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  • Elementary Education (Accelerated B.S.Ed./M.Ed.)
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Accelerated Elementary Education Degree

B.S.Ed. and M.Ed.

Earn advanced skills in general elementary education or Indigenous teacher education in the most efficient way possible.

In this accelerated degree program, you'll be prepared to teach students in diverse learning environments, gain confidence and be prepared to implement instructional practice and assessment.

Program type:
Combined (Major and Master's)
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
3 years
Credit hours:
80 or 89 (based on specialization)
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • Why UND Online?
  • How to Apply

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Why pursue an accelerated elementary education degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

Students may apply to this program upon completion of 60 credits toward the bachelor’s degree or with an associate’s degree. 

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
June 1* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

With this accelerated degree, you'll graduate with a bachelor's in Elementary Education and a master's in Elementary Education with a specialization in General Elementary Education or Indigenous Teacher Education (ITE). You'll be eligible to earn teacher licensure in elementary education and will also be qualified to work with diverse students in educational settings. You'll have the confidence, knowledge, and skills to provide innovative teaching and learning strategies in 1st-8th grade classrooms. 

Some undergraduate course must be taken on-campus, but the graduate program is 100% online. Multiple field experiences will provide you with additional opportunities for practical application in real teaching and learning environments.

General Elementary Education Specialization

With a specialization in General Elementary Education, you will be more confident to teach all subject areas. You’ll study:

  • Curriculum
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Assessment
  • Digital technologies
  • Student-centered pedagogies

Indigenous Teacher Education (ITE) Specialization

With a specialization in ITE, you will be prepared to teach all subject areas to Indigenous students in Lakota and Dakota languages. You’ll study: 

  • Lakota or Dakota language proficiency in 1st-8th grade classrooms 
  • Indigenous methods and teach curricula that focuses on Indigenous ways of knowing 
  • Indigenous pedagogy and experiential learning that ties language and culture to ancestral land-based practices 
  • Social emotional learning practices within all curricula including differentiated instruction and equity-based teaching and learning strategies
  • Best practices in Indigenous curricula, instruction, digital technology, and assessment strategies 

How the Accelerated Elementary Education Degree Works

If you are an incoming freshman or transfer student, apply to UND and your program. As a current student, connect with your advisor to make sure you stay on track for the combined or accelerated program. During your junior year, you can officially apply to the School of Graduate Studies. Complete the required courses, and you'll earn both your undergraduate and graduate degree at the same time.

Accelerated Elementary Education Degree Program

  • Learn and teach with innovative and interactive digital technologies. 

  • Work directly with students in diverse schools and communities.

  • Course work enhances your ability to conduct and analyze assessments, and plan using appropriate instructional practices for all learners including those with diverse needs.

  • Literacy leadership course targets roles and responsibilities of literacy coaches and/or reading specialists. 

  • All UND Teacher Education programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and are approved by the North Dakota Educational Standards and Practices Board.

  • Be part of the NDMTSS Social Emotional Learning Network. You’ll share experiences, celebrate successes, and problem-solve perceived barriers related to social emotional learning.

What an I do with an accelerated elementary education degree?

61K

Median salary for elementary school teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

4%

Anticipated job growth for elementary school teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

There is a teacher shortage across our region and a great need for high-quality teachers in the nation.

With UND's accelerated degree in Elementary Education, you'll be on your way to a rewarding career in education with titles such as:

  • Classroom Teacher
  • Education Specialist
  • Indigenous Classroom Teacher for Lakota and Dakota Languages
  • Lead Teacher with a Focus in Curriculum and Assessment
  • STEM Education Teacher
  • Technology Teacher

An Elementary Education degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Curriculum Development
  • Lesson Planning
  • Primary Education
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Educational Technologies

Elementary and Indigenous Education Courses

T&L 518. Curriculum and Methods for Teaching STEM. 3 Credits.

A study of current trends and practices associated with teaching and assessing inquiry-based science and engineering design in PK - 12th grade classrooms. Course activities include readings and resources that delve into STEM curriculum, pedagogy, best practices, hands-on activities, exploring strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, and using STEM assessments to inform instruction. F,S.

T&L 519. Social Studies in the Elementary School. 3 Credits.

A study of current trends and practices associated with teaching and assessing social studies in elementary classrooms.

T&L 522. Mathematics in the Elementary School. 3 Credits.

A study of current trends and practices associated with teaching and assessing inquiry-based math in elementary classrooms.

T&L 330. Lakota Linguistics for Teachers 2. 3 Credits.

This is course builds on LLT1 and offers a comprehensive coverage of Lakota inflectional and derivational morphology, allowing the students to identify, use and teach all types of Lakota verbs in all their forms. Secondly, the course provides a thorough introduction to Lakota sentence structure (syntax). Prerequisite: T&L 220. On demand.

T&L 578. Curriculum and Pedagogy in Indigenous Education. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to examine Indigenous ways of thinking, knowing, and learning through culturally responsive, and culturally driven pedagogy. The students will study both the theory and practical learning environment applications of indigenous knowledge systems, culturally sustaining curriculum, indigenous models of education, and critical pedagogy. F.

T&L 593. Independent Projects. 1-4 Credits.

Repeatable.

elementary education student on laptop

Best Master's Programs for Elementary Education

UND's master's in Elementary Education is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top online education program in the nation. Our program ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes. 

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education - 2021 - The Best Schools
Best Online Master’s in Elementary Education Programs of 2021 - Best Colleges
best

Leaders in Education

UND students are prepared to be leaders in their field to motivate future generations.

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Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional opportunities.

  • College of Education & Human Development
  • Department of Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice
  • Find Similar Programs

General Elementary Education

Bonni Gourneau
701.777.2920
bonni.gourneau@UND.edu

Indigenous Teacher Education

Renuka de Silva
701.777.5868
renuka.desilva@UND.edu

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