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 graduate certificate for Alternative Teacher Certification is intended for individuals who are interested in becoming a teacher outside a traditional teacher preparation program and who meet state requirements for alternative certification. This certificate is ideal for individuals with bachelor's degrees in non-education fields who want to transition to K-12 teaching. This program only provides the coursework required of the South Dakota alternative certification, covering the following topics: classroom management, teaching methods, student assessment, differentiated instruction, adolescent psychology, and South Dakota Indian studies. This certificate alone does not result in teacher licensure or certification. Additional requirements must be met through the State of South Dakota Department of Education.
Pursue your dream and transition to teaching with an Alternative Teacher Certification from USD.
Degrees & Offerings
Alternative Teacher Certification
CertificateThis 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 transcript credits covering topics in classroom management, teaching methods, student assessment, differentiated instruction, adolescent psychology and South Dakota Indian studies.
Program Details
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Departments and Facilities
Teacher Residency and 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.
Center for Student and Professional Services
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.
Faculty & staff
Daniel Mourlam
Jing Williams
Theresa Skinner
Nicki Carr
Danielle Davenport
Kristen DeMuth
Susan Gapp
Jamie Hovden
Rebecca Phillips
Kevin Reins
John Williams
Unlock Your Teaching Potential
Take Your Classes Online
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.Graduate Tuition & Costs
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.
Financial Aid
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.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
