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Contact Information:

Division of Curriculum & Instruction
School of Education
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
phone: (605) 677-5210
fax: (605) 677-3102
ci@usd.edu

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Last Modified: 09/30/05

elementary education programs                     (Programs of Study)

The Division of Curriculum and Instruction offer a wide range of Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist and Doctoral programs for education professionals working in Elementary Education.  

Bachelor's Degrees
Undergraduate students at the U. can receive a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  Students completing the degree program have particular strengths in diversity, technology, and intervention for K-8 children.  This is a four year program, including one semester of student teaching.  Coursework can be customized to achieve additional certifications in early childhood education, kindergarten, and special education. 

Master's Degrees

This program is intended to provide the classroom teacher the opportunity to study in greater depth all curriculum and instructional areas related to teaching in the elementary schools. It strengthens teaching skills and exposes the teacher to a variety of materials and programs used in the elementary schools. There are five options at the master's level. Option 1: Elementary Education; Option 2: Reading Specialist; Option 3: Early Childhood; Option 4: Middle Level; and Option 5: Curriculum Director. For specifics, please see the information listed below.

Thirty-two semester hours of course work are required. The program can be completed in two semesters plus a summer session; however, the student may choose to take a longer time period. There are many unique opportunities to work with the elementary education faculty.

Elementary Education

A master's degree program is available for elementary school personnel who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and the skills necessary for leadership roles in education. Each student's interests, background, and needs are considered when designing the individual's program of study.

Reading Specialist

The Reading Specialist Program is designed to prepare the experienced classroom teacher with competencies which will enable the candidate to serve as a reading specialist in the public schools or as a teacher of reading courses in an undergraduate education program.  To attain South Dakota certification, four years of teaching experience is also required.

Early Childhood Education

The Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education is designed for people with teaching experience who want to work more effectively with young children, either directly as a teacher or in a supervisory capacity. The course work is applicable toward South Dakota Nursery School certification and meets the North Central Association accreditation criteria. The program requires 32-36 credit hours and meets NAEYC standards for graduate programs in early childhood education.

Middle Level Endorsement

The Middle Level Endorsement is offered for anyone wishing to teach in a formally organized middle school with departmentalized instruction. Areas of concentration include the following: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.

Specialist and Doctorate Degrees in Education

Advanced programs beyond the master's degree are designed to provide the necessary background and professional expertise for students planning to go into university teaching, supervisory work in schools, curriculum planning, consultant work, or similar positions.

Programs are individually tailored to meet the student's particular interests, background, and needs and are planned in conjunction with the student's graduate committee. Students will be afforded opportunities to work with the Curriculum and Instruction faculty as well as staff in supporting areas. Practicum experiences are provided in field centers.The student's ability to conduct quality research is of the utmost importance.

Sixty (60) semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree are required for the Ed.S degree. Ninety (90) semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree are required for the Ed.D degree.

Alternative Residency Program

The Division of Curriculum and Instruction offers two different residency options.  Students may enroll for two consecutive semesters of full time enrollment for normal residency or two consecutive summers for alternative residency. This is a unique opportunity for practicing professionals who are unable to be released from their teaching and other professional positions during the school term to pursue a doctorate in education.

Potential doctoral students who are experienced teachers are given the opportunity to develop professional research skills at their own pace. This program is for individuals with high motivation for professional growth and personal responsibility.