Valley City State University

Allied Health

This certificate allows students planning to pursue allied health careers to focus on the preliminary undergraduate coursework required for transfer in pre-nursing, pre-radiology, pre-dental hygiene, etc. This one-year program of 30 credits can be a starting point for future degrees.

Applied Kinesiology

The Applied Kinesiology program is designed for students interested in careers in non-teaching physical education, health education, and other fitness-related fields. The program is a part of the Kinesiology and Human Performance Department. Students enrolled in the program will develop an understanding of health and fitness-related services by providing students with field experiences mentored by professionals from their chosen fields.

Art

The Art major at Valley City State University is designed to nurture a student's natural ability in the studio arts into professional skills. Students develop strengths and interests in various areas of the arts by building technical skills, material exploration, and the study of contemporary and historical art movements and practices. The skills learned in this area of study prepare students for many arts- related careers.

Art Education

The Art Education major prepares students to teach various studio art topics in elementary and secondary classrooms. A survey of coursework in art history, ceramics, digital photography, digital design, drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture provides students with a broad range of skills to develop their creative voices while preparing for their future classrooms. Coursework culminates in the Visual Art Capstone project.

Associate of Arts - Applied Mathematics for Pre-Engineering Concentration

The Associate of Arts with a concentration in applied mathematics for pre-engineering is designed for students who want to pursue a degree in engineering. Individual students can build a customized plan of study that aligns to the future engineering field of choice. Coursework will include traditional math and science courses common to most engineering programs, as well as courses that can be taken online from our engineering degree-offering partner institutions.

Associate of Arts - Business Concentration

The Associate of Arts with a concentration in business is an undergraduate academic degree earned by students who complete the General Education block requirement (37 credits) and selected courses in business (24 credits). The program of study is designed to be completed in two years. It aims to give students the basic technical and academic knowledge and transferable skills they need to pursue employment or further their studies in business.

Associate of Arts - Communication Concentration

The Associate of Arts in Communication is designed to be completed in two years. It aims to give students the basic communication skills needed in the communication field of employment and to pursue further study in the field of communication. The AA gives students basic skills needed in the corporate, media, and digital communication fields.

Associate of Arts - Cybersecurity Concentration

The Associate of Arts with a concentration in Cybersecurity is an undergraduate academic degree earned by students who complete the General Education block requirement (37 credits) and selected courses in cybersecurity (23 credits). The program of study is designed to be completed in two years. It aims to give students the real world experience they need to understand, implement, and manage cybersecurity in a massively growing field.

Associate of Arts - Digital Design Concentration

The Associate of Arts in Digital Design is an undergraduate academic degree earned by students who complete the General Education block requirement (37 credits) and 24 credits of coursework in Digital Design. The program of study is designed to be completed in two years. It aims to give students the basic technical and academic knowledge and transferable skills they need to pursue employment or further study in digital design.

Associate of Arts - General Studies Concentration

The Associate of Arts degree is an undergraduate academic degree earned by students who complete the General Education block requirement (37 credits) plus 23 credits of coursework in their interest area. The program of study is designed to be completed in two years. Associate of Arts degree completion is beneficial to students who are pursuing a career field requiring an AA degree or desiring to work toward a four-year bachelor's degree at a later time.

Associate of Arts - Marketing Concentration

The Associate of Arts with a concentration in marketing is an undergraduate academic degree earned by students who complete the General Education block requirement (37 credits) and selected courses in business and marketing (24 credits). The program of study is designed to be completed in two years. It aims to give students the basic technical and academic knowledge and transferable skills they need to pursue employment or further their studies in marketing.

Associate of Arts - Mathematics Concentration

The Associate of Arts with a concentration in mathematics is designed for students interested in transitioning into a bachelor's degree program that requires a mathematical focus. Individual students can build a customized plan of study that will include coursework in the calculus sequence, linear algebra, and probability & statistics, as well as additional courses in math, science, and/or computer science.

Athletic Coaching

Biology

The Biology major is designed to give you a broad preparation and experience for a variety of biology-related fields. VCSU'S program emphasizes preparing students for professional schools and graduate work. Opportunities exist on and off campus to provide sound practical experiences, including work as student assistants, research experiences in our research labs, participation in the campus-tutoring programs, field studies, and biological travel tours.

Biology Education

Students pursuing this degree will be qualified to teach secondary science courses across the science curriculum with VCSU's Bachelor of Science in Education with a Biology major plus 12 semester hours in each of the other sciences (chemistry, earth science, and/or physics).

Biology Studies

Business Administration - Agribusiness Concentration

Agribusiness management students study accounting, management, finance, and marketing, and learn how to apply this knowledge to production and decision-making processes across a wide variety of organizations in the agribusiness industry.

Business Administration - Human Resource & Management Concentration

The Business Administration HR & Management concentration program prepares students with the core competencies essential to succeed in all types of business environments. This versatile program includes coursework in accounting, human relations, management, marketing, finance, and technology.

Business Administration - Managerial Accounting and Finance Concentration

Students who successfully complete the Managerial Accounting and Finance concentration demonstrate specialized knowledge in forecasting, planning, and analyzing data, as well as the ability to communicate and present the data in a format useful for decision-making. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use available technology to apply their knowledge and skills effectively.

Business Administration - Marketing Concentration

Students who successfully complete the marketing concentration develop resume building skills including analytics, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, email marketing, social media advertising and management as well as communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. Graduates will have many opportunities for good paying careers with great job satisfaction.

Business Education

The Business Education Composite major prepares students for various teaching positions in junior and senior high school. Graduates are prepared to teach courses such as keyboarding, accounting, general business, business law, marketing, management and computer applications. Students may become licensed by the Education Standards and Practices Board to teach Business Education with the option of an additional endorsement in Marketing Education.

Business Information Systems

The Master of Science in Business Information Systems an interdisciplinary program that pulls from the areas of Computer Information Systems, Communication, Business, and Software Engineering to create an integrated curriculum. This program is designed to provide individuals with a bachelor's degree in computer science or business the opportunity to integrate their knowledge with advanced work in specific business process and systems.

Business Management

Business Process Integration Management

Students who successfully complete the BPIM major demonstrate communication, problem-solving, business, collaboration and technical skills. Graduates will work with all areas of a business to evaluate, plan, and improve business processes. The major prepares students for business analyst, functional analyst, information systems analyst and process improvement analyst positions.

Career and Technical Education

This degree prepares you for teaching positions in Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school and college programs. Graduates with the CTE Composite Major are prepared to teach in trade, industry, technical fields including areas such as automotive technology, construction technology, electronics, health careers, and welding. Non-teaching program graduates may also seek management or entrepreneurial careers in the private trade, industry, technical or health fields.

Chemistry

VCSU's Chemistry degree is designed for those interested in working as laboratory scientists or pursuing research or graduate studies. The program is thorough and rigorous, and a wide variety of career possibilities in research areas are possible. There are two well-equipped research labs and students are encouraged to be involved in research.

Chemistry Education

The Chemistry Education major is designed to prepare you for teaching in junior and senior high schools. A Bachelor of Science in Education with a Chemistry major plus 12 semester hours in each of the other sciences (biology, earth and environmental science, and physics) will qualify you to teach those secondary science courses.

College Studies

The College Studies Certificate offers a credential of completion for a student who does not plan to continue studying at VCSU. These credits can come from dual credit or early entry credits while the student is in high school or can be earned while the student is enrolled at Valley City State University.

Communication

This major explores the dynamic and evolving field of communication, and allows students to experience a wide array of communication experiences needed to find success in the diverse job market. With courses spanning the corporate, digital marketing, and media worlds, students will be prepared with highly desired skills in the job market today. Offering both online and on-campus courses, this major can be completed on campus or from a distance.

Communication & Leadership

Communication Studies

VCSU's Communication composite major explores the dynamic field of communication studies. By employing multiple facets of communication, the major allows students to experience a wide array of communication experience needed for the diverse job market. With courses spanning the corporate, digital marketing, and media worlds, students will be prepared with highly desired skills in the job market today.

Communication Studies

Computer Information Systems

The Computer Information Systems major prepares students with a foundation in problem-solving skills required to design and implement technology solutions to support business needs. The courses use project-based curricula that first teach the concepts of the subject matter and then require the students to apply the concepts. Students often work in teams to encourage the learning of group dynamics and soft-skills.

Customer Relationship Management

The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Certificate provides students with real world experience that will help them succeed in the workplace. Jobs related to a CRM Certificate are continually growing and can open up many opportunities. Students working towards this certification will gain valuable experience with software such as Salesforce and Power BI.

Cybersecurity for Information Systems Management

The Cybersecurity for Information Systems Management Certificate provides students with experience that will help them succeed in the workplace. This certificate will show potential employers that a student is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, implement, and manage cybersecurity in a massively growing field.

Data Analytics and Visualization

The Data Analytics and Visualization Certificate provides students with a deeper understanding of how to work with data and analytical tools used to convey meaning. Students learn how to present data-driven insights to non-technical audiences effectively.

Data Analytics and Visualization

The Data Analytics and Visualization major prepares students for roles that involve analyzing complex data, extracting insights, and presenting those insights in a clear and compelling way. This interdisciplinary field combines elements of statistics, computer science, business, and design to equip graduates with the skills needed to handle data-intensive tasks in various industries.

Digital Design

Digital Design

This program provides a well-rounded experience in various digital design areas and prepares students for careers in diverse design fields. Students are immersed in hands- on, collaborative creative projects that tap into student's strengths and interests. Coursework includes graphic design, digital photography, digital imaging, digital illustration, web design, and graphic design history.

Digital Marketing

Digital Studies

Early Childhood

Elementary Education

Upon successful completion of the VCSU Elementary Education program, a student will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and be eligible for an initial North Dakota teaching license in grade 1-8. Elementary Education majors are required to spend over 150 hours in various field experiences, prior to completing a twelve- week student teaching experience.

Elementary Education

Valley City State University has designed this concentration for teachers at the elementary level wishing to pursue a master's degree. The curriculum is structured around a set of core requirements that provide a broad foundation in education, research, and technology. Curriculum in this concentration is designed for K-6 educators who seek to deepen their understanding of teaching and learning.

English

The English degree involves the completion of three specific components-the General Education Core required of all VCSU graduates, a mix of required and elective courses in the major that prepares students in one of four specific cognates (Professional Writing, Literature Studies, Technical Writing, or General English), and a minor of the student's choosing.

English Education

The English Education degree involves the completion of three components-the General Education Core of courses, a Professional Education Sequence for Secondary Education majors, and a mix of required and elective courses in the Major that prepare students for both the certification exams required for teacher licensure, and for the demands of their future classrooms.

English Education

Valley City State University has designed this concentration for teachers of English wishing to pursue a master's degree. The curriculum is structured around a set of core requirements that provide a broad foundation in education, research, and technology. Curriculum in this concentration is designed to help secondary school educators become more effective users of technology in the English classroom and enhance the learning experience for their students.

English Studies

Enterprise Applications

The Enterprise Applications Certificate gives students hands- on experience with SAP, a key component of businesses everywhere. This certificate prepares students who want to expand their knowledge and skills related to enterprise application development, implementation, management, and general business processes. This expertise can give a student a competitive edge in the job market, particularly for roles that require an understanding of enterprise-level systems.

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science program prepares students to enter the job force in an environmental-related field, or to further their education in graduate school. This major integrates courses from all of the major fields of science - geology, biology, chemistry, and physics-so it is well-suited for those who are interested in environmental issues, as well as students who enjoy all subjects in science, but prefer not to focus on one specific area.

Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Studies

A Exercise Science and Rehabilitative Studies major is designed to prepare students for professional healthcare programs in athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, chiropractic, cardiac rehab, dietetics, and other rehabilitative healthcare professions. The courses are taught by certified healthcare providers and are hands-on and interactive.

Fisheries and Wildlife Science

The Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences degree (B.A. or B.S.) prepares students for careers in natural resource management with state and federal agencies, and conservation organizations. Graduates are qualified for federal positions with agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey and others.

Healthcare Aide

This certificate is for individuals interested in completing certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA), Cardiographic Technician (CCT), or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The certificate will prepare you for licensure testing and provide you with basic skills needed in the job market. In addition, this certificate will prepare students for entry level jobs in health care such as, childcare workers, direct support professional and home health aide.

Health Education

The Health Education major prepares students to work as health educators within public school systems, grades 5-12. Students will study nutrition, human sexuality, drug education, and contemporary health issues. The curriculum in health education seeks to enhance knowledge of health services, health in the environment, and health instruction in public schools.

Health Science

The Health Science major is organized to prepare students to pursue professional programs by covering all the pre-requisite coursework for your professional program of choice. There is flexibility of pursuing education beyond the undergraduate level, such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, chiropractic, physical therapy, physician assistant, mortuary science.

History

Studying history at VCSU is both enriching and challenging. Our History curriculum offers broad experience in U.S., European, World history, as well as opportunities to study the history of ethnic and social groups and specialized courses such as Environmental history. The study of history sharpens a student's own sense of values, provides a context for present decision-making, and cultivates a more compassionate attitude toward peoples whose way of life may be different from yours.

History Education

This degree is primarily designed for public school teaching positions. Fortunately, it opens up opportunities for various related careers in which content knowledge and pedagogy are useful. The history curriculum encompasses a wide range of areas: European, American, world, non-Western and special topics such as environmental and social history.

History Studies

Human Services - Child and Family Studies Concentration

The Human Services major prepares you to meet the growing demand for human service workers, whose occupations encompass a broad range of helping professions. The program combines courses from the disciplines of communications, sociology, and psychology to provide an overall understanding of the field. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and to develop the skills necessary to function as a human services professional.

Human Services - Criminal Justice Concentration

The Human Services major prepares you to meet the growing demand for human service workers, whose occupations encompass a broad range of helping professions. The program combines courses from the disciplines of communications, sociology, and psychology to provide an overall understanding of the field. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and to develop the skills necessary to function as a human services professional.

Human Services - General Human Services Concentration

The Human Services major prepares you to meet the growing demand for human service workers, whose occupations encompass a broad range of helping professions. The program combines courses from the disciplines of communications, sociology, and psychology to provide an overall understanding of the field. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and to develop the skills necessary to function as a human services professional.

Human Services - Gerontology Concentration

The Human Services major prepares students to meet the growing demand for human service workers, whose occupations encompass a broad range of helping professions. The program combines courses from the disciplines of communications, sociology, and psychology to provide an overall understanding of the field. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and to develop the skills necessary to function as a human services professional.

Kindergarten

Library and Information Technologies (LIT)

Valley City State University (VCSU) has designed this concentration for teachers at either primary or secondary levels wishing to pursue a master's degree. The VCSU master's degree with the LIT Concentration is accredited by CAEP and follows the ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians. The curriculum meets North Dakota Department of Public Instruction standards for the preparation of library media specialists at the highest credential level-LM01.

Library & Information Technologies (LIT)

Management

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) of Management program is designed to provide students with the management and leadership skills necessary for successful career advancement in trade, industry, and health occupations. The primary objective of this program is to provide a balanced, flexible education. To enroll in the BAS of Management program, students must have completed an identified technical specialty in trade, industry, or health occupations.

Mathematics

Mathematics is the foundation for all science, technology, and engineering programs. Mathematical sophistication is a fundamental skill for a technical society like ours. This major leads to careers in business, industry, and government, as well as graduate study in a large variety of disciplines. There is plentiful demand in the job market for individuals skilled in mathematics.

Mathematics Education

Teaching mathematics is an interesting and rewarding career choice. This is a critical skill for all learners as mathematics is the foundation for all science, technology, and engineering programs. There is an urgent need for math teachers, and graduates will enter a field with numerous career opportunities.

Math Studies

Medical Laboratory Science

Medical Laboratory Science is a specialty program at VCSU, training future healthcare workers in practicing diagnostic medicine and generating accurate test results in chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, and microbiology. The results of these tests are critical because they provide key information to help in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) major equips students to become essential members of a healthcare team.

Middle Level Education

Music Audio Production

The Audio Production certificate provides students with an entry-level experience in current audio production techniques, using the most recent equipment to complete individual recording projects. This certificate is an excellent option for anyone planning to utilize audio production techniques as part of their future career in a music or sound-related field.

Music - Audio Production Concentration

The Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with an Audio Production Concentration gives students a traditional, liberal arts education in music combined with studies of 21st-century skills in recording, editing, and mastering musical recordings. In addition to the core classes required of all music majors, students will complete a series of classes in analog and digital recording techniques and electronic music production.

Music Composition

The Certificate in Composition can be completed in three semesters with a specific focus in the study of compositional styles, transformational procedures in composition, and their creative applications.

Music Education K-12

The BS in Music Education degree program at VCSU is designed to give students the skills needed to be a successful 21st-century music teacher. Students learn performance skills on their primary instrument while gaining practical experience in conducting and leading a traditional ensemble.

Music - General Studies Concentration

The BA/BS in Music: General Studies Concentration is designed to give students a flexible approach to their undergraduate study. In addition to the core classes required of all music majors, students use electives to craft a degree program to suit their interests. Each student will end their music studies with an academic capstone project. Many music graduates work as professional performers, artists, and teachers.

Music - Performance Concentration

The BA/BS in Music: Performance Concentration is designed to give students a liberal arts education with an emphasis in music performance. In addition to the core classes required of all music majors, students will take advanced study in applied music and associated courses. The capstone recital is the culminating project of this concentration. This degree will give students a well-rounded education with opportunities to develop as a music performer.

Non-Profit Studies

Physical Education K-12

The Physical Education major is designed to prepare students for teaching physical education in grades K-12. Students will engage in content that includes the study of human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, outdoor recreational pursuits, motor skills, and activities for the physical educator. At Valley City State University, our goal is to produce great physical educators who will make a difference in the lives of the students they teach.

Physical Education Studies

Piano Pedagogy

The Piano Pedagogy certificate is recommended for all intended and current studio instructors who seek the opportunity to enhance their musical and teaching skills for the betterment of their piano students. An audition showing current piano performance ability is required for admission.

Professional Sales

Psychology

The psychology major has historically been one of three social science cornerstones to a liberal arts education. Along with sociology and anthropology, it prepares individuals for a number of occupational and professional paths, ranging from graduate studies in counseling and clinical psychology to law school and the health professions.

Reading

Social Science

The Social Science curriculum encompasses a wide range of areas: geography, political science, economics, sociology and history; all explore the ways that human beings, as societies or cultures, relate to each other and their environments and how they establish structured systems to effectively govern and administer their activities.

Social Science Education

The curriculum for a Social Science Education major is designed to enhance your understanding and interest in professional education within the Social Science area as well as to produce a Social Science professional who is a knowledge-based decision-maker.

Software Development

The Software Development Certificate is intended for students who will develop software in their career. Additionally, students will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of software development principles, practices, tools, and coding applications. The curriculum is structured to introduce various aspects of the software development life cycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and maintenance.

Software Engineering

Software Engineering (SE) is all around us. The IT industry is a diverse field impacting virtually every business-from the service industry and technology companies to manufacturing specialists and health care professionals within large companies and small businesses. VCSU's Software Engineering, the first major of its kind in the North Dakota University System, prepares students with problem solving skills required to create software solutions to meet the needs of employers.

Spanish

Spanish

Students work closely with Spanish faculty to determine which General Education courses best fit their interests and future plans, as well as which electives might suit them best term by term. This program is designed specifically to help students find the right mix of courses for both their present desires and future needs, all with the help of an advisor who thoroughly knows the language and the program.

Spanish Education

Students work closely with Spanish faculty to determine which General Education courses best fit their interests and future plans, as well as which electives might suit them best term by term. Our program is designed specifically to help students find the right mix of courses for both their present desires and future needs, all with the help of an advisor who thoroughly knows the language and the program.

Sport Leadership and Management

The Sport Leadership and Management program prepares individuals for careers in various aspects of the sports industry; it caters to students with a passion for sports who aspire to pursue rewarding careers in various sports industry sectors. The program blends coursework in business, management, marketing, finance, and leadership with a focus on the unique dynamics of athletic environments.

Sports Marketing

STEM Education

This certificate allows the university to serve the needs of in-service teachers who seek a STEM Education credential. This online certificate is available to teachers both in and outside North Dakota. Through the teachers enrolled in the certificate, STEM education will reach students at the primary and secondary levels and prepare them for the world as it has become.

STEM Education - Elementary

STEM Education Gifted and Talented

STEM Education - Secondary

Strategic Communications

Strategist Special Education

Strength and Conditioning

Strength and Conditioning

The Strength and Conditioning Specialist major is primarily designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, theories, and practical applications related to strength training, conditioning, and athletic performance enhancement. Students choosing this major will find their learning enhanced by exposure to state- of-the-art equipment and an exercise physiology lab housed in the Gaukler Family Health, Wellness, and Physical Education Center.

Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching parallels the undergraduate Teacher Education program and Master of Education degree by employing a set of core courses required to meet North Dakota teacher certification. This degree helps meet the increasing demand for teachers in shortage areas and also provide graduate credentials for career and salary advancement. The program provides a more direct path to teacher licensure through an advanced level professional degree.

Teaching English Learners (EL)

Teaching English Learners (EL)

This Graduate Certificate in Teaching EL provides in-service teachers with the cultural and linguistic pedagogy needed to address the EL needs of North Dakota teachers and will also meet other state requirements. This certificate provides a path for in-service teachers who already possess baccalaureate teaching credentials and may have M.ED.s with the necessary coursework to be credentialed as an EL instructor.

Teaching English Learners (EL)

Capitalizing on the university's excellent reputation and historic role in teacher preparation this concentration serves teachers who seek the EL endorsement at the graduate level.

Teaching & Technology (T&T)

VCSU has designed this concentration for teachers at either primary or secondary levels wishing to pursue a master's degree. It is a unique program, not only in the state, but also in the country. Curriculum focuses on the use of technologies to enrich teaching and learning and provides content specific course work in some subject areas.

Technology Education

The Technology and STEM Education Online Teacher Prep Program at VCSU supports both online and face-to-face students. This program models project and problem-based hands-on learning as well as inquiry-based learning. The design challenges offered in the curriculum require critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. VCSU's Online Technology Education Program has licensed and certified teachers all across the United States.

Technology Education (Tech Ed)

Valley City State University (VCSU) has designed this concentration for primary and secondary level educators wishing to pursue a master's degree in Technology Education or Career and Technical Education. Curriculum in the courses is set up to be consistent with the Standards for Technological Literacy defined by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) as well as the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education.

University Studies

The Bachelor of University Studies degree is designed for students who want to customize their experience to fit their academic and career goals. It may be a good fit for those unsure of what they would like to pursue. This major allows students to develop a personalized degree program, and provides the ability to focus directly on individual goals, earn a four-year-degree, and move into the professional world successfully.

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)