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Alternative Teacher Certification

Pursue your dream of becoming a teacher with the route that suits you best. The Alternative Teacher Certification allows you to transition from your current field of interest to K-12 teaching.

Become a Teacher on Your Schedule

The online Alternative Teacher Certification graduate certificate provides a pathway to teaching certification outside of traditional teacher education programs. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, you can transition to K-12 teaching by receiving a valid Alternative Preliminary Certificate and an offer of employment from a public or Department of Education-accredited school. In addition to the certificate, you will need to pass the appropriate state-designated pedagogy test, adhere to the SD Code of Professional Ethics for Teachers and receive sign-off from the employing school/district.

Pursue your dream and transition to teaching with an Alternative Teacher Certification from USD.


Degrees & Offerings

Alternative Teacher Certification

Certificate
  Online

This graduate certificate in Alternative Teacher Certification is an online stand-alone credential that is designed to meet the state of South Dakota’s requirements for alternative certification for teaching licensure. Certification requires 15 transcripted credits covering topics in classroom management, teaching methods, student assessment, differentiated instruction, adolescent psychology and South Dakota Indian studies.

View Admissions Requirements
View Curriculum

Program Details

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College

Department

Contact

Graduate Admissions

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in teacher residency & education.
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Teacher Residency & Education

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.

Faculty & staff

Get to know the faculty and staff in the Division of Teacher Residency & Education. Our faculty's K-12 experience informs their teaching; they know what it's like to manage a classroom, plan curriculum and teach a wide variety of learners, so they have the expertise necessary to prepare you for your future classroom.
Bio Image for Faculty Member Daniel Mourlam

Daniel Mourlam

Division Chair, Teacher Education/Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Nicki Carr

Nicki Carr

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Kristen DeMuth

Kristen DeMuth

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Susan Gapp

Susan Gapp

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Lisa Hazlett

Lisa Hazlett

Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Jamie Hovden

Jamie Hovden

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Monica Iverson

Monica Iverson

Senior Lecturer
Bio Image for Faculty Member Carla McMurryKozak

Carla McMurryKozak

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Rebecca Phillips

Rebecca Phillips

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Kevin Reins

Kevin Reins

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Theresa Skinner

Theresa Skinner

Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Jing Williams

Jing Williams

Associate Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member John Williams

John Williams

Assistant Professor
View All Faculty & Staff
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Take Your Classes Online

We're committed to bringing our knowledge to you. USD serves the largest number of online students in the state of South Dakota. With competitive online tuition rates, we offer the same price whether you’re out-of-state or an in-state resident.

 

Take classes at your own pace, enroll in an online class today! 

Surprisingly Affordable

Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program. 
GA (Resident*)
Resident or WRGP
Online
Non-Resident
Tuition (1 cr.)
180.3
340.15
470.45
654.05
GAF Fee (1 cr.)
55.3
55.3
0
55.3
Total

More About Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the program or department. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs page for more information.

* Graduate Assistant (GA) rates are available for resident, non-resident and online students.

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