Overview

The Elementary and Special Education programme at the University of South Dakota provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring teachers to gain dual expertise in general and inclusive classroom settings. This four-year degree is designed to prepare educators who can motivate, support, and advocate for a diverse range of learners in the 21st-century school environment. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates literacy, modern teaching methods, and a dedicated technology endorsement.

Why Elementary and Special Education at the University of South Dakota?

The University of South Dakota was the first institution in the state to implement a year-long student teaching residency model, ensuring graduates enter the workforce with hundreds of hours of real-world experience. Students benefit from small class sizes and the ability to select placement locations of their choice for their final residency year. The School of Education also provides access to undergraduate research opportunities, allowing students to conduct innovative projects with faculty support and potential grant funding.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 13299 per year
National fee: USD 13299 per year
Local fee: USD 9687 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on a rich knowledge base in teaching methods and integrated literacy. Modules may include:

Elementary Education
Special Education
Integrated Literacy
Technology Endorsement
Teaching Methods
Teacher Residency

Careers with Elementary and Special Education

Graduates are prepared for high-demand teaching roles across South Dakota and beyond. By earning a South Dakota Teaching Certificate with both Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education endorsements, students become exceptional candidates for various educational positions. Potential career paths include:

Elementary School Teacher (K-8)
Special Education Teacher (K-12)
Middle School Teacher
Inclusive Education Specialist
Educational Technology Coordinator

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Physical Science for Elementary School Teachers

Geography and World History for Elementary Teachers

K-8 Science Methods

K-8 Math Methods Seminar

Integrated Literacy

K-8 Social Science Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

126 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vermillion, United States

Disciplines

Special Education Primary Education View 640 other Bachelors in Primary Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Official high school (secondary school) transcript with grade point average equivalent to 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.
Demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of the following.
Application Fee
Passport
Official Statement of Finances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

13299 USD / year

≈ 13299 USD / year
Out-of-State

13299 USD / year

≈ 13299 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9687 USD / year

≈ 9687 USD / year

Living costs

Vermillion

United States

1024 - 1781 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Elementary and Special Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Vermillion

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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