Add greater depth and understanding to your classroom by exploring all curriculum and instructional areas related to teaching in preschool, kindergarten, the elementary grades or child care related settings.
Strengthen your future teaching experiences by expanding both your knowledge of elementary education and the opportunities inside your classroom. At USD, you will find supportive faculty and curriculum that allow you to continue your passion for teaching while also pursuing a graduate degree. The M.A. in Elementary Education prepares and strengthens teaching skills and exposes you to a variety of materials and programs used in elementary schools. This convenient and flexible online program allows you to continue your employment as you become a leader in your field. Here you can decide on different paths of specialization, such as culturally and linguistically diverse learning; reading and literary coaching; and science, technology and math pedagogy. Build upon your foundation and experience with a variety of new materials and programs that elevate your teaching career.
Become a leader who's prepared for all aspects of the education world as an elementary education graduate student at USD.
The Master's in Elementary Education prepares and strengthens teaching skills and exposes you to a variety of materials and programs used in elementary schools. This M.A. program is for those with a baccalaureate degree in elementary education who want to expand their knowledge of best teaching practices.
This M.A. program is ideal for those who have an earned bachelors degree and would like to become an elementary or middle school teacher in grades K-8. Students will complete the requirements for South Dakota teacher certification in Elementary Education. This program includes one semester of teacher residency where students gain experience as a classroom teacher with the support of a mentor teacher and the supervision of a USD Residency Instructor.
Success in literacy is highly correlated to success in life. Reading specialists and literacy coaches work with teachers and students to ensure growth in literacy. This specialization prepares teachers to use research-proven practices and programs, to effectively teach students and adults, and to lead literacy efforts in schools. Students who complete the program also are eligible for an additional teaching certificate as a reading specialist.
Now more than ever, there is a need for STEM education in our schools. As society has moved to an information age, teachers must be able to provide meaningful experiences which integrate science, technology and math into their curriculum to prepare students for the world. This specialization prepares teachers to use current evidence-based proven practices to design, carry out and evaluate STEM education in elementary schools.
You can also choose an accelerated option when specializing in either reading specialist/literacy coaching. If you are a current USD undergraduate student who would like to begin a master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree, you may apply and begin the program after the completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours.
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As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
There are plenty of ways you can get involved as a student in the School of Education at USD. Whether you want to serve the community of Vermillion, work with children who have special needs, promote literacy or explore another interest related to education, you'll be able to find the right organization for you.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children and the National Education Association are professional organizations for educators. Connect with a wide network of teachers and be an advocate for students in one of these organizations.
Enrich your education and see the world by participating in one of our many study abroad experiences. Here are a few benefits of studying abroad during your time at USD:
A unique part of your USD education is access to undergraduate research opportunities. As an education student at USD, you will have the chance to explore your interests and conduct innovative research with the support of professors who care about your success. Grants and travel funding are available through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
The Division of Teacher Residency & Education is focused on preparing effective, responsive teachers who can meet the needs of all students in today's schools. Through unique features such as a robust yearlong residency, an emphasis on technology and curriculum that recognizes a variety of learners, our division offers an enriching education for educators and leaders.
The School of Education offers resources and support for you in the Center for Student and Professional Services (CSPS). Our faculty and staff are committed to preparing you with resources to help you excel personally, academically and professionally.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
For art, I always loved creating. I made it a career. And then, when I was student teaching, I was shown the devastating literacy rates and I decided to work in that area. I chose these paths because I wanted to make a difference, and USD made the difference for me.
Sydney Bitz
