WAHPETON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) and Valley City State University (VCSU) have formally signed a new articulation agreement creating a seamless, affordable pathway for students pursuing careers in elementary education.
The agreement allows students to complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree at NDSCS and transfer directly into VCSU’s Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) program with a major in Elementary Education. Students who complete the identified coursework at NDSCS will be able to easily transfer credits toward bachelor’s degree completion, reducing duplication of coursework and accelerating time to graduation.
The agreement was officially signed during a ceremony held Wednesday, December 17, at the NDSCS Career Innovation Center in Fargo. The event included remarks from NDSCS President Dr. Rod Flanigan and VCSU President Dr. Alan LaFave, highlighting the institutions’ shared commitment to strengthening the regional teacher workforce.
“This partnership expands access to high-quality teacher education while providing students with a clear, supported pathway from a two-year degree to a four-year teaching credential,” said Dr. Flanigan. “By working together, NDSCS and VCSU are addressing workforce needs while keeping higher education accessible and affordable.”
Through the agreement, instruction will be delivered using a combination of on-campus and distance-delivery methods. Academic advising, student support services, and financial aid coordination will be provided collaboratively by both institutions to ensure a smooth transition from NDSCS to VCSU.
Graduates of the program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from VCSU and be eligible for licensure in North Dakota through the Educational Standards and Practices Board.
Valley City State University is a statewide leader in teacher education, with more than 1,500 alumni currently working as teachers or administrators in approximately 350 North Dakota schools. VCSU annually awards the most undergraduate teaching degrees of any institution in the state and is ranked the #1 Best College for Teacher Education in North Dakota by
Niche.com.
“We are excited about this new partnership between NDSCS and VCSU,” said Larry Brooks, VCSU Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This agreement allows students to complete an AA or AS degree from NDSCS and transfer seamlessly to VCSU where they will finish a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in Elementary Education. This partnership provides students with a high-quality teacher education program to address the teacher shortage and meet workforce needs of the state.”
The partnership reflects a shared mission by NDSCS and VCSU to support students, strengthen the teacher pipeline, and meet the evolving educational needs of North Dakota and the region.
Feature photo L to R; NDSCS President Dr. Rod Flanigan and VCSU President Dr. Alan LaFave.