals using assistive technology.
Program Format
The program will be offered in a digital format that is 100% online with five, two-hour meetings over Zoom. Participants may attend synchronously or asynchronously, as all sessions will be recorded and made available for later viewing.
Part 1: June 1 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
Part 2: June 2 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
Part 3: June 3 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
Part 4: June 4 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
Part 5: June 5 | 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. CT
The instructor for this program is Angela K. Jackson, Ed.D. Dr. Jackson is the Director for the Office of Accessibility and Director for the Center of Digital Accessibility at the University of South Dakota and is a nationally recognized expert in Digital Accessibility.
Software Requirements
This program includes all course learning materials except software required for document creation and editing. Hardware and Software requirements include access to:
Microsoft Office
Adobe Acrobat Pro or FoxIT PDF Editor (software used to edit PDF’s)
An internet connection
A computer or device with audio/video and Zoom web conferencing capabilities
If participants need access to a PDF editing software, USD has user-specific licenses for FoxIT PDF Editor that are available for the duration of the course for free.
Credentials and Credits
Successful completion of this program will result in the awarding of a digital badge. Participants interested in pursuing this program for credit can register for a one-credit hour course (EDFN 492/592) and pay a tuition rate of $40 per credit hour. Course credit requires completion of the education program, a final project, and online discussions. Students are expected to participate in 10 hours of instructional time plus an additional 5-10 hours of time working independently and with instructional staff to compete assignments and project. EDFN 492/592 Syllabus
Program Cost
Access to transcripted credits are available for an additional fee.
Minimum Participation Requirements
We need a minimum of 25 students for this program to be offered. We will notify participants by May 28, 2026, if the program will be canceled.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
USD reserves the right to cancel educational programs due to lack of registered participants. If this program is canceled, USD will refund registration fees for all registered participants.
Participants may cancel their registration up to 30 days prior to the Program and will be refunded the registration fee. Any cancellations less than 30 days will not be refunded.
Register for USD Credit Here
ELED 492: Kindergarten Academy: Sharing Kindergarten Tools for Every Teacher
Instructor: Tricia West
Credit Hours: 1
Fees: $40
Dates: June 15, 2026 - June 16, 2026
Location: Canton PAC, 800 N Main St, Canton, SD 57013
Course Description: This two-day workshop equips educators with practical, research-aligned strategies to strengthen early learning. Participants will learn efficient approaches to assessment, creative ways to elevate class routines, and engaging phonics practices aligned with the Science of Reading. The workshop also provides hands-on opportunities to explore games and activities that build phonemic awareness and support high-frequency word learning. Additional guidance is offered for classroom organization. Attendees leave with ready-to-use tools that enhance instruction and increase student engagement.
Register for USD Credit Here
ELED 592: Kindergarten Academy: Sharing Kindergarten Tools for Every Teacher
Instructor: Tricia West
Credit Hours: 1
Fees: $40
Dates: June 15, 2026 - June 16, 2026
Location: Canton PAC, 800 N Main St, Canton, SD 57013
Course Description: This two-day workshop equips educators with practical, research-aligned strategies to strengthen early learning. Participants will learn efficient approaches to assessment, creative ways to elevate class routines, and engaging phonics practices aligned with the Science of Reading. The workshop also provides hands-on opportunities to explore games and activities that build phonemic awareness and support high-frequency word learning. Additional guidance is offered for classroom organization. Attendees leave with ready-to-use tools that enhance instruction and increase student engagement.
Register for USD Credit Here
MUS 790: Band Director's Institute 2026
Band Directors Institute 2026
2026 Guest Clinician: Paul Popie
Credit Hours: 0-3
Fees: $40 per credit hour (in addition to the institute registration fee)
Dates: June 24–26, 2026 (Final project due by July 15, 2026)
Location: Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts
Course Description: The University of South Dakota’s Band Directors Institute is an intensive program designed to expose music educators to the best in current and standard literature in addition to teaching methods and materials. The three-day institute will include large ensemble reading sessions, master classes, and clinic sessions that focus on a wide variety of teaching subjects for band directors.
Participants registering for graduate credit must pay the tuition of $40 per credit hour on the day of registration, in addition to the institute registration fee paid through the event listing (26SU-BAND). Tuition rates are set by the South Dakota Board of Regents and are subject to change without notice.
Graduate Credit Options:
MUS 793 Rehearsal Techniques and Classroom Methods for the Instrumental Educator (UE1 CRN 56533)
Master classes, clinics, and discussion that focus on teaching materials, rehearsal techniques, and instrumental pedagogy for instrumental music educators. Methods and materials will be available to take back to the classroom.
MUS 793 Instrumental Music for Educational Ensembles (UE2 CRN 56534)
Reading sessions will focus on a wide variety of instrumental music for public school bands including concert, marching, and jazz music. The selections will include previous and newly published works at a variety of grade levels appropriate for all levels of bands.
MUS 793 Special Topics in Instrumental Music Education (UE3 CRN 56535)
This course provides seminars and panel discussions with veteran master teachers and band music composers. Topics include current trends and issues facing instrumental music educators.
Selected clinicians and USD faculty instruct all sessions.
Register for USD Credit Here
MUS 793: Choral Director's Institute 2026
Choral Directors Institute 2026
2026 Guest Clinician: Laura Farnell
Credit Hours: 0-3
Fees: $40 per credit hour (in addition to the institute registration fee)
Dates: June 24–26, 2026 (Final project due by July 15, 2026)
Location: Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts
Course Description: The University of South Dakota’s Choral Directors Institute is an intensive program designed to expose music educators to the best in current and standard literature in addition to teaching methods and materials. The three-day institute will include large ensemble reading sessions, master classes, and clinic sessions that focus on a wide variety of teaching subjects for choral directors.
Participants registering for graduate credit must pay the tuition of $40 per credit hour on the day of registration, in addition to the institute registration fee paid through the event listing (26SU-CHORAL). Tuition rates are set by the South Dakota Board of Regents and are subject to change without notice.
Graduate Credit Options:
MUS 790 Rehearsal Techniques and Classroom Methods for the Choral Educator (UE1 CRN 56536)
This is a series of lectures on various choral topics, including conducting, rehearsal skills, vocal skills, classroom management, and related subjects.
MUS 790 Choral Music for Educational Ensembles (UE2 CRN 56537)
Reading sessions focusing on a wide variety of choral music for public school choirs, grades K–12. Materials will include both standard works and new releases from major publishers.
MUS 790 Special Topics in Choral Music Education (UE3 CRN 56538)
A seminar for the discussion of current trends and methods in choral music, including techniques, pedagogy, literature, and contemporary issues in the field.
Selected clinicians and USD faculty instruct all sessions.
Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 592: Introduction to Family Engagement in Education
Instructor: Dr. Peg Diekhoff
Dates: July 6, 2026 - August 3, 2026
Credits: 1
Tuition: $40
Location: Online
*PLEASE NOTE: You must register through Canvas first before you can enroll for USD transcribable credits.
Course Description: Family Engagement is key to the success of all students. With over 50 years of research, family and community engagement in education is foundational for child development, student achievement, school improvement, and family and community well-being. This class will provide pre-service educators, practicing educators, educational leaders, or administrators the opportunity to explore current research, learn about relationship-building strategies, and explore tools that empower families to be active partners in education.
Register through Canvas Here Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Interventions Overview
Instructor: Heidi Aderhold
Credits: 1-2 credits
Fees: $40/Credit
Dates: July 7, 2026 - August 7, 2026
Location: Online
*Please Note: This course requires dual enrollment. After registering for USD credit and paying the tuition fee, you must also register through Canvas for the class.
Course Description: This course aims to provide training and assistance to South Dakota educators, administrators, other related professionals, and graduate students interested in learning more about evidence-Based Practices specific to autistic individuals.
Register through Canvas Here Register for USD Credit Here
SPED 592: Dr. Russell Barkley Professional Training Series
Instructor: Aimee Deliramich
Credits: 1 credit
Fees: $40/Credit
Dates: July 17, 2026 - August 7, 2026
Location: Online
*Please Note: You must register through Canvas first before you can enroll for USD graduate credits.
Course Description: This course aims to provide training and assistance to South Dakota educators, administrators, other related professionals, and graduate students interested in learning more about Executive Functioning and ADHD. Many of the cognitive deficits associated with ADHD lie in the domain of executive functioning in neuropsychology. The focus of this course will be to promote a better understanding of the nature of ADHD symptoms, the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and the modifications necessary for its use with special populations.
Register through Canvas Here Register for USD Credit Here
ELED 592: PBL Summer Institute Introduction and Application
Instructor:Melissa Hittner
Credits: 2
Fees: $80
Dates: July 20, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Location: In person in Jefferson High School, Sioux Falls, SD and Online
*Please Note: This course requires dual enrollment. After registering for USD credit and paying the tuition fee, you must also register for the course at the link below.
Course Description: Participants will plan a project-based learning (PBL) unit utilizing a project snapshot based on the model of PBL used in the Project Based Learning (PBL) Academy at Jefferson High School. The PBL Academy has refined their model over the years in conjunction with the New Tech Network and the Buck Institute for Education. Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental design principles and classroom management strategies of a PBL classroom and will work with experienced instructors and students immersed daily in the project-based learning model.
Register to Attend Summer Institute Here Register for USD Credit Here
SEED 592: PBL Summer Institute Introduction and Application
Instructor:Melissa Hittner
Credits: 2
Fees: $80
Dates: July 20, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Location: In person in Jefferson High School, Sioux Falls, SD and Online
*Please Note: This course requires dual enrollment. After registering for USD credit and paying the tuition fee, you must also register for the course at the link below.
Course Description: Participants will plan a project-based learning (PBL) unit utilizing a project snapshot based on the model of PBL used in the Project Based Learning (PBL) Academy at Jefferson High School. The PBL Academy has refined their model over the years in conjunction with the New Tech Network and the Buck Institute for Education. Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental design principles and classroom management strategies of a PBL classroom and will work with experienced instructors and students immersed daily in the project-based learning model.
Register to Attend Summer Institute Here Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 592: Cooperating Teacher Experience
Instructor: Mary McCorkle
Credits: 1
Fees: $40/Credit (Additional $75 fee payable to SDEA for non-SDEA members)
Dates: August 24, 2026 - December 4, 2026
*Please Note: This course requires dual enrollment. After registering for USD credit and paying the tuition fee, you must also register through the SDEA Portal to access the course content
Course Description: This course is designed for mentors of current student teachers in SD and surrounding states. Students will learn and apply mentoring competencies.
Course Objectives: Gain insight into and apply best practices of mentoring a pre-service educator.
Course delivery will be through Learn Upon in cooperation with the South Dakota Education Association. There is additional course fee for those who are not members of the South Dakota Education Association or its state affiliates. This course can be found at: SDEA Portal.
Student learning objectives will include:
- Commits to the roles and responsibility of mentoring
- Accepts the teacher candidate as a developing professional
- Reflects on interpersonal communications and decisions
- Serves as an instructional coach
- Models a commitment to personal and professional growth
- Communicates hope and optimism for the future of the profession
- Applies objectives daily while working with a teacher candidate
Register through SDEA Here Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 492: Foundations of Family Engagement in Education
Instructor: Dr. Peg Diekhoff
Dates: August 24, 2026 - December 7, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 3
Fee: $120
*PLEASE NOTE: You must register through Canvas first before you can enroll for USD transcribable credits.
Course Description: Family Engagement is key to the success of all students. With over 50 years of research, family and community engagement in education is foundational for child development, student achievement, school improvement, and family and community well-being. This class will provide guidance to pre-service educators, practicing educators, educational leaders, and/or administrators through the research and best practices of family engagement.
Register through Canvas here Register for USD Credit Here
EDFN 592: Foundations of Family Engagement in Education
Instructor: Dr. Peg Diekhoff
Dates: August 24, 2026 - December 7, 2026
Location: Online
Credits: 3
Fee: $120
*PLEASE NOTE: You must register through Canvas first before you can enroll for USD transcribable credits.
Course Description: Family Engagement is key to the success of all students. With over 50 years of research, family and community engagement in education is foundational for child development, student achievement, school improvement, and family and community well-being. This class will provide guidance to pre-service educators, practicing educators, educational leaders, and/or administrators through the research and best practices of family engagement.
Register through Canvas here Register for USD Credit Here
