ORGANIZATION OF NSU

Board of Regents
306 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 200, Pierre, SD 57501
Honorable Terry Baloun Highmore
Honorable Richard Belatti Madison Academic Administration
Honorable James Hansen Pierre David Chown Dean, School of Business
Honorable Harvey Jewett, IV Aberdeen B.A., Central College
Honorable Kathryn Johnson Rapid City M.A., Central Michigan University
Honorable Dean Krogman Brookings Ph.D., University of Iowa
Honorable Randall Morris Spearfish
C.G. Mendez Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Honorable Carole Pagones Sioux Falls
B.A., Benedictine College
Honorable Melanie Satchell Rapid City
M.A., University of Colorado, Boulder
M.B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder
Officers of the Regents Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder
Honorable Harvey Jewett, IV President Peggy Hallstrom Registrar
Honorable Terry Baloun Vice President B.S., University of Minnesota
Honorable Kathryn Johnson Secretary M.A., Hamline University
Officers of Northern State University Thomas Hawley Dean, School of Education
B.A., South Dakota State University Professor of Education
Laurie Nichols Interim President,
M.A. University of Northern Colorado
B.S. South Dakota State University, Professor of Home Economics
Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin
M.S. Colorado State University
Ph.D. Ohio State University Alan LaFave Dean, School of Fine Arts
B.M.E., Northern State University Professor of Music
Clyde Arnold Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs,
M.M., Arizona State University
B.S., University of Houston Professor of Economics
D.M.A., Arizona State University
M.A., University of Houston
Ph.D., University of Oklahoma J. Philip Mulvaney Director of Library,
B.A., St. John’s University Associate Professor of
Donald W. Erlenbusch Vice President for
M.A., University of Toronto Library Science
B.S., Northern State University Finance and Administration
M.L.S., Rutgers University
John Meyer Legal Counsel, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
B.A., University of the Pacific Professor of Business Law

M.B.A., University of South Dakota

J.D., University of South Dakota

Rhoda Smith Vice President for Student Affairs
B.A., University of Minnesota, Morris
M.S., Minnesota State University, Moorhead

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Academic Calendar 2008 Fall Semester

September 1 Monday Labor Day: no classes
September 2 Tuesday Complete Registration
classes begin 4 p.m.
September 3 Wednesday Classes begin
October 13 Monday Native American Day; no classes
November 11 Tuesday Veterans Day; no classes
November 26-28 Wednesday-Friday Thanksgiving Holiday begins 5 p.m. November 26; no classes
December 13 Saturday Winter Commencement 10:30 a.m.
Johnson Fine Arts Center
December 15-19 Monday-Friday Final exam schedule in effect

2009 Spring Semester
January 14 Wednesday Complete Registration; classes begin 4 p.m.
January 15 Thursday Classes Begin
January 19 Monday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; no classes
February 16 Monday Presidents’ Day; no classes
March 9-13 Monday-Friday Spring Break; no classes
April 10-13 Friday-Monday Easter Holiday; no classes
May 4-8 Monday-Friday Final exam schedule in effect
May 9 Saturday Spring Commencement 10:30 a.m.
Barnett Center

2009 Summer Session
May 11-August 28

2008-2009
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY


NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
The Institution
Northern State University was established by the South
Dakota Legislature in 1901 in response to the need for an
institution of higher education to serve northern South
Dakota. Over time, the mission of Northern State University
has changed and expanded to fit the needs of the region and
the state. Originally known as a teacher’s college, Northern
State University is now a multi-purpose institution. Current
enrollment is approximately 3,000 students.
The education of teachers remains an important aspect of
the university’s statewide mission, as the diverse and highly
respected teaching programs at Northern State University
demonstrate. Today’s Northern State University offers an
outstanding liberal arts and science core. Excellent programs
in business, education and fine arts complement the arts and
sciences. Graduates of these programs can choose from a
variety of career options, including employment in business,
industry, government, education and the arts. Northern State
University remains committed to offering a strong liberal arts
component in its programs.
While most of the student body comes from South Dakota,
North Dakota and Minnesota, about 35 other states and 10
foreign countries are also represented.
The Campus
Northern State University claims one of the most beautiful
campuses in the Midwest. Trees shade its 57 acres and during
the spring, summer and fall, flowers bloom along walkways
that are closed to all but pedestrian traffic. The most historic
of its 29 buildings border a park-like center known as The
Green. Every point on campus is within easy walking distance
of downtown Aberdeen.
THE BEULAH WILLIAMS LIBRARY is the finest
undergraduate library in the state of South Dakota. Its mission
is to provide quality resources to enhance student learning
and to enrich the NSU community. The facility houses the
NSU Archives. It provides seating for 400 students and
includes a training classroom and group study rooms. The
Library subscribes to over 100 online databases which enable
students to have access to over 32,000 online journal titles,
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
The Institution
most of which are full-text. The Library’s holdings consist of
more than 250,000 items and include over 35,000 federal and
state documents, nearly 300,000 microforms. Access to all of
these collections is provided to students and faculty 24 hours
a day, seven days a week through the Library’s web site at
http://www.northern.edu/library.
THE JOHNSON FINE ARTS CENTER includes a 1,000-seat
theater, the Berggren Recital Hall, a lecture auditorium, band
and choir rehearsal halls, theatrical scene shop, dressing and
costume rooms, plus instrumental and drama faculty offices.
The building also serves the campus as a major classroom
facility.
THE STUDENT CENTER is the center of social life on
campus. It houses the Wolves Den dining facility, bookstore,
post office, an art gallery, student government offices, meeting
rooms and lounges. Students also gather at Thunder’s Lair for
dances and entertainment that includes comedians, singers
and musicians.
THE JOSEPH H. BARNETT PHYSICAL EDUCATION
AND CONVOCATION CENTER is one of the newest and
finest athletic centers in the state. The multi-use building
features an 8,000-seat arena (that fills to capacity for many
Northern events), classrooms, six-lane Olympic swimming
pool, 160-meter track, wrestling and weight-lifting facilities
and basketball, tennis, volleyball, handball/racquetball/squash
courts. The Barnett Center is open to intervarsity and
intramural athletes as well as exercisers.
THE CLARK SWISHER ATHLETIC COMPLEX is a
community-based outdoor athletic facility. Located two miles
east of the main campus, the complex has an all-weather
lighted field for football, soccer, track and field. The stadium
seats 6,000 spectators for Wolves games.
THE ENROLLMENT SERVICES OFFICES are located in
Dacotah Hall, Room 101 and 103 and houses undergraduate
admissions, financial aid, academic records and registration
services. The Office is conveniently located on 12th Avenue
Southeast with visitor parking provided near the entrance.
THE INSTITUTION
THE NSU CENTER FOR STATEWIDE E-LEARNING was
established by the South Dakota legislature in March 2001 to
serve all levels of South Dakota’s educational system through
Digital Dakota Network, Internet and videoconferencing
technologies. The center serves K-12 schools, undergraduate
students and graduate students through distance education
and interactive instructional technologies.
THE NSU TECHNOLOGY CENTER is one of the most
attractive and best equipped in the state. Located in center
campus as a northern addition to the Mewaldt-Jensen
Building, the Technology Center houses three general use
computer labs, two video production studios and editing
suites, a cyber lounge, two smart classrooms, a conference
room with multimedia presentation capabilities, offices for
NET Services staff and Arts and Sciences faculty, and the
NSU Help Center. The Help Center provides free technical
assistance to faculty, staff and students. A centrally located,
lighted courtyard with perennial plantings, brick walkways, a
fountain, and benches provides an open air sanctuary where
people can socialize and hold special events. The entire
Technology Center and courtyard have wireless Internet
access.
THE NSU INTRAMURAL AND RECREATION CENTER
located in the Dacotah Hall Gymnasium is a wellness center
that is available to our students. The 3,600 square foot facility
features two levels of area designed for individual exercise
activities. The first floor features a variety of cardiovascular
and strength training equipment. The second level offers
a large space for movement type activities such as pilates,
kickboxing, and yoga. This facility also houses the central
operations for campus Intramurals. A circulation desk offers
students the opportunity to check out athletic equipment and
utilize the gymnasium space for open recreation.
The Intramural & Recreation Center offers card access for
entry to students, staff, and faculty that have completed a
safety orientation. The facility also features work-study staff
available during peak times throughout the week.

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Admission Information
ADMISSIONS
INFORMATION
Northern State University welcomes applications from all who
meet its requirements. Admission may be granted for either
the regular academic year or summer sessions. All students
seeking admission for enrollment in on-campus classes must
complete the Undergraduate Admission Application form
and submit the related documents before admission can
be determined. All materials become the property of the
University and are not returned.
Admission may be withdrawn if granted on the basis of false
information willfully submitted or if facts requested in the
application process are intentionally concealed or omitted.
Northern State University admits all qualified students without
regard to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability,
or religion.
Admission Procedures
New Freshmen Students
1. Fill out South Dakota Common application form.
2. Pay $20.00 non-refundable application fee.
3. Submit:
a. Official high school transcript including class rank and 1. Fill out Non-degree application form and Immunization declares an epidemic of measles, mumps or rubella, Northern
cumulative grade point average or GED scores.
b. ACT scores (waived if student is 22 years old or older.)
4. Upon acceptance, students will be sent housing and (Visiting students from another college outside SD Regental
immunization forms to be returned to Northern State System)
University.
Transfer Students
1. Fill out South Dakota Common application form.
2. Pay $20.00 non-refundable application fee.
3. Submit:
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

a. Official college transcript(s) sent directly from each
college attended.
b. official high school transcript with date of graduation.
NOTE: Any transfer student whose total academic record is
If you have questions about admission or application status,
call Northern State University Enrollment Services at
(605) 626-2544, or 1-800-NSU-5330.
Preadmission Immunization Requirements
less than a C, or who has been on probation or suspended Students born after December 31, 1956 who attend classes
from the transferring institution, will either be admitted on on campus must document their immune status for measles,
probation or rejected. Students who are not eligible to mumps and rubella. Proof of two doses of measles, mumps
return to the school from which they are transferring will and rubella vaccine or of separate vaccinations against all
not be admitted. Students suspended by another college three diseases, or of the presence of an immune antibody
for academic reasons may be admitted on probation after titer against measles, mumps and rubella shall be required.
the lapse of two terms. Immunization for tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis, as well
as a tuberculin test are recommended. This documentation
c. ACT scores (waived if student is 22 years old or older.)
may be accomplished by either a State Health Department
4. Upon acceptance, student will be sent housing and certificate, or it may be included as part of the institution’s
immunization forms to be returned to Northern State physical exam report.
University.
A student who fails to provide satisfactory documentation of
Reentry Students his or her immune status shall not be permitted to register for
(Previous Northern State University students who have not or attend classes. Northern State University’s president or the
attended for one or more terms and have not attended president’s designee may grant an extension of the deadline
another institution.) for an amount of time determined necessary. In no case may
1. Fill out South Dakota Re-Entry application form. the extension be longer than one semester.
2. Other requirements, if applicable Students who are unable to ascertain their immunization
status may obtain, at their own expense, the necessary tests
Special Students and vaccination from the Student Health Service of Northern
(Students who do not intend to earn a degree at Northern State University, (605) 626-7694.
State University) In the event the South Dakota State Department of Health
form. State University shall provide to the State Department
Transient Students of Health a list of students who have not submitted
immunization documentation. Subsequent campus actions
shall consider the advice and authority of the South
Dakota State Department of Health. Students who have no
1. Fill out Non-degree application form.. vaccination or immunity against the required preventable
2. Submit Transient Student form. infectious diseases may be dismissed from the campus.
New and returning students should return completed Undergraduate Admission Requirements
application, fee and any transcripts to: High School Graduates. For admission to baccalaureate
Enrollment Service Center NSU Enrollment Services degree programs, high school graduates must:
414 E. Clark, SDU 317 or 1200 South Jay Street
Vermillion, SD 57069 Aberdeen, SD 57401
 ADMISSION INFORMATION

1. Rank in the top 60% of their high school graduating class; d. Three years of social studies — history, economics, with no standard test score below 410 in place of the ACT and
OR obtain an ACT composite score of 18 (SAT-I 870) or sociology, geography, government—including U.S. and will be admitted at the discretion of the institution.
above; OR obtain a high school GPA of at least 2.6 on a 4.0 South Dakota, American Problems, etc. Non-Traditional Students. Students who are at least
scale; AND
OR ACT social studies/reading subtest score of 17 or above twenty-two (22) years of age will be admitted at Northern
2. Meet the minimum course requirements with an average
OR Advanced Placement Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, State University’s discretion. Applicants need to submit an
grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale); OR demonstrate appropriate
Comparative or US Government and Policies, Europpean application for admission (with fee), high school transcript
competencies in discipline areas where course and ACT scores (if available). Upon acceptance students
or US Hitory, or Psychology score of three (3) or
requirements have not been met. will need to make arrangements immediately to take the
above.
Minimum Course Requirements. All baccalaureate or COMPASS exam.
e. At the time of admission to Northern State University,
general studies students under 22 years of age, including Former Students or Transfer Students. Students
it is expected that students will have basic keyboarding
students transferring with fewer than twenty-four (24) credit
skills and have had experience in using computer word- returning with previous post-secondary education may
hours, must meet the following minimum high school course apply as transfer students. Transfer students must submit a
processing, database and spreadsheet packages and in
requirements. Northern State University application, the application fee,* a
using the Internet or other wide area networks. These
a. Four years of English — courses with major emphasis expectations may be met by high school course work or high school transcript with a graduation date, and a complete,
upon grammar, composition, or literary analysis. One demonstrated by some other means. Incoming students official transcript bearing the original seal and signature of
year of debate instruction may be included to meet this assessed and found deficient in this area may be the official in charge of records from every college, university,
requirement. required to complete specific computer skills courses or technical school previously attended. Transcripts must be
within first 42 credits hours attempted. mailed directly from the previous institutions. The applicant
OR ACT English sub-test score of 18 or above
shall also submit any other records required by the university
OR Advanced Placement English score of three (3) or above. f. One-half year of fine arts (will increase to one year to support the application for admission. Failure to do so shall
for Fall 2005 admissions) for students graduating be grounds for dismissal.
b. Three years of advanced mathematics — algebra,
from South Dakota high schools - art, theater, or music
geometry, trigonometry or other advanced mathematics A transfer applicant with twenty-four (24) or more credits shall
(appreciation, analysis, or performance). Documented
including accelerated or honors mathematics (algebra) have maintained a C average for all college work previously at-
evidence of high school level non-credit fine arts activity
provided at the eighth grade level; not included are: tempted. Transfer applicants with less than twenty-four cred-
will be accepted for students graduating from high
pre-algebra, arithmetic, business, consumer or general its will be evaluated for admission based on the high school
schools in states that do not require completion of
mathematics or other similar courses. graduate admissions requirements. Students who do not meet
courses in fine arts for graduation.
OR ACT mathematics subtest score of 20 or above these requirements may be permitted to apply for admission
OR Advanced Placement History of Art, Studio Art after submitting satisfactory information indicating potential
OR Advanced Placement Calculus score of three (3) or drawing or general porfolio or Music Theory score for success in college. If admitted, such a student shall be on
above. of three (3) or above. academic probation. A transfer student must declare a major
c. Three years of laboratory science — courses in biology, Non-High School Graduates, Including Home Schooled on admission or during the third semester of collegiate work,
chemistry, or physics in which at least one (1) regular Students. An applicant who is not a high school graduate whichever occurs last.
laboratory period is scheduled each week. Accelerated or must obtain an ACT composite score of 18 and subscore of In general, a transfer applicant under academic suspension
honors science (biology, physics or chemistry) provided 18 in ACT English, Mathematics, subscore of 20 in Social from the last college attended would not be considered
in the eighth grade shall be accepted. Qualified physical Studies/Reading and Science reasoning sub-test scores of at for admission during the period of suspension, or, if for
science or earth science courses (with lab) shall be least 17 and meet any university determined requirements an indefinite period, until two terms after the last date of
decided on a case by case basis. for admission to baccalaureate programs. Students must be attendance. When eligible for consideration, the applicant will
OR ACT science reasoning subtest score of 17 or above at least 18 years of age, or the high school class of which the be considered as above. A transfer applicant under disciplinary
student was a member must have graduated from high school. suspension will not be considered for admission until the
OR Placement Biology, Chemistry, or Physics score of three
Students 21 may submit a GED total score of 2250 or above suspension is lifted and a statement concerning the reason for
(3) or above.
suspension is received from the previous college.

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 

ADMISSION INFORMATION
Admission Information
*Note: Students who transfer from another SD Regental
Institution do not need to pay the application fee again.
Transfer Credit. All academic courses completed at
colleges and universities accredited by a regional accrediting
association are entered on the transcript at Northern State
University. The Transfer Credit Practices of Designated
Educational Institutions, published by the American
Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
is used as a guideline for determining transferability. All
transferred records become a permanent part of the students’
records. All students must meet requirements of the
curriculum in which they are enrolled.
Academic courses will be transferred as meeting graduation
requirements if the courses parallel the scope and depth
requirements for the degree or if the courses meet electives
required for the degree. Evaluation of courses will be made by
the appropriate institutional officials at the time of admission
by comparing descriptions, content and level of courses
completed with those at Northern State University. Credit will
not be given for duplication of courses. Courses accepted in
transfer in a discipline not represented in the Northern State
University curriculum will be accepted as general electives
with the exception of a six-semester-hour limit in the field
of religion. Remedial courses, orientation, life experience
and high school level courses are not accepted for transfer
credit. No transfer credit is granted for General Education
Development Tests.
General education courses from regionally accredited
vocational-technical institutes may be accepted in transfer,
subject to Board of Regents policy. Credit which may be
applied to a major must be validated by CLEP subject exams
where applicable. Courses identified in approved articulation
agreements will automatically be accepted. When a course has
been repeated for credit, the last grade earned will be used in
the evaluation of the acceptance of credit.
Credit earned for college level courses by examination,
extension, correspondence, CLEP, advanced placement,
USAFI, DANTES, military experience and other non-collegiate
instruction will be evaluated and accepted for transfer if
equivalent to a Northern State University course.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Total transfer credit for work at a junior or community college b. Upon receipt of the decision being appealed, the provost/
or at a vocational-technical college may not exceed one-half vice president will attempt an informal resolution between
of the hours required for completion of the baccalaureate the student and the faculty. Unless extenuating
degree at the accepting institution. Students who have circumstances exist, resolution will be attempted within
completed more than the acceptable semester hours of 10 working days after receipt of the appeal.
junior, community, vocational or technical college work may c. If an informal resolution is not possible, the provost/vice
apply completed, transferable courses to specific course president will present the appeal to the Council of Deans
requirements and thereby may not be required to repeat for a recommendation. Appeals will be referred to the
the courses; however, the semester hours of credit for those Council of Deans within 10 working days after it is
additional courses are not applied toward the minimum credit determined an informal resolution is found to be
hours required for the degree. impossible.
Northern State University may refuse to recognize credits d. Within 10 working days after the recommendation by the
from a non-accredited college or may admit the applicant on a Council of Deans, the Provost/Vice President for Academic
provisional basis and provide a means for evaluating some or all Affairs will advise the student of the decision.
of the credits. Each applicant from a non-accredited college will
be considered on merit. e. If the student does not find the action satisfactory, he
or she may appeal the decision to the president.
General education requirements successfully completed within Continuation of the appeal must be accomplished within
the South Dakota higher education system will be accepted as 10 working days of the decision (based on Council of
meeting requirements for similar degree programs. Deans’ recommendation) by the Provost/Vice President
Transfer credits will be accepted with the same grade and for Academic Affairs.
credit as was recorded. Transfer courses from institutions
f. A written record of the appeal proceedings will be
with a different credit and/or grading system will be equitably maintained by the Provost/Vice President for Academic
converted to the semester system used at Northern State
Affairs. Unless otherwise requested, the hearings will be
University. The Northern State University grade point average closed.
will be based exclusively upon hours completed at Northern
State University. The cumulative grade point average, including Rising Scholar/Dual Enrollment. Northern State University
transfer and Northern State University hours completed, will be encourages high school students (classified as a junior or
used for graduation requirements and minimum progression senior)whose maturity, achievement, aptitude and goals
standards. Both are used to determine graduation honors. warrant special consideration to seek dual enrollment. The
program will provide high school students an opportunity to
At Northern State University, the president is responsible take university coursework in conjunction with high school
for insuring that regental policy is followed in determining
activities. Acceptance is contingent upon recommendation
transferability of courses in meeting graduation requirements. from a high school official. Contact the Northern State
Policy to Appeal Transfer of Credit Decision. University Enrollment Services Office, 1200 South Jay Street,
Students who wish to appeal transfer of credit decisions made Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198 or at 800-NSU-5330 for further
at the faculty level do so as follows. information.
a. Within 10 working days after the student becomes International Students. Inquiries concerning international
aware of the decision to be appealed, he or she must student admission may be directed to the Director of
advise the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs in Admissions, Northern State University, 1200 South Jay Street,
writing. Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198. International students shall:
 ADMISSION INFORMATION

1. Submit a completed application form with $20.00 (U.S. Certificate and Associate Degree Programs. For
currency) admission/matriculation fee to the Director of admission to an associate degree program at Northern State
Admissions, Northern State University. University, students must meet one of the following criteria:
2. Submit certified copies of certificates and Rank in the top 60% of their graduating class; OR obtain an
transcripts reflecting records of courses and grades ACT composite score of 18 or above; OR obtain a high school
earned. Transcripts must possess the official stamp or GPA of at least 2.6 on a 4.0 scale; AND meet the minimum
seal school attended. International transcripts need to course requirements with an average grade of C (2.0 on a
be translated to English and evaluated through WES. 4.0 scale) or demonstrate appropriate competencies in the
Official evaluation is required to be sent from WES discipline areas where course requirements have not been
directly to NSU. met. Students with a GED score of 225 or above will also be
3. Send evidence of a score of 500 or higher on the written admitted.
TOEFL, 173 on the computer based exam, 61 on Internet Students wishing to enroll in a certificate program will be
based test or 5 on IELTS. Students may also send a “Level admitted at Northern State University’s discretion. Applicants
109” Certificate of Proficiency from English Language need to submit and application for admission (with fee), high
Services. Northern’s TOEFL Institutional Code is 6487. school transcript and ACT scores. The ACT score will be
4. Complete and return the Summary of Educational waived for students 22 and over.
Experience form.
5. Complete Northern State University’s Declaration of
Finances form in order to provide evidence of their
capability to finance a program of study without
assistance. The form can be obtained by called the NSU
Office of Admissions at (605) 626-2544 or 1-800-NSU-
5330.
6. Complete and return immunization form.
7. Purchase a Board of Regents student health
insurance plan for self and family members.
8. Provide a copy of an F1-Visa.
Issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility, Form I-20, A/B will be
made only upon completion of all admission requirements.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to make all necessary
arrangements through official channels for entrance into the
United States. Applicants residing in another country should
make application six months prior to anticipated enrollment
date in case an additional transcript evaluation is needed.
Students in the United States should allow four months to
complete the admission process.

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
During the 2007-2008 award year, about 90 percent of
Northern State University students received more than $13.4
million in financial aid. Assistance comes in the form of
grants, long-term loans, part-time work and scholarships. A
brief description of the financial aid programs is listed below. government until six months after the student graduates or is
Additional information is available at www.studentaid.ed.gov.
Applying for Financial Assistance
Most financial aid is awarded on the basis of need. Need
is determined by deducting the amount that a student
and/or his or her parents can contribute toward educational
expenses from the cost of attending Northern State
University (tuition, fees, room, board, books, personal, and
transportation expenses). To apply for federal financial aid,
students must complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA). For accurate and efficient processing
the FAFSA should be electronically submitted at www.fafsa.
ed.gov. To be considered a priority applicant, the FAFSA
must be submitted by March 1 prior to the beginning of the
academic year. Students applying for federal assistance for
summer sessions must also complete the Northern State
University Summer Financial Aid Application. The Financial
Aid Office has both FAFSA and Summer Application forms.
Types of Financial Assistance
Federal Pell Grant: Available to undergraduate students
who do not already have a bachlor’s degree. Grant money
does not have to be repaid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
(SEOG): Available to undergraduate students pursuing their
first bachelor’s degree who are enrolled at least half-time.
Priority must be given to neediest students and Pell Grant
recipients.
Academic Competitiveness Grant: Provides up to $750
for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for
the second year of undergraduate study to students enrolled
at least half-time who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and
who successfully completed a rigorous high school program.
Second year students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at
least 3.0.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

SMART Grant (Science and Mathematics Access to
Retain Talent): Provides up to $4, 000 for each of the third
and fourth years of undergraduate study to students enrolled
at least half-time who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, and
majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics,
technology, engineering, or in a foreign language determined
critical to national security. The student must also have
maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least
3.0.
TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for
College and Higher Education): This grant program
provides up to $4000 per year for both undergraduate and
graduate students. Students must be majoring in education
and have at least a 3.25 gpa, or score above the 75th
percentile on an admissions test such as ACT, SAT, or GRE.
Students must teach full-time for at least four years within
eight years of completing a program as a highly-qualified
teacher in a low-income school district, in an identified
critical-need area. If the teaching requirement is not met, the
grant must be repaid as an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, with
interest from the date(s) of original disbursement.
Federal Work-Study: Available to students who
demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at least half-time.
Individuals on the Work-Study program are paid on a monthly
basis for hours worked. Student workers are paid an hourly
rate of at least federal minimum wage, as established by the
student’s supervisor. These funds cover indirect costs since
they are not available at the beginning of the term when
tuition and fee payment is due.
Federal Perkins Loan: Available to students who
demonstrate financial need and who are enrolled at least half-
time. Repayment and 5 percent interest begin nine months
after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time.
Federal Stafford Loan: Available through lending
institutions to eligible students who demonstrate financial
need. Undergraduates may receive a loan up to the amount
of need, but not more than $3,500 for freshmen, not more
than $4,500 for sophomores and not more than $5,500 per
year for the remaining years of undergraduate study. Loans
to graduate students may not exceed $8,500 per year. The
amount of the loan may not exceed the cost of attendance
minus the expected family contribution and other financial
aid.
Interest on the Stafford Loan (6% currently for undergraduate
students and 6.8% for graduate students) is paid by the federal
no longer enrolled at least half-time. A 1% origination fee and
a 1% default fee may be deducted from the proceeds of the
loan prior to disbursement.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: This is similar to
the Stafford Loan except for the following: 1) need is not a
factor; the student may borrow to replace the expected family
contribution, and 2) interest accrues and may be capitalized or
paid during school and grace periods. The interest is a fixed
rate of 6.8%. Loan limits are the same as the Stafford Loan, but
the total combined amount cannot exceed the annual limits.
Federal PLUS Loan: Available to credit-worthy parents of
dependent students. Maximum eligibility cannot exceed the
student budget minus any other financial aid. The interest
rate is a fixed rate of 8.5%. Repayment begins within 60 days
after disbursement but may be deferred while the student is
enrolled at least half-time.
Additional Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Eligibility: Dependant students may be eligible for an
additional $2,000 Unsubsidized Stafford Loan if they have
already received the maximum Stafford/Unsubsidized Stafford
Loan based on their current grade level. Independent
students and dependent students whose parents were
denied a PLUS loan who are freshmen and sophomores may
receive an additional $6,000 in Unsubsidized Loan, juniors
and seniors an additional $7,000 and graduate students an
additional $12,000. A student can borrow no more than the
cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Interest rate
and repayment provisions are the same as for the regular
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan program.
Supplemental Loans: In addition to the federal aid
programs listed above, there are several supplemental
loan programs available for students and/or parents to
borrow. The eligibility criteria, loan limits, interest rates, and
repayment terms will vary from one program to the next.

Financial Information
Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information about
the various programs available.
Scholarships: Like grants, scholarships do not need to be
repaid. They are funded by individuals, organizations, or
non-governmental agencies. At Northern State University,
academic scholarships are awarded on the basis of excellent
work rather than on need.
Freshman Scholarships range from $50 for one year to
$5,000 for four years. For applications and deadline dates
for these awards, contact the Enrollment Services Office,
Northern State University, 1200 South Jay Street, Aberdeen,
SD 57401-7198.
Athletic Scholarships are awarded based on sport
participation. To apply for an athletic scholarship, contact the
Athletic Director, Northern State University, 1200 South Jay
Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198.
Music and Art Scholarships go to students who excel in
those areas. To apply for a music or art scholarship, contact
Dean, School of Fine Arts, Northern State University, 1200
South Jay Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198.
Upperclass Scholarships are awarded by individual
departments at Northern State University. Contact department
for additional information.
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic
Progress Policy
In order to receive Federal Student Aid, the U.S. Department
of Education requires that students maintain satisfactory
academic progress toward the completion of their degree.
Federal Student Aid includes Federal Pell Grant, Federal
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG),
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National SMART
Grant, TEACH Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins
Loan, Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Grant
(LEAP), Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized),
and Federal PLUS Loan. Also, other Federal Agencies may
require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
for their aid programs.
The academic record of all students will be monitored to
ensure compliance with the requirements specified below.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Therefore, even the academic record of those who have not Graduate Students: Graduate students must maintain a
received Federal Student Aid in the past may impact future minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 each term.
eligibility. Failure to meet all three of the following standards 2. QUANTITATIVE MEASURES
will result in financial aid suspension of eligibility for Federal
Student Aid. All students (both undergraduate and graduate) must
successfully complete 67% of cumulative attempted credit
1. QUALITATIVE MEASURES hours. Attempted credit hours include all hours that would
Undergraduate Students: appear on a student’s academic transcript at the end of any
given term, including withdrawals, incompletes, repeated
An undergraduate student must meet minimum academic
courses, remedial coursework, and transfer hours. Audited
progression standards as established by the South Dakota
coursework is not included. Hours that may have been part of
Board of Regents. These standards are based on the student’s
a successful academic amnesty appeal will still be included.
cumulative grade point average and system term grade point
average. The system term grade point average is based on Successfully completed hours for both graduate and
credits earned from the six Board of Regents universities undergraduate students include grades of A, B, C, D and S.
during a given term. The cumulative grade point average A grade of EX for undergraduate students is also considered
includes all credits earned (transfer plus system credit). All successful completion. All other grades would not be
remedial and audited coursework is excluded from this considered successful completion (such as F (failure),
calculation. Making satisfactory academic progression is as W (withdrawal), U (unsatisfactory), IP (in process) or I
follows: (incomplete)).
1. A student with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or Evaluation of this standard will be measured once per year,
better is considered to be in good academic standing. generally at the end of the spring term.
2. If a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below 3. MAXIMUM ATTEMPTED CREDIT HOURS
2.0 in any academic term (i.e. fall, spring, summer), the The U.S. Department of Education has established a limit on
student is placed on academic probation the following the number of credit hours a student can attempt and still
term. remain eligible for Federal Student Aid. All credits attempted
3. While on academic probation, the student must earn a (except audited coursework) are included. This limit is based
system term grade point average of 2.0 or better. on 150% of the credit hours needed to complete the degree
4. When a student on academic probation achieves a that the student is pursuing. Evaluation of this standard will
cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better, the be measured once per year, generally at the end of the spring
student is returned to good academic standing. term.
Type of Degree Maximum Credit Hours
5. A student on academic probation who fails to maintain a
Attempted
system term grade point average of 2.0 or better is
Associate Degree 96
placed on academic suspension for a minimum period of
Bachelor’s Degree (128-hour program) 192
two academic terms.
Bachelor’s Degree (150-hour program) 225
A review takes place at the end of every term (summer, Master’s Degree (32-hour program) 48
fall, spring). A student placed on academic suspension is Master’s Degree (36-hour program) 54
also placed on financial aid suspension. Being reinstated Master’s Degree (48-hour program) 72
academically does not guarantee financial aid reinstatement.
The student must separately appeal the financial aid
suspension (See Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension).

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

APPEAL OF FINANCIAL AID SUSPENSION: Monthly Payment Plan

Students who have had their eligibility for Federal Student Aid
Northern State University contracts with Nelnet Business
suspended may submit an appeal form to explain mitigating
Solutions to offer an interest-free monthly payment plan
circumstances. There is no guarantee for approving a financial
called FACTS to students and/or parents. Contracts are done
aid eligibility appeal. Such appeals will be dealt with on a
per semester with a $40 Enrollment Fee. Automatic bank
case-by-case basis and must be submitted no later than the
payments are made monthly from savings or checking, or by
end of the first week of the term for which the appeal applies.
credit card (Mastercard, Discover, American Express). Contact
An appeal form is available at the NSU Financial Aid Office or
the Finance Office or Financial Aid for more information.
on the NSU web site at www.northern.edu. Based upon the
circumstances of an approved appeal, the Appeal Committee
reserves the right to place conditions which the student
must meet in order to be considered for financial aid on a
probationary basis for subsequent semesters.
REINSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY:
Students who have lost their Federal Aid eligibility, but have
subsequently met the qualitative and/or quantitative standards
as stated above, will have their aid eligibility reinstated.
Reinstatement will be considered effective with the next term
of attendance.
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGESS AND NON-
FEDERAL AID: There are also non-federal sources of
financial assistance (institutional, local, private, state), which
may require students to meet satisfactory academic progress
standards. Students who apply for non-federal forms of aid
are advised to review the academic standards in order to
determine or ensure continued eligibility.
Other Sources of Financial Assistance
Short-term loans of up to $200 are available during the
academic year for students who encounter short-term financial
difficulties. There is a service fee of $1.00 per hundred for this
loan. An interest rate of 12 percent will be charged for loans
not paid by the due date. Students may apply for this loan at
the Finance Office. Short-term loans are not available in the
summer.
The Financial Aid Office and S.D. Department of Labor
offer a job location service for students who are not eligible
for federal work-study but who are interested in part-
time employment. Interested students may register with
Financial Aid or the on-campus S.D. Department of Labor
representative.

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

10
 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FEES AND EXPENSES North Dakota University Support Fee $81.65

First time Undergraduate students 2004-2006 $88.20 per credit hour for all classes taught on campus
Tuition rates and fees are approved by the Prior to Summer 2004 132.20
Board of Regents and may be revised during The university support fee (USF) supports the instructional
the year. Non-Resident Tuition and administrative service areas related to the institutional
Undergraduate $280.15 mission. Examples of areas funded by USF are direct
Northern State University requires full payment (tuition/fees/ Graduate 394.25 instruction, libraries, computer centers, admissions,
room/board) at the time of fee payment the first week of Credit by Examination 85.30 registration, financial aid, administrative offices, general
each semester. Bills are posted on-line through WebAdvisor Auditors — Same as regular non-resident tuition institutional expenses, and the payment of debt incurred
about three (3) weeks before start of semester. Payment may
Graduate Assistants for the construction, maintenance, repair, and equipping of
be made on-line through SDePay/WebAdvisor. Credit card
Graduate $ 44.55 campus buildings. Also used to augment faculty salaries to be
payments must be made on-line. Northern State University
comparable with like positions in the region.
accepts Mastercard, Discover and American Expresss (VISA is Remedial
not accepted). Registration will be canceled for students who Undergraduate (includes all fees) $ 237.20 Application Fee $ 20.00
fail to pay their fees on time unless arrangements are made The application for admission must be accompanied by a non-
SD Public Universities & Research Center refundable $20.00 application fee.
with the Finance Office. (Sioux Falls), Capital University Center
Tuition (Pierre), and Higher Education Center West General Activity Fee $20.55
Per Semester Hour Rivers (Rapid City) per credit hour for all classes taught on campus
Undergraduate (includes all fees) $ 237.20 The general activity fee (GAF) supports student functions
Resident Tuition
Graduate $ 317.40 related to the co-curricular activities and other student life
Undergraduate $ 88.20
services of the institution. Examples of activities funded by
Graduate 133.70 Self-Support (Correspondence, Extension) GAF are student organizations, cultural events, homecoming,
Credit by Examination 85.30 Off-Campus and Distance Education student government, yearbooks, student newspapers, student
Auditors — Same as regular resident tuition Undergraduate (includes all fees) $ 219.55 activities, administration and operational expenses for student
Western Undergraduate Exchange Tuition Graduate (includes all fees) 290.65 unions, athletics and intramurals.
(Residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Fees Lab Course Fee $51.30
Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Late Charges Designed to provide laboratory and disposable supplies
Utah, Washington and Wyoming)
Late charges will be assessed to students if no payment or used in science labs and for the direct support of academic
Undergraduate (150% of Resident Tuition) $ 132.30 financial arrangement to pay is received on accounts that have computing and the computer infrastructure in the computer
Adjacent State Tuition been billed and a due date has been established. labs, and art supplies for designated classes.
Resident students from Nebraska and Iowa, who will be If no payment or financial arrangement to pay is received Salary Enhancement Fee $5.10
attending a SD Board of Regents institution are eligible for by the established deadline, a late payment charge may be per credit hour for all courses taught by School of Business.
Adjacent State tuition rates. assessed on accounts of less than $100.00 and will be assessed The salary enhancement fee supports the salaries of faculty
Undergraduate (2001-2006, first time) $132.20 on accounts more than $100.00 as follows: teaching in the School of Business.
(2000-2001, first time) 197.30 $10.00 on accounts with a balance of less than $100 International Student Fee
$30.00 on accounts with a balance of $100 to $1,000 A $116.65 fee is assessed during application, admission,
Minnesota Students $50.00 on accounts with a balance greater than $1,000 or enrollment process, to cover the expenses associated
Undergraduate $133.15 with corresponding, reviewing, processing and updating
A late payment fee may be assessed each time payment is the necessary information and paperwork associated with
Graduate 258.80 not received by the established due date noted on the bill or international students.
deferral aggreement.

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 11

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Teacher Education Fee Wolf Pack $1001.35 Similarly, any student who is a resident of Minnesota for
Students enrolled in ELED 301 and SEED 301 pay a $148.85 Choose one: tuition purposes may attend a South Dakota public institution
fee. A $297.90 fee is assessed for students enrolled in Student 100 meals and $250 flex dollars on a space-available basis and pay the established reciprocity
Teaching. All flex dollars tuition for coursework. Students enrolled in those programs
Teacher Placement Upper Class* where special contracts exist between states are not eligible.
Each credential re-activation $ 20.00 $450.00 flex dollars Senior Citizens
Automobile Registration (per year) $ 41.50 *Available for Juniors and Seniors only. Students who are 65 years of age and older receive a tuition
Spring semester only $ 20.75 All meals will be served in the Wolves’ Den in the Student reduction that is one-fourth of the regular tuition rate (state
Center. support courses). Extension or self-support courses are
All students, faculty, staff, and others who operate a motor
excluded.
vehicle on campus must purchase a parking permit and Estimated Cost of Attendance per semester
become familiar with all parking and traffic regulations. NSU To help prospective students estimate the cost of one 16-week
parking permits are required and must be displayed on the semester (16 credit hours), a list of essential items follows. Refunds
vehicle at all times. The annual registration fee is effective at This does not include any allowance for clothes, travel or Canceled Registration
the beginning of the fall semester. incidental personal items. The application fee is paid at the If a student’s registration is canceled, no tuition and fees are
Return Check Policy first registration only. due. If payments have been made, a student is eligible for a
It is understood and agreed that upon presentation of Tuition (for resident students) $1,411.20 full refund.
your check as the form of payment for any Northern State Application Fee 20.00 Dropped Courses
University transaction, you are entering a contractual University Support Fee 1,306.40 A student receives a 100% refund of tuition and related fees
agreement that obligates you and holds you responsible General Activity Fee 328.80 for courses dropped within the drop/add period as defined
for any and all fees and expenses incidental to the principle Meal Plan 1,001.35 by the Board of Regents.
obligation on any check that is returned non-payable. Room, double room 1,241.90 Drop/Add period:
Returned checks, state surcharges, sales tax and incidental fees Books and supplies, approximately 450.00
may be debited from your account electronically or by way of The drop/add period is 10% of the number of calendar days
$5,759.65 between the first and last day of the class. The number of days
paper draft.
The student in professional education should anticipate an to receive a full refund varies each semester.
Residence Hall Rental added cost for board and room during the ten weeks of full-
The semester fee for a residence hall room is $1,241.90 for time student teaching. The drop/add period for nonstandard classes is 10% of the
double occupancy or $1,579.85 for single occupancy. number of calendar days between the first and last day of
the class. Classes that meet for less than the full semester in
Steele Hall Suite $1,668.85 (accomodates 4 persons)
Classification of Students the fall and spring are considered nonstandard classes. All
Room rent includes use of residence hall laundry rooms and for Tuition Purposes summer classes are considered nonstandard classes.
local telephone service. Students enrolled in any state college or university shall be Withdrawal from the University
Food Cost classified as resident or non-resident for tuition purposes
by the appropriate institutional officer. Questions about Withdrawal Process: The Registrar’s Office (Dacotah
The meal plans available and their costs by semester are:
residency should be referred to the Registrar. Hall 103) must be notified if a student decides to withdraw
Thunder’s Best $1,090.50 from all courses at the University. The notification may
Choose one: Minnesota-South Dakota Tuition Reciprocity Program. be in writing, by phone, by e-mail, or in person. The
180 meals and $75 flex dollars Any student who is a resident of South Dakota for tuition student’s withdrawal date is the date the student began
140 meals and $175 flex dollars purposes may attend a Minnesota public institution on a the withdrawal process or officially notified NSU of intent
100 meals and $400 flex dollars space-available basis and pay the established reciprocity fee for to withdraw by contacting the Registrar’s Office. For
All flex dollars coursework. students who fail to officially withdraw, the institution may

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

12

administratively withdraw the student. The withdrawal date
for an administrative withdrawal will be determined at the
University’s option to be 1) the midpoint of the enrollment
period, or 2) the last documented date of attendance at an
academically related event, or 3) the date an event occurred
which prevented the student from officially withdrawing from
the institution. Such events include illness, grievous personal
loss, or other such circumstances beyond the student’s
control. To be considered “withdrawn” a student must have
ceased enrollment in all classes at all SD Regental Universities.
Refund Policy: Students who withdraw, drop out, or
are expelled from the University within the drop/add period
receive a 100% refund of tuition and related fees.
Students who withdraw, drop out, or are expelled from the
University after the 60% point of the enrollment period will
receive no refund.
Students who withdraw, drop out, or are expelled from the
University after the drop/add period and before 60% of the
enrollment period has been completed may be entitled to a
refund as identified below:
Students Who Do Not Receive Federal Title IV
Financial Aid
The refund shall be determined by computing the percentage
of the enrollment period remaining after the date of
withdrawal times the tuition and fees originally assessed the
student. At no time will refunds be awarded after the 60%
point of the enrollment period.
Students Who Receive Federal Title IV
Financial Aid
The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions
to apply the Return of Title IV Funds policy for students
withdrawing from a University who receive Title IV financial
aid. Title IV funds include the following financial aid
programs: Federal Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Stafford
Loans, Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS),
Federal Perkins Loans, Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grants, Academic Competitiveness
Grants (ACG), National SMART Grants, and other Title IV
assistance.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
A student who withdraws after the 60% point of a semester is
entitled to retain all Title IV aid for that semester. However,
if the student withdraws prior to the 60% point of the term,
unearned Title IV funds as determined by the federal policy
must be returned to the various programs. These funds must
be returned even if the University provides no refund to the
student. This means the student could owe the University
and/or the U.S. Department of Education a significant amount
of money.
Title IV financial aid is earned by the calendar day, not class
day. This includes weekends, holidays, and breaks of less than
five consecutive days. The University is required to determine
the amount of Title IV aid the withdrawing student has earned
and then either disburse any additional funds the student may
be entitled to up to the amount earned, or return funds in
excess of the amount earned which the student has already
received.
If an amount to be returned to a federal program is
determined, then a further calculation is made to determine
how much of the amount needs to be returned by the
University and how much, if any, needs to be returned by
the student. The amount to be returned is distributed in
a specified order - Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Subsidized
Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Pell Grant, Academic
Competitiveness Grants (ACG), National SMART Grants, SEOG,
other Title IV assistance, other federal, state, institutional, and
private aid, and last to the student.
Any grant amount that is to be returned by the student will
be reduced by 50% under the regulations. This provision
does not apply to grant funds that must be returned by the
University. The University has specified timeframes within
which to disburse additional funds, return excess funds, and to
contact and advise the student of what is occurring and of any
needed actions on the student’s part.
The University strongly encourages students and parents to
consult with the Financial Aid Office and/or Finance Office to
determine the financial impact of withdrawing before making a
final decision.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Room and Board
Refunds for rooms are based on the percent of the enrollment
period remaining after the date the room contract is canceled.
The unused portion of a meal plan contract will be refunded.
No refunds will be issued after 60% of the enrollment period
has been completed.
Extensions and Waivers
The president of the University, or a designee, may extend or
waive the time periods above in the following circumstances:
The death of the student;
The student’s disabling condition or severe illness;
The death, disability, or severe illness of an immediate family
member causing severe financial hardship to the student; or,
Other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s
control.
Military Service - Withdrawal Without Penalty
Students required to withdraw from the University before
completing a semester may receive credit or refund privileges
if they are regularly enrolled and belong to a military unit
called for duty or are drafted and not eligible for deferment,
and, the discontinuance of class attendance is on the last
practicable day before reporting for duty as determined by
the University. Eligible students who are required to report
for military duty not earlier than four calendar weeks prior
to the date a semester ends as stated in the official catalog
of the University, or after completion of at least 75% of the
enrollment period in a non-standard semester course, may,
when authorized by the instructor, be given full credit for
all courses for which they have an average of “C” or better.
Eligible students who receive credit or an incomplete for any
course for which they are enrolled shall not be entitled to any
refund of tuition or fees paid. Eligible students who do not
receive an incomplete or credit for a course in which they
are enrolled shall be entitled to a full refund of tuition and
academic fees.
13
GENERAL INFORMATION
General Information
GENERAL STUDENT
INFORMATION
Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to the healthy
growth and development of the individual student in and
out of the traditional classroom setting and to advancing
the academic mission of the university. The division seeks
to stimulate thoughtful development of a personal value
system, leadership skills and life goals, and an awareness
and appreciation of diversity. It also seeks to foster a
learning community culminating in students emerging from
university life as mature, responsible, successful leaders and
contributing members of an ever-changing global society.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Northern State University has established standards for
expected and acceptable behavior for members of its
campus community. Students are expected to be familiar
with these standards and related policies so that they know
their responsibilities (what they may be held accountable
for) and to protect their rights (what they may hold others
accountable for). These standards and policies are available
in the Student Handbook available on the Student Affairs Web
Page (http://www.northern.edu/student_handbook/
index.htm).
Questions or comments about regulations at Northern State
University may be discussed with a member of the Student
Affairs staff.
Residence Hall Living
Residence halls at Northern State University accommodate
900 students. Costs are listed on page 12 of the catalog.
During the first two years after graduation from high
school, all unmarried students who are enrolled in courses
delivered on the main campus for six (6) credit hours or
more are required to enter into a housing agreement with
the institution unless special permission to room elsewhere
is received from the institution. Permission ordinarily shall be
granted to students with dependent children or to students
who reside full time during the academic year with parents
or legal guardians. Students who have enrolled for 12 or
more credit hours for four (4) semesters may be exempted
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
14
from this agreement at the discretion of the institution.
Exemptions may also be granted to students in extra ordinary
circumstances by the Housing Exemption Committee through
the Director of Student Development and Residence Life. Such
requests must be made at least 30 days prior to the beginning
of the semester for which the exemption is requested.
Exemptions are only granted under extreme circumstances.
Five campus residence halls house both men and women:
Jerde Hall, with 355 students, is located on the east edge
of campus. Briscoe Hall, which has room for 88 students,
and McArthur-Welsh Hall, which has room for 191 students.
Lindberg Hall with room for 62 students and is also the
home of the NSU Children’s Center. Steele Hall, a coed hall,
renovated Fall 2005 provides suite-style living for 67 students.
All residence halls are non-smoking. Kramer Hall is being
renovated into suites for Fall 2009
In Jerde Hall, there are Residential Learning Communities for
Transition and the PASS programs. A Residential Learning
Community is a group of 16-30 students with a common
academic interest, direct student and faculty support, and
common resources housed in the same residence hall.
Students are assigned to a residence hall on the basis
of personal preference (as indicated on their housing
application), as long as rooms are available.
Keys admit students to their residence hall floor and main
door. The main doors are locked at 10 p.m.
Each residence hall has its own governing body.
Representatives are elected from each hall wing to serve on
a council which organizes activities and provides input to the
residence life staff.
A hall director and resident assistants live in each hall. They
are trained to assist students in many ways, from planning and
organizing extracurricular events to helping with problems.
Northern State University residence halls rooms are furnished
with two bunk beds, two desks and two chairs. Living room
areas in the suites are furnished with a couch, lounge chair,
round table and three chairs with microfridge. Closet space
is adequate. Students are encouraged to decorate their room
with a rug, curtains, posters, plants-anything that won’t
damage the room or furnishings.
Bathrooms on each wing have lavatories and showers. Each
residence hall has free laundry facilities, kitchens with stoves,
color cable TV in the lounges (also available in every room
at additional cost). Electric irons, coffee pots and popcorn
poppers may be used in kitchen or laundry areas. No other
electric appliances are permitted in these areas. Each room
has two high speed Internet access connections. Students are
encouraged to bring their computers to enhance their studies.
Telephone service, which includes intra-campus and local
and long distance access, is available in each room as part of
the room cost. Students must provide their own touch-tone
phone.
Prospective students should request a room application that
must be completed and returned to the Student Development
Center.
Food Service
All students required to live in a residence hall (see second
paragraph of the above section, Residence Hall Living) must
purchase a meal plan. Students who live in a residence hall by
choice will receive a meal plan exemption upon request. To
be exempted from the meal plan, a student must (1) secure
a meal plan exemption form from the Food Service Office
(in NSU Student Center), (2) present the completed form
to the Food Service Director and (3) present the approved
exemption form to the Finance and Administration Office
when making payment for fees.
Students may purchase their meals at the Student Center
Wolves Den, Java City or the Northern Express C-store on a
cash, Thunder dollars or meal plan basis. All meal plans are
paid for in advance.
Career Development & Placement
Location: Student Center Room 217. Career assistance is
offered to NSU students and alumni so that they can make
informed and satisfying decisions related to their career and
educational goals. The Wolf Work System lists all vacancies
known to us, full-time and part-time, on and off campus.
Finding a satisfying career path is part of an exciting life-long
process, and students can take charge of it by taking a number
of small steps throughout the university years. Available
assistance includes strategies for making decisions (for major
 GENERAL INFORMATION

or career path), gathering accurate information about areas
of interest, finding related experience prior to graduation,
and searching for jobs, internships, and graduate programs
(résumé writing, job interview skills, letters of application,
identifying potential empoyers and finding known vacancies,
and other related topics such as adapting to on-line search
and application techniques). Phone: (605) 626-2371
Career Library six years of age. Preschool activities are offered for children 3-6
The Career Library, located in the Student Center 217,
contains current hard-copy information on careers, job
outlook, starting salaries, résumés, interviewing, graduate
programs, vacancies, and employers. Students and alumni may
use these resources in the library, and students may check
out most of the resources. In addition, numerous on-line
resources are listed on the web site–click on Current Students
(left side) and Career Development (center). Phone: (605)
626-2371
South Dakota Career Center-
Aberdeen at NSU to students free of charge. NSU Student Center, Room 217.
(part-time job opportunities) site at www.northern.edu.
Students seeking part-time employment in the Aberdeen
community can find help at the Student Center Information
Booth, Tuesdays in September and Wednesdays throughout
the school year 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the summers when
classes are not in session, students may visit their main office
at 420 South Roosevelt Street 8 a.m. to The Student Center is the community center for Northern
5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (605) 626-7689
NSU, (605) 626-2340 main office
Student Health Services
The Health Services Office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday
through Friday when classes are in session. Staffed by a
registered nurse, it is open to students who have paid the
General Activities Fee. Before using the service, a student
must complete a health history and immunization record
form, both of which are available at the Health Services Office
in the NSU Student Center, Room 230. Phone: (605) 626-
7694.
Children’s Center The post office is also located in the NSU Student Center, near
The Northern State University Children’s Center, located in
Lindberg hall, provides care on a space available basis for
children of NSU students, staff and faculty, as well as for the
community at large.
The center is licensed by the South Dakota Department of
Social Services for a capacity of 78 children, ages four weeks to
years of age, and our infant and toddler program is designed
to encourage development of motor and social skills.*
The Children’s Center is open for full-time or part-time care
every weekday (except legal holidays and December 24-
January 1). Fall and spring semester hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m., and summer hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For enrollment information or an application for our
waiting list, please call the director at (605) 626-2221, e-mail
addisonc@northern.edu, or write to NSU Children’s Center,
NSU Box 789, Aberdeen, SD 57401. Further information is also
available on the Northern State University Student Life web
*The Northern State University Children’s Center does not
discriminate on the basis of gender, race, creed, religion
handicaps, or national origin.
Student Center
State University students, faculty, administration and guests.
It offers a variety of services, conveniences and amenities and
provides a place for activities outside the classroom. The NSU
Student Center is open seven days a week until eleven p.m.
during the regular academic year except during holidays and
extended breaks. For more information call (605) 626-3007.
Bookstore and Post Office
Located at the west end of the NSU Student Center, the
bookstore sells textbooks and instructional supplies as well
as books for extracurricular reading. It also carries leisure
and recreational items, clothing and sundries. Checks may be
cashed in the bookstore. Phone: (605) 626-2655.
the bookstore. It offers many, but not all, postal services. All
students are required to have a campus post office box. Boxes
for students living on campus are located in the residence
halls; all others are in the Northern State University Post
Office. Cost of this service is included in the regular fees.
Phone: (605) 626-2656.
Counseling Center
The Northern State University Counseling Center, located in
the NSU Student Center, is staffed by trained counselors and
graduate assistants who can help students with a variety of
concerns. Students may schedule appointments or drop in. All
conversations are held in strict confidence. Services include
personal counseling, chemical dependency counseling and
group counseling. Group session topics include: test anxiety,
holistic health, assertiveness, relationships, eating disorders,
sexual assault, chemical health issues, adult children of
alcoholics and other requested topics. All services are offered
Phone: (605) 626-2371.
Disability Services
Northern State University is committed to a program of
accessibility for disabled students. Campus grounds, walks and
parking lots have curb cuts. A number of parking spaces are
reserved for the disabled near these areas. Accessible building
are prominently marked.
A wide range of services are provided for students with
learning disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments,
traumatic brain injury and other hidden disabilities. Students
or staff with questions regarding specific services for disabled
students should contact the Office of Disability Services, NSU
Student Center, Room 217. Phone: (605) 626-2371.
Discovery Program
The Discovery Program provides ongoing support to students
who are willing and able to progress toward an academic
degree, and supports students committed to sobriety. The
Discovery Program is located in the NSU Student Center,
Room 217. Phone: (605-626-2371).

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 15

GENERAL INFORMATION
Multicultural Student Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is located in the NSU
Student Center. The Multicultural staff is available to help all
students of color on campus with admissions, time and budget
managment, career decision-making, test anxiety, college
adjustment and personal concerns.
Northern State University has a wide variety of cultural
organizations that function as support groups for social and
academic activities. NSU Student Center, Room 207.
Phone: (605) 626-3007
International Student Concerns
The Office of International Student Affairs is located in Lincoln
Hall, Room 206. The International Student Advisor is available
to help international students with admissions, adapting to the
United States culture, academic adjustments; visa questions
and work related concerns.
Northern State University has an active International Student
Club that provides academic and social support to international
students attending the university. Lincoln Hall, Room 206.
Phone: (605) 626-7672
Student Activities
Northern State University offers a wide variety of events,
programs and activities sponsored by the Campus Activities
Board (CAB) and other student groups and organizations.
There are over 50 active student clubs and organizations.
CAB sponsors social, cultural, educational and recreational
activities including dances, films, forums, discussions and
special events. Many activities are free with a student activity
ticket. Participation is open to every student.
Northern State University’s annual Gypsy Day homecoming
committee works year-around to plan what has become a
highlight for students, faculty, staff, alumni and area residents.
Located in the NSU Student Center, Room 201.
Publications. Student publications include the Exponent,
the campus newspaper, which reports activities and student
opinion. The Student Handbook provides information about
services, policies, procedures and regulations, while the
Student Activities Calendar highlights academic deadlines and
campus activities. The “September Slam” calendar provides
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
16
information about student activities and events that are part of
New Student Orientation.
Speech Communication. Northern State University offers
forensic opportunities including competition on local, state
and national levels in debate, extemporaneous speaking,
oratory, and oral interpretation. Students may gain experience
in tournament administration and judging at Northern State
University-sponsored high school forensic meets.
Theater. Students gain practical experience in acting,
costuming, make-up, scenery construction and lighting at
Northern State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center, the
most complete theater facility in the region. A typical season
includes three major productions, including a musical and
student-directed productions. Students in every major field
of study may become involved in theater as part of their
academic program or as a special interest.
Music. Performing ensembles are open to every Northern
State University student, whatever her or his major field of
study. Ensembles include the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers,
Orchestra, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble,
Vocal Jazz Ensemble and small vocal and instrumental
ensembles. They may be taken for academic credit. Some of
these performance ensembles tour in- and out-of-state.
Intramural Sports. Northern State University has a
comprehensive intramural program that offers 22 team and
individual activities during the evening in the fall, winter and
spring. Students may participate in men-only, women-only,
and co-educational activities.
Cheer Team. Football cheer team tryouts are held in the
spring of the year preceding the fall of the competition
year. Basketball tryouts are held in the fall before winter
competition. Women and men students may participate.
Intercollegiate Athletics. Northern State University has a
proud athletic tradition that emphasizes a strong competitive
effort along with recognition of the educational value of the
experience. Both women’s and men’s programs are affiliated
with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA II)
nationally, and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
(NSIC). Other NSIC members are Minnesota Universities;
Bemidji State, Southwest State, Moorhead, Winona State, and
Crookston; University of Mary; Concordia University-St. Paul;
Upper Iowa University; and Wayne State College.
Northern competes in 18 individual and team varsity sports.
A scholarship program supports both men’s and women’s
programs. Awards are made to deserving athletes by the
coaches of the sport.
Study Abroad
Regularly enrolled Northern State University students may
study abroad through arrangements entered into by the
University.
Although Northern State University recommends that students
study abroad for a semester or an academic year, it is possible
to enroll for a shorter period of time.
Northern State University students and faculty may participate
in exchange programs with Sichuan University (China), Tec
de Monterrey-Campus Sonora Norte (Mexico), University of
Warsaw (Poland), University of Applied Sciences in Magdeburg-
Stendal, Lüneburg, and Schmalkalden (Germany), University of
Picardie Jules Verne (France), and Yonsei University (Korea),
Korea University (Korea), Pukyong National University (Korea),
Universidad Mayor (Chile), Capital Normal University (China),
North China University of Technology (China),
Capital University of Economics and Business (China),
Shanxi University (China), Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade
(China), University of Hradec Králové (Czech Republic),
Sup de Co Amiens-Picardie (France), Global Village Program
Yonsei University at Wonju (Korea), Kwandong Univerity
(Korea), Myongji University (Korea), Sripatum University
(Thailand), and Dongguk University (Korea).
Co-curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities may be taken for credit toward
graduation or for enjoyment. The usual tuition will be charged
for those taken for credit. The number of credits granted for a
particular activity is listed in sections of this catalog relating to
the various college/schools.

Privacy Rights
Student records maintained by Northern State University
include directory information and educational records.
Educational records are protected by the Family Education
Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and may not be released without
the written consent of the student to any individual, agency,
or organization other than to certain specified personnel or
government agencies or in certain cases involving the safety of
individuals.
Directory information may be released publicly and includes
the student’s name, home address, local address, telephone
listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, class level,
participation in officially recognized activities, weight and
height of members of athletic teams, dates of enrollment,
degrees and awards received and the most recent educational
institution attended by the student. A student may request
that directory information not be made public by completing a
form in Enrollment Services asking that directory information
be treated the same as educational records. While such a
signed form is in effect, Northern State University will verify
only whether or not an individual is currently enrolled. This
request will remain in effect until student requests its removal
in writing, or until such time as the student graduates or
otherwise discontinues attendance at the institution.
Students may change information on their record if they can
prove it is inaccurate. Grade changes are made only at the
request of the faculty member who gave the original grade.
Transcripts of academic records will be released only at the
request of the student. The request must be accompanied
by the fee of $5 for the first copy, $2.50 for each additional
copy at same request.Student records are maintained under
supervision of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs;
student admissions and academic records are maintained
under supervision of the Registrar. A copy of the complete
Northern State University policy surrounding student privacy
rights can be obtained from the Registrar.
Standards of Conduct
1. Failure to respect orderliness, morality, integrity and the difficulties with law enforcement authorities will result in
rights of others, or insubordination toward university disciplinary action. Other situations that will result in
officials in the execution of their duties will be regarded as disciplinary action include not obeying the laws of the
cause for disciplinary probation or expulsion from the
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
institution.
GENERAL INFORMATION
2. A Northern State University student who is arrested and community, state and/or nation, participation in illegal
convicted of a law violation may be subject to disciplinary possession or use of any drug or narcotic, committing a
action. sexual offense, lack of respect for public and private
property, refusal to cooperate with efforts made to help a
3. A student who fails to pay a fee owed to the institution may
be suspended until payment is made. A student who leaves student adjust to college responsibilities and behavior
which discredits the school.
Northern State University without paying debts in full will
be denied a transcript of grades and/or refused future 9. Registration at Northern State University implies
registration. acceptance by the students of standards set by the
4. A student who furnishes false or misleading information on institution and the laws and ordinances established by the
city of Aberdeen and state of South Dakota.
admission, registration, personnel, or any other form, or
who alters institution records, is subject to disciplinary A more complete listing of rules and regulations may be found
action. in the Student Handbook and Residence Life Handbook.
5. The use or possession of intoxicating liquors, other Disciplinary Proceedings
alcoholic beverages or alcoholic beverage containers is Northern State University authorities have the right to regulate
prohibited on university-owned or university-controlled the use of the institutional facilities and to set standards of
property as well as in institution-owned or institution- conduct and scholarship for its students. When disciplinary
controlled buildings. Being in an area where alcoholic proceedings must be used, safeguards will be observed to
beverages or alcohol beverage containers are present is also protect the student from unfair penalties, as stated in the
a violation of policy. Student Handbook and Residence Life Handbook (http://www.
6. Dishonesty in class, laboratory work, or tests is a serious northern.edu/student_handbook/index.htm) Printed copies
offense, subject to disciplinary action by the instructor and/ are available from the Office of the Vice President for Student
or authorized representative of the institution. Affairs.
7. Plagiarism is presenting as your own the facts, theories, or
language, either quoted or paraphrased, of another.
Instructors at Northern State University expect any writing
by students to be their own work. Other writers’ facts,
theories, or language incorporated into student work must
be properly acknowledged or documented according to a
standard guide to documentation; otherwise, the student is
guilty of plagiarism. Penalty for submitting plagiarized work
will be determined by the faculty member involved and may
be dismissal from the institution, a failing grade in a course,
or a failing grade on an assignment.
8. Violation of any residence hall rule or regulation which
endangers or seriously threatens the life or physical safety
of others, leads to destructive group action, or results in
17
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Academic Information
Registration
A student is eligible to enroll in classes once the application
file is complete and she or he has been accepted. Current
students may register for classes the following semester during
a pre-registration period. Transfer and re-entry students enroll
by appointment in the Registrar’s Office any time after the
pre-registration period for enrolled students. New freshmen
are invited to the campus on selected spring and summer
dates for academic advising and enrollment. New freshmen
who are unable to come to the campus during scheduled pre-
registration may enroll by appointment.
Pre-registration consists of program planning with an
advisor and enrolling in a schedule of classes. Registration is
completed when fees are paid at the beginning of each term.
Enrollment and fee payment deadlines are published in the
class schedule for each semester or summer session. Students
who have not completed registration with fee payment by the
published deadline will have their class schedule canceled.
Auditors. Students may audit any course with permission
of the instructor. An auditor is not permitted to take an
examination for credit and must pay the regular tuition rate.
Auditors pay all fees usually collected for the course. Veterans
and dependents may not receive educational benefits for
audited courses. Decision to audit a class must be processed
prior to the end of the add/drop period. Courses audited will
be recorded on the academic transcript with a notation of AU.
Audited courses are counted in the calculations of overloads,
but are not counted toward full-time student status. Auditors
are not eligible for financial assistance.
Registration Changes. Students may add and drop classes
within time frames published in each semester’s class schedule
bulletin. Changes will not be permitted after the published
deadline.
Late Enrollment. Students who enroll after the final
scheduled registration day must pay a late fee. The schedule of
charges is included in the section of this catalog relating to fees
and expenses.
Program Planning
A bachelor’s degree program consists of system general
education courses, institutional graduation requirements,
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
18
degree requirements, major requirements, optional minor
requirements and general electives required to meet the
minimum hours for graduation. The Registrar’s Office will
provide the student and advisor with a program evaluation
detailing the selected curriculum and program via WebAdvisor.
Substitutions in major or minor must be approved by the
appropriate department coordinator and substitutions in other
program requirements must be approved by the Registrar.
An official program approval must be filed with the Registrar’s
Office once a student makes a firm decision on an academic
program. The program evaluation generated from the official
program approval will detail the requirements for graduation.
Academic Load
The unit of credit is a semester hour representing one lecture
period a week for the semester. Three hours of laboratory
work is considered the equivalent of one hour of lecture. For
each hour of credit, a student should expect to spend up to
three hours a week in class or study.
Undergraduate. The recommended student load is 16
semester hours with a maximum of 18 semester hours.
Students with a grade point average above 2.70 or higher
may enroll for a maximum of 19 semester hours. The
recommended student load is 5 semester hours for each
4-week summer session with a maximum of 7. Any enrollment
above these maximum load limits is considered to be
an overload and requires permission of the advisor and
appropriate academic administrator.
For financial aid eligibility, athletic eligibility, deferments and
enrollment verification, full-time undergraduate enrollment
is 12 semester hours; three-quarter enrollment is 9 to 11.5
semester hours; and half-time enrollment is 6 to 8.5 semester
hours. All enrollments for interim and summer sessions are
combined when determining enrollment status for summer
school.
Graduate. The recommended graduate student load is 9
semester hours. Students may exceed 9 hours with permission
of the Director of Graduate Studies. For financial aid eligibility,
deferments and enrollment verification purposes, full-time
graduate enrollment is 9 semester hours; three-quarter
enrollment is 7 to 8 semester hours; and half-time is 5 to 6
semester hours. All enrollments for interim and summer
sessions are combined when determining enrollment status
for summer school. The maximum for summer is 6 credits per
session; 7 for CGPS program.
Classification of Students
Freshmen must have met all entrance requirements and have
earned fewer than 32 semester hours of college credit.
Sophomores must have earned at least 32 but fewer than 64
semester hours of college credit.
Juniors must have earned at least 64 but fewer than 96
semester hours of college credit.
Seniors must have earned at least 96 semester hours of
college credit.
For purposes of registration, social activities, publications, etc.,
classification will be determined by the total credits earned by
a student at the close of the previous semester.
Special students are those who have been admitted to
the university but are not candidates for a specific degree.
Students who are not seeking a degree at NSU are not eligible
for financial aid.
Grades and Grade Point Averages
Grades are recorded at the end of each semester as follows:
A Exceptionally high achievement. Four honor points per
credit hour.
B Above average achievement. Three honor points per
credit hour.
C Average achievement. Two honor points per credit hour.
D Below average achievement. One honor point per credit
hour.
F Quality of work does not merit credit. Zero honor points
per credit hour.
S Satisfactory performance, not computed in GPA.
U Unsatisfactory performance, not computed in GPA.
I Incomplete work, not computed in GPA.
W Withdrew from the class.
RS Remedial Satisfactory
RI Remedial Incomplete
RU Remedial Unsatisfactory
AU Audit
 ACADEMIC INFORMATION

EX Pass-Credit by Exam 6. submit a formal Academic Amnesty Petition to their home incomplete grade is given to indicate that some part of the
TR Credit received by transfer university following the procedures established by that work has, for good reason, not been completed, while the rest
CR Credit university. has been satisfactorily completed. Whenever a grade of I or RI
LR Lab grade linked to recitation grade Conditions: is assigned, the instructor is required to submit an incomplete
NR Grade not reported by instructor grade request form indicating the circumstances of the
1. Academic amnesty does not apply to individual courses.
IP In Progress incomplete, including the deadline for removing the I or RI,
Academic amnesty may be requested for either (a) all
DEF Used at midterm only to denote a deficiency which must be not later than one semester from the end of
previous post-secondary education courses, or (b) all
A grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing total the semester in which the incomplete is given. Exceptions
previous post-secondary education courses at a specific
honor points for completed courses by total hours attempted to the time limit include courses designated as workshop,
institution, or (c) a specified time period not to exceed
(registered courses after the final add/drop date). If a course practicum, internship, independent study, independent
one academic year (fall/spring).
is repeated, only the final grade of the most recent course is research, seminar, thesis, or project paper. The limit can be
2. Academic amnesty, if granted, shall not be rescinded. extended with the instructor filing Extension of Incomplete
computed in the GPA although all grades will appear on the
transcript. Only courses for which A-F grades are assigned are 3. Courses for with academic amnesty is granted will: Grade with the Registrar.
computed in the GPA. a. remain on the student’s premanent record. The course instructor files a Request for Grade Change
Academic Amnesty form with the Registrar to remove the I or RI grade once the
b. be recorded on the student’s undergraduate
The goal of academic amnesty is to respond to the academic student has completed all course requirements. A grade of
transcript with the original grade followed by
needs of matured individuals as they develop newly identified I or RI that is not removed by the deadline converts to an
an asterisk (*).
potential. Through the application of academic amnesty, the F or RU. Should the student re-enroll in a course in which
c. not be included in the calculation of the the I or RI has been recorded, the grade received for the
student’s prior academic record can be excluded from current
student’s grade point average because no credit re-enrollment is computed for grade point average and
work under certain circumstances.
is given. graduation purposes and tuition and fees are again charged.
Eligibility: Any student with an I or RI on his/her record cannot be
d. not be used to satisfy any of the graduation
The student must: considered for academic honors for that term.
requirments of the current degree program.
1. be an undergraduate, full-time, degree-seeking student at Withdrawal. Withdrawal is initiated by the student and
4. Academic amnesty decisions will be made by the student’s
one of the universities in South Dakota Regental system. processed through the Registrar’s Office. Faculty may access
home institution, will be honored by all programs
2. not have been enrolled in any Regental university for a within the home institutions, and will be honored by all updated rosters electronically.
minimum of three calendar years (9 consecutive terms other institutions within the South Dakota Regental If a student withdraws by the census date of the term
including Fall, Spring, and Summer) prior to the most system. (within the first 10% of the term), registration is canceled
recent admission to the home institution. Exceptions may for that class. The instructor is not required to approve the
5. Universities outside of the South Dakota Regental system
be granted in rare cases only by the BOR Senior withdrawal.
are not bound by the academic amnesty decisions made by
Administrator upon recomendation by the Provost/Vice
the South Dakota Regental system. Students who withdraw at any time after the census date until
President for Academic Affairs.
6. Regental graduate programs and graduate professional the end of 70% class length will receive a W grade. Permission
3. have completed a minimum of 24 graded credit hours of the instructor is not required.
schools may consider all previous undergraduate course
taken at any Regental university with a minimum grade
work when making admission decisions. A grade of W will not affect a student’s grade point average. An
point average of 2.0 for the 24 credit hours after the most
recent admission to the home institution. Incompletes and Withdrawals instructor’s grade of F for academic dishonesty will override a
Incomplete. The grade of “incomplete” (I or RI) may be withdrawal grade.
4. not have earned a baccalaureate degree from any
assigned to a student at an instructor’s discretion. The A grade of W is assigned for all classes when a student is
university.
incomplete grade allows a student to complete a course administratively withdrawn from school prior to the end of
5. not have been granted any prior academic amnesty at any without repeating the semester’s work. It may not be assigned 70% of a standard semester. An administrative withdrawal
Regental university. when a definite grade can be given for the work done. The can be processed for non-attendance, disciplinary action, or

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 19

ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Academic Information
non-payment of financial obligations. The student will be
notified by the Registrar when an administrative withdrawal is
processed.
Repeating
Students will be allowed a total of three (3) takes for
undergraduate courses (course number 001-499) for which
credit is only counted toward graduation once. The student
must petition the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs
for permission to take an undergraduate course more than
three times.
Students wil be allowed unlimited takes for an undergraduate
course for which credit toward graduation may be recieved
more than once (e.g., Independent Study, Thesis). All takes
will count in grade point average calculations. Individual
departments/majors may limit the number of credits allowed
toward graduation in certain courses.
The Audit (AU) grade is the only grade that will not be
counted as a take of a course. All other grades, including a
Withdraw (W), will count as a take of a course.
Transfer courses and non-courses (e.g., CLEP, credit by exam)
will count as a take of a course.
Scholarship and Academic Honors
Graduation honors will be determined on cumulative and
institutional grade point average. Students who have earned
an average of 3.50 honor points shall be graduated cum
laude (baccalaureate) or with honor (associate). Those
who earn 3.70 honor points shall be graduated magna cum
laude (baccalaureate) or with high honor (associate) and
those earning 3.90 honor points for each semester hour
shall be graduated summa cum laude (baccalaureate) or
with highest honor (associate). Honors are only awarded
to students who have completed at least 64 semester hours
credit (baccalaureate) or at least 32 semseter hours credit
(associate) in residence.
Based on coursework completed at the end of the term
prior to graduation, qualified students become “candidates
for honor,” and will be recognized in the commencement
program. Final graduation honors are determined after
all requirements have been met and will be shown on the
diploma.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
20
Full-time undergraduate students with a system honor point departmental faculty, will evaluate coursework completed
average of 3.50 or better for the semester shall be placed on under a lapsed catalog of graduation for relevance.
the Dean’s List. Students must have earned a minimum of 12 The South Dakota Department of Education regularly
graded (A-F) credits during the term. Students with F, U, RU, changes certification requirements. Any requirement changed
RI or I grades are not eligible regardless of system term GPA and reflected in a catalog subsequent to initial registration
attained. will be required of the student in order for the student to be
Part-time undergraduate students with a system honor certified to teach in South Dakota.
point average of 3.50 or better for the semester shall receive Degrees are officially conferred at the close of each semester.
Academic Recognition for Part-Time Students. Students Candidates for degrees or certificates must make formal
must have completed at least twelve (12) credit hours prior application for graduation in the Registrar’s Office in the
to the current semester at one or more Regental institutions. semester prior to the semester of graduation. The student
Student must have earned at least three (3) and up to eleven must be enrolled for all remaining academic requirements at
(11) graded (A-F) credit hours during the term. Student with the time of application and must have at least a 1.95 GPA.
F, U, RU, OR I grades are not eligible regardless of system
term GPA attained. Summary of Graduation Requirements
Before graduating, a student must:
The Order of Maroon and Gold is an academic honor awarded
during the spring semester to students who meet the 1. Apply for graduation and a degree audit at the Office of the
Registrar.
following criteria:
1. must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit 2. Satisfy all financial obligations with the University.
hours, 3. Complete the following University requirements:
2. have a 3.50 cumulative GPA for all college work including a. At least 128 hours for a baccalaureate degree, or at least
transfer credit, 64 hours for an associate’s degree, with a minimum
3. have at least a 3.50 GPA during the two preceding 2.00 cumulative and Northern State GPA. (Some fields
semesters at Northern State University, require a higher GPA.) No more than one-fourth of the
total used for graduation may be earned through
4. have passed at least 12 semester hours in each of the two correspondence and off-campus extension.
preceding semesters at Northern State University, and
b. A minimum of 36 semester hours of credit in courses
5. been classified as a junior during one of the current numbered 300 and above (upper division), for a
semesters (fall-spring). baccalaureate degree.
Graduation Requirements c. Institutional credit is credit offered by Northern
Candidates for a baccalaureate degree may graduate upon State University. A minimum of 32 credit hours must be
the completion of: major and minor requirements as defined earned in institutional credit for a baccalaureate degree;
in the catalog in effect at the time of initial registration in 16 for an associate degree. Sixteen of the last 32 hours
residence in a degree seeking program or in any subsequent earned preceding completion of the baccalaureate
catalog under which they have enrolled. Students who degree must be earned in institutional credit; 8 of the
discontinue enrollment at any Regental University for more last 16 hours for an associate degree. A minimum of
than two consecutive semesters are assigned the catalog 50% of credit hours in the discipline must be completed
in effect at the time of re-enrollment as their catalog of in institutional credit.
graduation. No degree is granted on the basis of requirements
listed in a catalog issued more than ten years prior to the d. Complete all work as outlined to satisfy requirements
pertaining to the major and/or minor.
date of graduation. The Registrar, in cooperation with
 ACADEMIC INFORMATION

e. All students are required to show satisfactory Completion of a second degree will not be allowed when both be evaluated by institutional exam, which are taken at the
performance on the proficiency examination-sometimes majors can be awarded under the same degree. discretion of the officials in the student’s academic area of
referred to as the CAAP exam or Rising Junior exam. Adding Teacher Certification study.
f. Baccalaureate candidates must complete the appropriate A student holding a bachelor’s degree from Northern State Only students enrolled in a degree program at Northern State
exit exam in the major field. Test results will not affect University or a student with a bachelor’s degree from another University are eligible for credit by examination. Generally,
graduation status but participation is required for accredited institution may seek teacher certification through only lower division (numbered below 300) courses may be
graduation. the NSU School of Education. This program is limited to 7-12 challenged.
Any student who fails to successfully complete all remaining and K-12 teacher education programs and does not include Students who wish to earn credit by examination must:
requirements in the semester of graduation must apply for certification in special education. In order to be admitted
to the certification only program, the candidate must meet 1. Submit a completed application form (available in the
graduation again in a subsequent semester. All graduation Registrar’s Office) to the appropriate faculty chair who will
requirements including incomplete grades and all corres- teacher education admission requirements (see teacher
education in this catalog) and pass the Praxis II content exam conduct a preliminary survey to determine if the
pondence courses must be completed by the verfication examination is warranted and approve or disapprove the
deadline or the student will be required to reapply. in his/her major as specified by the SDDOE.
request.
Additional Baccalaureate Degrees The candidate must complete all teacher certification courses
including the appropriate special methods course and a 2. Submit the form to the Registrar who will determine there
A student holding a baccalaureate degree from Northern are no irregularities between the student’s request and
State University or from another regionally accredited college ten week student teaching experience. Upon satisfactory
completion the Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching previous academic records.
or university may receive an additional baccalaureate degree
in a different major. Such a student continues to be classified exam and other program requirements, the candidate is 3. Pay the credit by exam fee and secure authorization from
as an undergraduate and must: eligible to receive a recommendation for the applicable the Finance Office.
teaching certification in the State of South Dakota. 4. Arrange the test date with the appropriate faculty as soon
1. Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit at
Northern State University (of which at least 12 must be at Credit by Validation as possible (and no later than thirty days) after payment of the
the upper division level in the major or the education The maximum number of semester hours which a student required fee.
block) for each baccalaureate degree sought beyond the may earn through credit by validation other than nationally After the examination, the faculty administering the
first; recognized exams is 32. Nationally recognized exams include examination will notify the Registrar of the grade received.
CLEP, AP, DANTES. Such credit will be assigned a grade of EX The grade and credit will be recorded on the student’s
2. Complete all requirements for the additional major(s) as (credit by exam) on the student’s record. This grade is not
set forth in the catalog of graduation; transcript, and notification sent. If the student fails to establish
included in the computation of grade point average although credit, the examination cannot be repeated nor can the
3. Complete all requirements for the additional degree(s) it may be used to meet graduation requirements. A student application fee be refunded.
including grade-point average requirements, general may not request the examination:
education requirements, minor(s), elective courses and College Level Examination Program. In certain cases,
1. after visiting, taking, or auditing a class, Northern State University will grant credit for college
upper-division courses as set forth in the catalog of
graduation. 2. if he or she has completed a course in the subject area at a work based upon the successful completion of College
higher level, Level Examination Program tests. CLEP is offered by the
Simultaneous degrees. Students wishing to complete two Educational Testing Service to students who have college level
undergraduate majors that are not both offered in the same 3. if he or she has previously failed that course whether taken
through residence, extension, correspondence programs, achievements without the benefit of college credit.
curriculum must complete both curricula corresponding
to the declared major, resulting in the completion of two or at another institution, The South Dakota public university system will only accept
baccalaureate degrees. For two degrees to be awarded during 4. to fulfill physical education requirements, or CLEP scores recorded within five years from the time a
the same commencement, all requirements for both degrees student seeks credit by examination. CLEP examinations do
5. for graduate credit. not meet the globalization or writing intensive requirements.
must be met.
Institutional Examination. Educational experiences
that could not otherwise be accepted by the university may

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 21

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Northern State awards credit for CLEP exams as follows: Western Civilization I 50 50 HIST 121, 3 credits
CLEP Minimum Minimum Western Civilization II 50 50 HIST 122, 3 credits
Subject Area Test Score (Paper) Score(computer) Courses & Credit Awarded * Course credit for Principles of Accounting will not be awarded to students entering the system with
qualifying scores after June 2012.
American Govt 50 50 POLS 100, 3 credits
U.S. History I 50 50 HIST 151, 3 credits **Course credit for Trigonometry will not be awarded to students entering the system with qualifying
U.S. History II 50 50 HIST 152, 3 credits. scores after June 2011.
College Composition 60 50 ENGL 101, 3 credits Contact the Office for Student Affairs (Student Center Room 201) for information about the testing
Calculus 51 50 MATH 123, 4 credits program, test dates and fees. Phone (605) 626-2530.
College Algebra 51 50 MATH 102, 3 credits
Advanced Placement Program. Northern State awards credit for completion of Advanced
French 36 40 FREN 101, 4 credits
Placement Examinations as follows.
39 50 FREN 101 & 102, 8 credits
42 57 FREN 101, 102 & 201, 12 credits Required Minimum
50 63 FREN 101, 102, 201 & 202, AP Exam Score Recorded As
16 credits History of Art 3 ARTH 211, 3 credits
German 36 40 GER 101, 4 credits Studio Art: Drawing 3 ART 111, 3 credits
39 50 GER 101 & 102, 8 credits Studio Art: General 3 ART 121, 3 credits
42 57 GER 101, 102 & 201, Biology 3 BIOL 151/151L, 4 credits
11 credits 5 BIOL 151/151L & 153/153L, 8 credits
48 63 GER 101, 102, 201 & 202, Chemistry 3 CHEM 112/112L, 4 credits
14 credits 5 CHEM 112/112L & 114/114L, 8 credits
Trigonometry** 54 50 MATH 120, 3 credits Computer Science A 3 MIS 150, 4 credits
Spanish 36 40 SPAN 101, 4 credits Computer Science AB 3 MIS 150, 4 credits
39 50 SPAN 101 & 102, 8 credits 5 MIS 150 & 250, 8 credits
42 57 SPAN 101, 102 & 201, Microeconomics 3 ECON 201, 3 credits
11 credits Macroeconomics 3 ECON 202, 3 credits
50 63 SPAN 101, 102, 201 & 202, English: Language/Comp 3 ENGL 101, 3 credits
14 credits English: Literature/Comp 3 ENGL 210, 3 credits
Biology 50 50 BIOL 151/151L & 153/153L, Environmental Science 3 Biology Elective, 3 credits
8 credits French: Language or 3 FREN 202, 4 credits*
Chemistry 50 50 CHEM 112/112L & 114/114L, Literature 4 FREN 310, 3 credits*
8 credits German: Language or 3 GER 202, 4 credits*
Human Growth & 50 50 PSYC 325 or ESPY 327, 3 credits Literature 4 GER 311 & 312, 4 credits*
Development Government & Politics: United States 3 POLS 100, 3 credits
Information Systems & 50 50 MIS 105, 3 credits History: European 3 HIST 122, 3 credits
Computer Applications History: United States 3 HIST 151, 3 credits
Prin. of Management 50 50 BADM 360, 3 credits Human Geography 3 GEOG 200, 3 credits
Prin. of Accounting* 50 50 ACCT 210 & 211, 6 credits Math: Calculus AB or AB subgrade 3 MATH 123, 4 credits
Accounting, Financial 50 50 ACCT 210, 3 credits Math: Calculus BC 3 MATH 123 & 125, 8 credits
Business Law, Intro. 51 50 BADM 350, 3 credits Music Theory 3-4 MUS 110, 4 credits
Prin. of Macroeconomics 50 50 ECON 202, 3 credits Music Theory 5 MUS 110 & 111, 8 credits
Prin. of Microeconomics 50 50 ECON 201, 3 credits Physics B 3 PHYS 111/111L, 113/113L, 8 credits
Pre-Calculus 50 50 MATH 115, 5 credits Psychology 3 PSYC 101, 3 credits
Introductory Psychology 50 50 PSYC 101/101A, 3 credits Spanish: Language or 3 SPAN 202, 3 credits*
Introductory Sociology 50 50 SOC 100, 3 credits Literature 4 SPAN 311 & 312, 6 credits
Principles of Marketing 50 50 BADM 370, 3 credits *Credit awarded for lower level courses if next higher class completed at one of the South Dakota BOR

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

universities with a grade of C or higher.
22

Academic Probation and Suspension
Probation. Students will be placed on academic probation at
the end of a term (summer is a term) in which the student’s
cumulative grade point average falls below minimum
progression standard 2.00. Any transfer student whose
cumulative grade point average is less than a 2.0, or who has
been on probation at or suspended from the transferring
institution will enter Northern State University on probation.
Re-entry transfers who left Northern on academic probation
and return at a later time with a good academic record
(cumulative GPA of 2.00) from another accredited institution
will no longer be on probation. Students will remain on
probation until their cumulative GPA reaches 2.0.
Suspension. Students on probation who fail to maintain a
system term GPA of 2.0 will be academically suspended from
the University. Academic suspension is for two terms (summer
is a term) contingent upon student appeals process outcomes
and administrative action by the university.
Notification and Reinstatement Appeal Process. Students
will be notified they are on probation by letter at the end of
the term. Notification of suspension will be made by letter
from the dean of the student’s major area of study or by the
Registrar. Appeals for reinstatement must be made to the dean
of the major area of study or to the Director of the University
College if a major area of study has not been declared.
Transfer Students. All transfer students are required to
submit evidence of eligibility to return to their former school.
Any transfer student whose total academic record is less than
a C average will either be admitted on academic probation or
denied admission. Students who are not eligible to return
to the school from which they are transferring will not be
admitted to Northern State University. Students suspended
by another college for academic reasons may be admitted to
Northern State University after the lapse of two terms.
Transcripts
A transcript of a student’s academic record will be sent when
requested in writing directly to a college registrar, public
school superintendent, or other employing officer. Students
may be given an unofficial transcript for their own use, but it is
not valid for transferring credit to another college. Transcripts
are available at the Registrar’s Office for $5 for the first copy,
$2.50 for each additional copy at same request.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Class Absence Policies Math Center. The Northern State University Math Center, in
Northern State University faculty members develop their Dacotah Hall Room 209, offers assistance to all students at no
own policies on class attendance. Copies of the instructor’s charge. Phone: (605) 626-7782.
attendance policy must be distributed to students within the
Reading Center. The Northern State University Reading
first week of each course. The policy should be stated in terms
Center, in Dacotah Hall Room 209, offers assistance to all
of the objectives of the course and should address student
students at no charge. Phone: (605) 626-3427.
absences due to family or individual emergencies, student
illness, weather conditions, college-related activities, cutting Writing Center. Northern State University’s Writing Center,
class and any other conditions. The instructor should also in Dacotah Hall Room 208, offers noncredit assistance to all
include policies regarding make-up work and how attendance students at no charge. Phone: (605) 626-7782.
(and/or absence) will affect grades. If a student believes an
attendance policy is unfair, he or she may follow the Student
Academic Grievance Procedure outlined in the Student
Handbook.
The Office of Student Affairs will notify professors only when
students must be absent from class due to a death in the
family, hospitalization or other illness expected to exceed
three class days. Notification merely provides information
and does not validate the reason given for the absence. When
a student is absent from class because of a Northern State
University activity, the Vice President for Academic Affairs will,
at the request of the sponsoring faculty, notify the student’s
instructors that he or she is permitted to make up the work.
Academic Services
Disability Services. The Office of Disabilities Services is
open 40 hours a week to assist students with various needs
as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Possible
accommodations include but are not limited to classroom
accessibility, adaptive testing, note taking services, readers,
taped textbooks and tutoring services. Phone: (605) 626-
2371.
Tutoring Services. The tutoring program, Dacotah Hall
Room 201, offers academic assistance related to regularly
scheduled coursework. Peer tutors are available for a variety of
courses in many subject areas. Phone: (605) 626-2633.
Library. The Beulah Williams Library’s mission is, “Quality
resources to enhance student learning and enrich the NSU
community.” To this end, the librarians and library staff
provide a wide range of services to assist students, faculty, and
staff in accessing and evaluating information and in the use of
the library resources. Phone: (605) 626-2645
23
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Digital Dakota Network conferences are broadcast live, in real
Technology Resources at NSU
Network and Internet Access
Northern State University has extensive digital technology
resources. On campus, network and free Internet access (the
campus has both I 1 and I 2 connections) are provided in the
library, student center and various computer labs throughout
campus. Wireless access is available in selected areas across
campus including the library, student center, Gerber,
Technology Center, general lounge areas of the residence
halls and selected classrooms across campus. Wired network
access is available in all of the residence halls. Before access
to the network is granted, students connecting a computer in
the residence halls will be required to download and install
a software program (Cisco Clean Access) that checks the
machine for current security patches and anti-virus software. To
take full advantage of the campus network, NSU recommends
that students come to campus with their own computers.
Computer hardware and software standards are available from
the NSU Help Desk (see below).
Classroom Technology records, and assistance in the management of business
Instructional technology is available throughout the campus.
Northern State University has 48 “smart” classrooms that are
equipped with multimedia presentation podiums that provide
state-of-the-art audio/video and digital technologies and
Internet and satellite feed connections. In addition, several
smart rooms include interactive whiteboards and wireless
presentation capability. There are discipline-specific computer
labs with specialized software in the art, biology, business,
chemistry, education, English, fitness, mathematics, music
and physics departments. The biology digital lab, the only
one of its kind in the state, provides computers networked
with microscopes and digital cameras, so faculty and students
can capture microscope images and project them for class
viewing or incorporate them into documents and Web sites.
Ten distance delivery studios (Digital Dakota Network rooms)
and selected classrooms with IP videoconference capabilities
connect faculty and students to national and international
resources. Northern State University also offers asynchronous
and synchronous delivery of course content via web streaming
and Elluminate video conferencing technology. In fact all
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
24
time, via the Internet and are available on demand via NSU’s
streaming technology.
Online Resources Media, Instructional Technology and Distance Delivery
Most courses at Northern State University are enhanced with
online course materials that provide students with convenient,
24-hour access to course notes, practice quizzes, electronic
communication tools for out-of-class interaction between
students and faculty, relevant Internet links, class assignments
and grades. These resources are password protected and
available only to enrolled students.
The Beulah Williams Library has extensive online resources
through its membership in the South Dakota Library Network
and through subscriptions to numerous online journals
and electronic databases. (See library entry under Academic
Services for more information.) Library resources are accessible
from all computer labs, smart classrooms and office computers
on campus.
Technology Integration in the Curriculum
Because of Northern State University’s e-learning mission
along with its Center for Statewide E-learning and Center of
Excellence in International Business, instructional technologies
are integrated throughout the university curriculum. More than
80 percent of the faculty use instructional technology in their
classroom teaching. Interactive technologies (DDN, Internet
videoconferencing and other electronic communication tools)
are widely used on campus to connect students and faculty
with off-campus experts and resources. Seniors in most majors
are required to develop multimedia, electronic portfolios to
showcase their academic and technical knowledge and skills.
These portfolios are used by faculty for student assessment
and by students as marketing resources when they seek
employment after graduation. Students of all majors are
encouraged to become proficient in the application of digital
technologies relevant to their career paths and to complete
one or more technology proficiency certificate programs.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
NET Services design, maintain and operate NSU’s smart classrooms and
Technology services are provided to faculty, staff and students
by the NET Services (Northern Educational Technology
Services) division, which is administered by the chief
information officer. NET Services includes four centers of
operation: the NSU Help Desk, Computer Services Center,
Center, and the Instructional Design Center.
NSU Help Desk
A centralized help desk, located in the Technology Center,
Room 148, is the first point of contact for all faculty, staff
and students needing technical assistance. The help desk
coordinates all services provided by the NET Services
personnel and can be contacted by phone, e-mail (help@
northern.edu) or through the NSU Web site (www.northern.
edu/help/). Phone: (605) 626-2283.
Computer Services Center
The function of computer services is to provide technology
service and assistance to the students, faculty and
administration. Among the services provided are the local
computer networks, Internet connectivity, repair and
maintenance of computers and computer peripherals,
computer facilities for instruction, processing of student
operations. Also, computer services facilities are available
for student and faculty research purposes. Consultant and
technical assistance services for individuals are available
from personnel of computer services. Both Macintosh and
PC general use computer labs are open for student use
throughout the year. Additional services provided by the
computer center include color and black and white printing;
checkout of headsets, speakers, microphones and selected
specialty software; purchase of CDs, disks, zip; burning of
CDs; and scanning.
Media, Instructional Technology and
Distance Delivery Center
The Media, Instructional Technology and Distance Delivery
Center is located in the Technology Center, Room 148 and
serves the NSU campus with traditional AV media equipment
and production as well as the latest in digital technologies and
teleconferencing equipment. The media center personnel
teleconferencing rooms. The Media Services and Distance
Delivery Center houses two state-of-the-art video production

studios and produces content for and maintain and operate
NSUtv. The center also coordinates the scheduling and
delivery of all multimedia instructional equipment (smart
carts, cameras, slide projectors, TVs, etc). Other services
provided by the media center include laminating, burning CDs
and DVDs, dubbing tapes, making transparencies, scanning,
color printing and same-day checkout of digital cameras,
digital camcorders and laptops for school-related projects. The
distance delivery personnel design, maintain and operate the
South Dakota Digital Dakota Network (DDN) distance learning
rooms, including the Center for Statewide E-learning studios.
They schedule distance classroom use and provide DDN
technical support for NSU faculty and E-learning instructors.
These services allow NSU faculty, students and staff to
teleconference throughout South Dakota, supporting NSU’s
international and e-learning mission.
Instructional Design Center correspondence class. Anyone who has graduated from
The instructional design center is located on the second
floor of the Technology Center. The instructional design
staff provides support for faculty and students in the areas of
online course management software and other technologies
used to develop instructional materials including presentation
software, Web site design and development programs, and
electronic portfolio development. The instructional design
staff members coordinate the design and delivery of faculty
and staff technology training. The coordinator of the center
reviews all NSU courses delivered online to assure that they
meet the established standards of Quality Matters by the Board
of Regents. The instructional design center also oversees the
Technology Fellowship program.
Honors Program
The Honors Program is for academically talented and highly
motivated students. The purposes of the program are
1. to stimulate creativity, intellectual curiosity and critical
evaluation of ideas and behavior;
2. to enhance the skills of critical research, writing and
speaking; and
3. to develop the capacity for independent learning.
Currently enrolled students who have a GPA of 3.5 or above,
and high school seniors who have an ACT of 27 or above and
rank in or near the top 25 percent of their graduating class
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
may apply for admission. Students who do not meet these
entrance criteria but can demonstrate that they have made a
commitment to the objectives of the program may also apply
and be considered for admission.
Students who complete at least 18 credit hours in honors
courses and maintain a 3.5 GPA for all courses taken,
including transfer credit, and who complete an Honors Thesis
or Project (Honors 498) will graduate from the program
and receive a diploma In Honoribus. The designation In
Honoribus is the highest graduation honor awarded by
Northern State University.
For further information or an application for admission, write
Director, Honors Program, Northern State University, 1200 S.
Jay Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198.
Summer School
Northern State University’s summer semester is divided into
two terms. The summer schedule includes comprehensive
undergraduate and graduate offerings. Students who attend
summer school include recent high school graduates, regular
students planning to complete the bachelor’s degree program
in three calendar years, graduate students and those pursuing
non-degree courses or programs.
Applicants who do not meet fall term admission requirements
may be admitted on a trial basis during the summer. They
enroll in freshmen level courses recommended by the
Registrar. Acceptance as a regular student depends on the
student receiving a C average during summer session.
The graduate course offering is extensive during the summer
and includes elementary and secondary teaching, counseling
and administration. Contact the Graduate Office (Spafford
Hall Room 104) for more information. Phone: (605) 626-2558.
Summer schedules are available at the Registrar’s Office or
online.
Spring Interim
Spring interim classes are scheduled between the close of
the academic year and the beginning of the summer terms
and is considered part of the summer semester. Enrollment
is voluntary with group or individual instruction offered on
and off the campus. Specially planned activities may be one to
three weeks in duration, for which students can earn one to
three credits.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Extended Studies
Extension classes, correspondence courses and public service
programs are offered through the Office of Extended Studies.
While regularly enrolled students may take extension classes,
these courses are especially for people who would like to
enroll in a college course, but are unable to attend regularly
scheduled classes because of job, distance from campus, or
other daytime commitments. Most extension classes, whether
in Aberdeen or other communities, are offered in the evening,
Saturday or condensed workshop format. They are open to
those working toward a degree as well as to individuals who
want to take a class for their own enjoyment.
Correspondence and extension classes are open to everyone
as long as prerequisites have been met. No special fees
or forms are required, nor is it necessary to be formally
admitted to a college program to enroll in an extension or
high school or who has completed a General Educational
Development (GED) test may enroll for college credit. Those
who have not completed high school but wish to enroll
may do so as an audit student or as a dual-student upon
recommendation of high school official. Currently enrolled
Northern State University students must obtain advisor and
dean signature, before enrolling in correspondence courses.
Extension classes are offered on demand. They must be
self-supporting, therefore, minimum enrollments have been
established.
Individuals or groups who would like to have a class offered by
extension in their area should contact the Office of Extended
Studies who will, given sufficient interest, make every effort
to organize the class. The director will visit schools and
interested groups to explain the total extension program on
request. Short term, non-credit public service programs are
also available in a wide variety of subject areas.
Northern State University also offers independent study by
correspondence and Internet through the Office of Extended
Studies. Enrollment may take place at any time; lessons are
completed at the students’ own pace. Contact the Office of
Extended Studies for a current catalog of courses offered by
correspondence.
25
ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Undergraduate Programs E-Business Education (BSEd) Special Education (BSEd)

Northern State University offers the following degrees: Economics (BS) Speech (BA, BSEd)
1. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree stresses broad Elementary Education (BSEd) Public Relations
preparation rather than specialization. It is preferred for English (BA, BSEd) Sport Marketing and Administration (BS)
some graduate and professional schools. Teaching English as a Second
Minors
Language (TESL)
2. The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree offers a specialized American Indian Studies Mathematics
Literature
course of study with a scientific or technological emphasis. Banking and Financial Services Mathematics for Elementary
Writing
3. The Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) and Bachelor Teaching Biology Teachers
of Music Education (BME) degrees prepare students to Desktop Publishing Business Music
teach in elementary, secondary, or K-12 schools. Students Environmental Science (BS) Chemistry Music for Elementary Teachers
who successfully complete BSEd requirements and the Bioremediation Coaching Philosophy
required state certification exams are eligible to receive a Wildlife Management Computer Aided Art Computer Science
recommendation for the applicable teaching certification Rural Planning/Environmental Policy Physical Education Physics
in the State of South Dakota. All BSEd graduates are Finance (BS) Early Childhood Education Psychology
encouraged to apply for South Dakota certification French Studies (BA) Economics Reading
immediately upon completion of their degree. BSEd Business French E-Learning Science for Elementary
graduates may also be eligible for Northern State University General Studies English Teachers
recommendation for certification in other states, but German (BA) Entrepreneurial Studies Social Studies for Elementary
because teaching certification/licensure requirements vary History (BA, BSEd) French Studies Teachers
among states, Northern State University cannot guarantee Human Performance and Fitness (BS) Geography Sociology
the graduate will be immediately certified in a particular Human Services (BA) German Spanish
state. To obtain specific requirements, contact the See Sociology Gerontology Special Education
Certification Officer. International Business Studies (BA) Health Education Speech
Management (BS) International Studies Theater
Some majors are offered in more than one degree.
Marketing (BS) Management Information
Majors Systems
Mathematics (BS, BSEd)
Accounting (BS) Medical Technology (BS) Associate Programs
Administrative Systems (BS) Music (BA, BME)
Banking and Financial Services (AS)
Management Information Systems Instrumental
Business (AS)
Art (BA, BSEd) Vocal
Business Administration
Fine Arts Musical Theater (BA)
Management Information Systems
Advertising Design Physical Education (BSEd)
Commercial Art (AS)
Multimedia Graphic Design Political Science (BA)
Desktop Publishing (AS)
Art Education Comprehensive (BSED) Professional Accountancy (BS)
General Studies (AA)
Banking and Financial Services (BS) Psychology (BS)
Multimedia Graphic Design (AS)
Biology (BS, BSED) Social Science (BSEd)
Paraprofessional Education (AS)
Business Administration (BS) Sociology (BA)
Social Services (AS)
Chemistry (BS, BSEd) Criminal Justice
Forensic Science Gerontology
Community Development (BA) Human Services
Criminal Justice (BA) Professional Sociology
See Sociology Spanish (BA, BSEd)

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

26
 ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Pre-Professional Programs Mathematics Education

Athletic Training Law Physical Science Education
Business Medicine Physics Education
Chiropractic Health Care Mortuary Science Political Science Education
Dentistry Education Nursing Psychology Education
Engineering Optometry Sociology Education
Journalism Physical Therapy Middle Level Endorsements
Veterinary Medicine 5-8 Middle Level Education
Teaching Endorsements English/Language Arts Content Area Education
Mathematics Content Area Education
Birth Through Preschool Education Science Content Area Education
Kindergarten Education Social Science Content Area Education
K-12
Adapted Physical Education Coaching
Art Education Driver Education
Braille Education Special Education
Comprehensive School Health Blind/Visually Impaired
Educational Technology Technology Proficiency Certificates
English as a New Language Education Computer Maintenance & Configuration for E-learning
French World Language Education Database Management Systems for E-learning Environments
German World Language Education Digital Imaging for E-learning
Gifted Education Digital Video Production for E-learning
Indian Studies (Lakota Studies) E-learning
Library Media Education E-learning Course Delivery
Physical Education E-learning Multi-media Design and Production
Spanish World Language Education E-learning Information Technology Management
Vocal Music Education E-learning Software Applications
7-12 E-learning Website Administration
Biology Education E-learning Website Design & Development
Business Education Instructional Design for E-learning
Chemistry Education Object Oriented Programming
Economics Education Research in the E-learning Age
Geography Education E-Learning Web Application Development
History Education
Language Arts-Combination Endorsement Program in Speech/Debate/Drama/Theater Certificates
Language Arts-Composition/Grammar Education Executive Banking
Language Arts-Composition/Grammar/Mass Communication Education Intermediate Banking
Language Arts-Combination Endorsement Program in Literature/Composition/ Certification of Recognition
Grammar Applied Gerontology
Language Arts-Drama/Theater Education
Language Arts-Literature Education
Language Arts-Mass Communications Education
Language Arts-Speech/Debate Education

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 27

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Testing terms. Reinstatement requires the student to take the proficiency examination in the first
All students can be required to participate in the Regent’s value added testing program. This reinstated term. Failure to take the test at that time results in immediate administrative
program requires students to take selected standardized examinations throughout their college withdrawal.
careers. Exit Examinations: Upon completion of a student’s major program and prior to graduation
Entry level placement tests: All students must have current ACT scores and/or COMPASS the student will be required to participate in selected assessment activities in his/her major.
(taken on campus) scores for placement into English, Reading, and Mathematics courses. It is Most majors have as a part of these assessments a standardized test in the major. While the
recommended that these be taken before initial registration. test results will not affect the student’s graduation status, completion of the exit exam(s) is a
requirement for graduation.
Students who take the COMPASS but are not enrolling at NSU or another South Dakota
institution will be charged $15 per test. Students are allowed to challenge the ACT or COMPASS If the department exit test(s) is not taken no degree will be awarded.
placement one time only at a charge of $15 per test. Students preparing to teach will take the PRAXIS II: Principles of Learning and Teaching in
ACT English less than or equal to 17 Basic Writing addition to their major field exit test. This test will be taken during the student teaching
COMPASS Writing less than or equal to 70 Basic Writing semester. Minimum scores must be met to be recommended for teacher certification.
ACT Reading less than or equal to 17 READ 041 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
COMPASS Reading less than or equal to 75 READ 041
Completion of a baccalaureate program at Northern State University consists of courses that
ACT Math less than or equal to 17 MATH 021 meet requirements in several categories: system general education, institutional graduation,
COMPASS Pre-Algebra 0-100 or Algebra 0-32 MATH 021 degree, and major. Students may also choose to complete additional majors, minors or
ACT Math 18-19 MATH 101 specializations. Courses that satisfy system general education, institutional graduation and
COMPASS Algebra 33-44 MATH 101 degree requirements have been selected to meet Board of Regents defined educational goals.
ACT Math 20-24 MATH 102 These goals and the criteria for course selection are detailed below, followed by the NSU
COMPASS Algebra 45-100 or College Algebra 0-52 MATH 102 courses which have been determined meet the criteria in each area. Incoming freshmen must
complete 30 credit hours of System General Education Requirements in their first 64 credit
ACT Math>24 and necessary COMPASS scores MATH 115,120,121,123 hours.
Students planning to pursue a teaching degree must take the PRAXIS I test and meet the A. Completion of Pre-General Education Courses
minimum standard scores before being admitted to teacher education. This test is taken during
the freshman or sophomore year. 1. Students placed in pre-general education courses must enroll in and
complete the courses within the first 30 credit hours attempted.
Proficiency Examination: All students seeking a baccalaureate degree and all students
entering an associate degree program are required to take and successfully pass the proficiency 2. If a student does not complete the pre-general education course(s) within
examination. For baccalaureate students, this test is taken when the student has completed and the first 30 credit hours attempted, a registration hold is placed on the
passed 48 credit hours. For associate degree students, this test is taken when the student has student’s record. During the next 12 credit hours attempted, the student
completed 32 credit hours. All transfer students (with the exception of those transferring from must enroll in and complete the pre-general education course(s).
within the South Dakota regental system who have passed all parts of the proficiency test) must 3. If the pre-general education course(s) is not completed within the first 42
take this proficiency test. No degree will be awarded until these tests are taken and successfully credit hours attempted, the only course(s) in which the student may enroll
passed. A student has two opportunities to retake any part of the examination not initially is the pre-general education course(s); and the student’s status is changed
passed. These retakes must be taken in the following two semesters of enrollment. from degree seeking to non-degree seeking.
To prepare for this examination, the student must have completed at least one course each B. Credit Hours and Grades
in English Composition, Mathematics at or above the level of college algebra, Natural Science, 1. Credit hours for the pre-general education courses are included in the total number of
Social Science, Humanities and Fine Arts. Failure to take this test when notified of eligibility credit hours attempted.
will result in denial of registration at all South Dakota regental institutions for two subsequent
2. The grades assigned for courses numbered less than 100 will be RS and RU.

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System General Education Requirements Courses:

(These requirements are common across the entire South Dakota Regental System) SPCM 101, Fundamentals of Speech (3 credits)
SPCM 215, Public Speaking (3 credits)
GOAL #1:
SPCM 222, Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)
Student will write effectively and responsibly and will understand and interpret the written
expression of others. GOAL #3:
Students will understand the organization, potential, and diversity of the human
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
community through study of the social sciences.
1. Write using standard American English, including correct punctuation, grammar, and
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
sentence structure;
1. Identify and explain basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected social science
2. Write logically;
disciplines from different spatial, temporal, cultural and/or institutional contexts.
3. Write persuasively, with a variety of rhetorical strategies (e.g., expository, argumentative,
2. Apply selected social science concepts and theories to contemporary issues.
descriptive);
3. Identify and explain the social or aesthetic values of different cultures.
4. Incorporate formal research and documentation into their writing, including research
obtained through modern, technology-based research tools. In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to
demonstrate a basic understanding of at least one of the following:
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes: Required #1,
#2, #3 and #4. 4. The origin and evolution of human institutions.
Credit Hours: 6 5. The allocation of human or natural resources within societies.
Student enrollment in the initial English course is determined by the Board of Regents 6. The impact of diverse philosophical, ethical or religious views.
placement policy (2:7:6). Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes: Required: #1,
Courses: #2, and #3. At least one of the following: #4, #5 or #6.
ENGL 101, Composition I (3 credits) Credit Hours: 6 (in 2 disciplines)
ENGL 201, Composition II (3 credits) Courses:
GOAL #2: ANTH 210, Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
Students will communicate effectively and responsibly through listening and speaking. CJUS 201, Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits)
Student Learning Outcomes: AS a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will: ECON 201, Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
ECON 202, Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
1. Prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of audiences and settings;
GEOG 200, Intro to Human Geography (3 credits)
2. Demonstrate speaking competencies including choice and use of topic, supporting GEOG 210, World Regional Geography (3 credits)
materials, GEOG 212, Geography of North America (3 credits)
organizational patter, language usage, presentational aids, and delivery; HIST 151, US History I (3 credits)
3. Demonstrate listening competencies by summarizing, analyzing, and paraphrasing ideas, HIST 152, US History II (3 credits)
perspectives and emotional content. POLS 100, American Government (3 credits)
POLS 210, State and Local Government (3 credits)
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
POLS 250, World Politics (3 credits)
Required: #1, #2, and #3.
PSYC 101/101A, General Psychology (3 credits)
Credit Hours: 3 SOC 100, Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
SOC 150, Social Problems (3 credits)
SOC 250, Courtship & Marriage (3 credits)

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GOAL #4: MFL 101, Introduction to Foreign Language and Culture I (4 credits)
Students will understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience through MFL 102, Introduction to Foreign Language and Culture II (4 credits)
study of the arts and humanities. MUS 100, Music Appreciation (3 credits)
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will: PHIL 100, Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)
PHIL 200, Introduction to Logic (3 credits)
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the
PHIL 270, Philosophy of Religion (3 credits)
human experience;
RUSS 101, Introductory Russian I (4 credits)
2. Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and RUSS 102, Introductory Russian II (4 credits)
humanities. SPAN 101, Introductory Spanish I (4 credits)
In addition, as a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will be able to do at SPAN 102, Introductory Spanish II (4 credits)
least one of the following: THEA 100, Introduction to Theater (3 credits)
3. Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of the THEA 131, Introduction to Acting (3 credits)
selected disciplines within the arts and humanities; GOAL #5:
4. Demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding; Students will understand and apply fundamental mathematical processes and reasoning.
5. Explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the literary or fine arts; Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will:
6. Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English 1. Use mathematical symbols and mathematical structure to model and solve real world
language.Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes: problems;
Required: #1 and #2. At least one of the following #3, #4, #5 or #6. 2. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills related to mathematical terms and
Credit Hours: 6 (in 2 disciplines or a sequence of foreign language courses) concepts;
Courses: 3. Demonstrate the correct use of quantifiable measurements of real world situations.
ART 111, Drawing I (3 credits) Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes:
ART 112, Drawing II (3 credits) Required: #1, #2, and #3.
ART 121, Design I-2 D (3 credits)
Student enrollment in the initial Mathematics course is determined by the Board of
ART 123, Three Dimensional Design
Regents placement policy (2:7:6).
ARTH 100, Art Appreciation (3 credits)
ARTH 211, History of World Art I (3 credits) Credit Hours: 3
ARTH 212, History of World Art II (3 credits) Courses:
ENGL 210, Introduction to Literature (3 credits)
MATH 102, College Algebra (3 credits)
ENGL 221, British Literature I (3 credits)
MATH 104, Finite Math (4 credits)
ENGL 222, British Literature II (3 credits)
MATH, 115, Precalculus (5 credits)
ENGL 230, Literature for Younger Readers (3 credits)
MATH 120, Trigonometry (3 credits)
ENGL 241, American Literature I (3 credits)
MATH 121, Survey of Calculus (3 credits)
ENGL 242, American Literature II (3 credits)
MATH 123, Calculus (4 credits)
ENGL 258, Literature and Culture (3 credits)
MATH 125, Calculus II (4 credits)
FREN 101, Introductory French I (4 credits)
MATH 225, Calculus III (4 credits)
FREN 102, Introductory French II (4 credits)
GER 101, Introductory German I (4 credits) GOAL #6:
GER 102, Introductory German II (4 credits) Students will understand the fundamental principles of the natural sciences and apply
HIST 121, Western Civilization I (3 credits) scientific methods of inquire to investigate the natural world.
HIST 122, Western Civilization II (3 credits)

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 ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of taking courses meeting this goal, students will: Institutional Graduation Requirements
1. Demonstrate the scientific method in a laboratory experience; (These requirements are unique to NSU.)
2. Gather and critically evaluate data using the scientific method; IGR Goal #1:
3. Identify and explain the basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected natural Students will explore in greater depth the range of subjects meeting System General
sciences; Education Goal #3, understanding the structures and possibilities of the human
community through study of the social sciences. (3 credits in disciplines and courses
4. Apply selected natural science concepts and theories to contemporary issues. different from those selected under System General Education Goal #3.)
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes: Student Learning Outcomes: Students will:
Required: #1, #2, #3 and #4.
1. Identify and explain basic concepts, terminology and theories of the selected social
Credit Hours: 6 science disciplines from different spatial, temporal, cultural and/or institutional contexts;
Courses: 2. Apply selected social science concepts and theories to contemporary issues;
BIOL 101/101L, Biology Survey I and Lab (3 credits) 3. Identify and explain the social or aesthetic values of different cultures.
BIOL 151/151L, General Biology I and Lab (4 credits)
BIOL 153/153L, General Biology II and Lab (4 credits) In addition, students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of at least one of
CHEM 106/106L Chemistry Survey and Lab (4 credits) the following:
CHEM 112/112L, General Chemistry I and Lab (4 credits) 4. The origin and evolution of human institutions;
CHEM 114/114L, General Chemistry II and Lab (4 credits) 5. The allocation of human or natural resources within societies;
GEOG 131/131L, Physical Geography I and Lab (4 credits)
GEOG 132/132L, Physical Geography II and Lab (4 credits) 6. The impact of diverse philosophical, ethical or religious views.
GEOL 101/101L, General Geology and Lab (3 credits) Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes.
PHYS 101/101L, Survey of Physics and Lab (4 credits) Required: #1, #2, and #3. At least one of the following: #4, #5 or #6.
PHYS 111/111L, Introduction to Physics I and Lab (4 credits) Credit Hours: 3
PHYS 113/113L, Introduction to Physics II and Lab (4 credits)
PHYS 211/211L, University Physics I and Lab (4 credits) Courses:
PHYS 213/213L, University Physics II and Lab (4 credits) ANTH 210, Cultural Anthropology* (3 credits)
GOAL #7: ECON 201, Principles of Microeconomics* (3 credits)
ECON 202, Principles of Macroeconomics* (3 credits)
Students will recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, GEOG 210, World Regional Geography* (3 credits)
organize, critically evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources with HIST 151, US History I* (3 credits)
intellectual integrity. HIST 152, US History II* (3 credits)
Student learning outcomes: Students will: POLS 100, American Government* (3 credits)
1. Determine the extent of information needed; POLS 250, World Politics* (3 credits)
PSYC 101/101A, General Psychology* (3 credits)
2. Access the needed information effectively and efficiently; SOC 100, Introduction to Sociology* (3 credits)
3. Evaluate information and its sources critically; SOC 150, Social Problems* (3 credits)
4. Use information effectively to accomplish specific purpose; *Indicates courses that also meet the System General Education Requirements (SGR). If
5. Use information in an ethical and legal manner. students use a course to meet the SGR, student must select a different course to meet the
IGR.
Assessment: Students fulfill this requirement by demonstrating competency through an
assessment designated by the university.

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IGR Goal #2: Group B: Language and Literature

Students will explore in greater depth the range of subjects meeting System General ENGL 210, Introduction to Literature* (3 credits)
Education Requirement Goal #4, understanding and appreciating the human experience ENGL 213, Backgrounds to Literature (3 credits)
through arts and humanities. (6 credits in disciplines and courses different from those ENGL 221, British Literature I* (3 credits)
selected under System General Education Goal #4.) ENGL 222, British Literature II* (3 credits)
ENGL 230, Literature for Younger Readers* (3 credits)
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will: ENGL 241, American Literature I* (3 credits)
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the ENGL 242, American Literature II (3 credits)
human experience; ENGL 258, Literature and Culture* (3 credits)
2. Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and ENGL 363, Literary Genres (3 credits)
humanities. ENGL 431, Shakespeare I (3 credits)
ENGL 432, Shakespeare II (3 credits)
In addition, students will be able to do at least one of the following: Any 200-300 Level English Literature Course (except 201, 302 and 305) (3 credits)
3. Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of the Any Foreign Language Literature Course (3 credits)
selected disciplines within the arts and humanities; 100-200 Foreign Language Course (3-4 credits) (FREN, GER, RUSS or SPAN)
4. Demonstrate creative and aesthetic understanding; *Indicates courses that also meet the System General Education Requirements (SGR). If
5. Explain and interpret formal and stylistics elements of the literary or fine arts; students use a course to meet the SGR, student must select a different course to meet the
IGR.
6. Demonstrate foundational competency in reading, writing, and speaking a non-English
language. Group C: Social Connections
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes: Required: HIST 121, Western Civilization I* (3 credits)
#1 and #2. At least one of the following: #3, #4, #5, or #6. HIST 122, Western Civilization II* (3 credits)
PHIL 100, Introduction to Philosophy* (3 credits)
Credit Hours: 6 PHIL 270, Philosophy of Religion* (3 credits)
Courses:
*Indicates courses that also meet the System General Education Requirements (SGR). If
Group A: Artistic Expression students use a course to meet the SGR, student must select a different course to meet the
ART 111, Drawing I* (3 credits) IGR.
ARTH 100, Art Appreciation* (3 credits)
IGR Goal #3:
MUEN 100, Concert Choir** (1 credit)
MUEN 104, Chamber Singers** (1 credit) Students will develop an understanding of personal wellness.
MUEN 110, Orchestra** (1 credit) Student Learning Outcomes: Students will gain an understanding of mental and physical
MUEN 120, Marching Band** (1 credit) wellness through:
MUEN 121, Symphonic Band** (1 credit)
1. Knowledge and assessment of wellness content;
MUEN 122, Concert Band** (1 credit)
MUEN 180, Jazz Ensemble** (1 credit) 2. Knowledge and assessment of wellness practices.
MUS 100, Music Appreciation* (3 credits) Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes: Required: #1
THEA 100, Introduction to Theater* (3 credits) and #2.
THEA 131, Introduction to Acting* (3 credits)
Credit Hours: 2
*Indicates courses that also meet the System General Education Requirements (SGR). If
Course: WEL 100/100L, Wellness for Life and Lab (2 credits)
students use a course to meet the SGR, student must select a different course to meet the
IGR.
** MUEN 100 Level courses (3 credits)

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 ACADEMIC INFORMATION

GLOBALIZATION/GLOBAL ISSUES WRITING INTENSIVE REQUIREMENT

Goal: Goal:
Students will understand and be sensitive to cultural diversity so that they are prepared to Students will develop critical writing skills in accordance with the discipline.
live and work in an international and multicultural environment.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of completing courses related to this goal students will:
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify and evaluate sources of information within the discipline;
1. Analyze the impact of global issues on society;
2. Complete writing intensive projects within the major.
2. Gain a broad perspective on cultural diversity;
Credit Hours: To be completed within major. Selected courses do not add to the total
3. Apply multiple global perspectives to contemporary issues. number of credits required for the major.
Each course meeting this goal includes the following student learning outcomes: MAJOR COURSE
Required: #1, #2, and #3. Accounting BADM 244, Business Communications
Credit Hours: 0 Administrative Systems BADM 244, Business Communications
Art ARTH 312, History of the World Art IV
Students select a course to meet the globalization requirement that also meets one of the
Art Education ARTH 312, History of the World Art IV
SGR or IGR requirements.
Banking and Financial Services BADM 244, Business Communications
Courses: Biology BIOL 490, Senior Seminar
ANTH 210, Cultural Anthropology Business Administration BADM 244, Business Communications
ECON 201, Principles of Microeconomics Chemistry CHEM 490, Senior Seminar
ECON 202, Principles of Macroeconomics Community Development ENGL 305, Professional, Technical and Grant Writing
FREN 101, Introductory French I E-Business Education BADM 244, Business Communications
FREN 102, Introductory French II Economics BADM 244, Business Communications
FREN 201, Intermediate French I Elementary Education ELED 360, K-8 Social Science Methods
FREN 202, Intermediate French II English ENGL 284, Introduction to Criticism
GEOG 210, World Regional Geography Environmental Science
GER 101, Introductory German I Bioremediation & Wildlife
GER 102, Introductory German II Specializations BIOL 311, Principles of Ecology
GER 201, Intermediate German I Rural Planning Specialization ENGL 305, Professional, Technical & Grant Writing
GER 202, Intermediate German II Finance BADM 244, Business Communications
HIST 121, Western Civilization I French Studies FREN 310, French Language Skills
HIST 122, Western Civilization II German GER 311 and 312, Composition and Conversation I
POLS 250, World Politics and II
RUSS 101, Introductory Russian I History HIST 480, Historical Methods and Historiography
RUSS 102, Introductory Russian II Human Performance and Fitness PE 440, Organization & Administration of HPER/A
RUSS 201, Intermidiate Russian I International Business BADM 244, Business Communications Studies
RUSS 202, Intermidiate Russian II Management BADM 244, Business Communications
SPAN 101, Introductory Spanish I Marketing BADM 244, Business Communications
SPAN 102, Introductory Spanish II Mathematics MATH 450, History of Mathematics
SPAN 201, Intermediate Spanish I Medical Technology BIOL 371, Genetics
SPAN 202, Intermediate Spanish II Music MUS 432, History of Music III
Musical Theater (Pending BOR Approval)
Physcial Education PE 440, Organization & Administration of HPER/A

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ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Political Science POLS 320, Public Administration Human Values (3 credits)

Professional Accountancy BADM 244, Business Communications
ARTH 250, Art, Religion and Values
Psychology PSYC 300, Introduction to Scientific Psychology
BADM 457, Business Ethics
Social Science HIST 480, Historical Methods & Historiography
EDFN 475, Human Relations
Sociology SOC 403, Sociological Theory
MFL 103, Culture as Communication
Spanish SPAN 433, Spanish Civilization & Culture
PHIL 100, Introduction to Philosophy*
Special Education SPED 485, Special Education Law
PHIL 270, Philosophy of Religion*
Speech SPCM 416, Rhetorical Criticism
POLS 206, Human Nature and Human Values
Sport Marketing and Administration PE 440, Organization and Administration of HPER/A
*Students may not use this course to satisfy this requirement if it also being used to satisfy Goal
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 4 of the General Education System Goals or Goal 2 of the Institutional Degree Requirements.
Bachelor of Arts Quantitative Course (3 credits)
In addition to fulfilling all General Education System Goals and Institutional Graduation A course in Mathematics (with a pre-requisite of MATH 102 or higher MATH)
Requirements, candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree must take three additional BADM/ECON 220, Business Statistics
courses as follows: PSYC 371, Statistics in Psychological Research
Human Values (3 credits) Additional course (3 credits)
ARTH 250, Art, Religion and Values
BADM 457, Business Ethics Course with MATH prefix above the level of College Algebra*
EDFN 475, Human Relations OR
MFL 103, Culture as Communication Third course in Natural Sciences
PHIL 100, Introduction to Philosophy* OR
PHIL 270, Philosophy of Religion* ECON 423, Statistics II
POLS 206, Human Nature and Human Values *MATH 104 and 115 are considered to be at the level of College Algebra and therefore may not
*Students may not use this course to satisfy this requirement if it also being used to be used to satisfy this requirement.
satisfy Goal 4 of the General Education System Goals or Goal 2 of the Institutional Degree Bachelor of Science in Education and Bachelor of Music Education
Requirements. EPSY 302, Educational Psychology (2 credits)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits) EPSY 327/PSYC 325, Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits)
Two additional courses from those listed in Goal 2 of the Institutional Degree INED 411, South Dakota Indian Studies (3 credits)
Requirements-page 32 (a total of six courses are required for the BA degree) EDFN 475, Human Relations (3 credits)
a. At least one course must be in fine arts (as listed in Group A) In addition to fulfilling all General Education System Goals and institutional graduation
b. At least one course must be in literature (as listed in Group B) requirements, candidates for the bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Music Education
c. At least one course must be in a foreign language (as listed in Group B) degree must take the professional education course work required for certification in the
d. At least one course must be in Western Civilization (HIST 121 or 122) state of South Dakota. See Teacher Education and specific requirements for Elementary
e. Two courses may be elected from courses listed in Goal 2 of the Institutional Education; and K-12 Certification requirements for majors including Art, HPE, Music,
Graduation Requirements World Languages and Special Education. See Secondary Education for BSEd majors in
Biology, Business Education, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, Social Science and
Bachelor of Science Speech. Of these requirements, EDFN 475, Human Relations, satisfies the Human Values
In addition to fulfilling all General Education System Goals and Institutional Graduation goal for all majors.
Requirements, candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree must take three additional courses
as follows:

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 ACADEMIC INFORMATION

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS NOTE: PHIL 100 and 270 may not satisfy Human Values requirement if used for
another requirement.
A composite of system general education, institutional graduation and degree requirements,
along with the Major Requirements (and professional education course work for Teacher Globalization/Global Issues: ANTH 210; ECON 201, 202; GEOG 210; POLS 250; HIST 121, 122,
Education Programs) listed under each Major, make up the Program Requirements. Foreign Language (100-200 level) 1 course 0 credits.
Bachelor of Arts students need to complete the following Computer Literacy: high school course work or MIS 105
ENGL 101, Composition I (3 credits)
ENGL 201, Composition II (3 credits) Bachelor of Science students need to complete the following
Select from SPMC 101, 215, or 222 (3 credits) ENGL 101, Composition I (3 credits)
Humanities and Fine Arts-Take one (1) course from each category: ENGL 201, Composition II (3 credits)
Select from SPCM 101, 215 or 222 (3 credits)
I. ARTH 100, 211, 212, MUS 100, THEA 100, 131, or ART 111, 112, 121* (3 credits)
Humanities and Fine Arts-Take four (4) courses from two (2) categories:
II. ENGL 210, 213, 221, 222, 230, 241, 242, 258, 363, 431, 432;
SPAN 353, 355; GER 453, 454; FREN 353 (3 credits) I. ART 111, 112, 121; ARTH 100, 211, 212; MUS 100; THEA 100, 131: or
3 credits of 100 level MUEN (3 credits)
III. HIST 121, 122 (3 credits)
II. ENGL 210, 213, 221, 222, 230, 241, 242, 258, 363, 431, 432;
IV. SPAN 101, 102, 201, 202; GER 101, 102, 201, 202; FREN 101, 102, 201, 202 RUSS or Foreign Language (3 credits), or 3 credits of 100 level MUEN
101,102, 201, 202
(3 credits) III. HIST 121, 122: PHIL 100, 200, 270 (3 credits)
Take two (2) additional courses from the above list (6 credits). May also choose PHIL MATH 102, 104, 115, 120, 123, 125, 225 (3-4 credits)
100, 200, or 270 if not used for Human Values. ** May use 3 credits of 100 level MUEN. Quantitative course: MATH 120, 121, 123, 125, 225; PSYC 371; BADM/ECON 220 (3 credits)
MATH 102, 104, 115, 120, 121, 123, 125, 225 (3-4 credits) Laboratory Science - Take two (2) courses in one category:*
*Art majors should choose from MUS, THEA, or ARTH 100. Music majors should choose from I. BIOL 101/101L, CHEM 106/106L, PHYS 101/101L, GEOL 101/101L (6 credits)
ART, ARTH or THEA. Or
**Music, English and International Business majors may use some of their required foreign II. A year sequence BIOL 151/153, CHEM 112/114, GEOG 131/132, PHYS 111/113,
language coursework. PHYS 211/213 (8 credits)
Laboratory Science - Take two (2) courses in one category: *Note: Human Performance and Fitness majors should choose BIOL as one course.
I. BIOL 101/101L, CHEM 106/106L, PHYS 101/101L, GEOL 101-/101L (6-7 credits) One additional MATH course above level of 102/104 or any science course (BIOL, CHEM,
Or PHYS, GEOL) or ECON 423. (3 credits)
II. A year sequence BIOL 151/153, CHEM 112/114, GEOG 131/132, PHYS 111/113, PHYS Behavioral/Social Science - Take three (3) courses from 3 different prefixes: ECON 201, 202;
211/213 (8 credits). POLS 100, 210, 250; ANTH 210; GEOG 200, 210, 212; SOC 100, 150, 250; PSYC 101;
HIST 151, 152; CJUS 201 (9 credits)
Behavioral/Social Science - Take three (3) courses from 3 different prefixes: ECON 201, 202;
POLS 100, 210, 250; ANTH 210; GEOG 200, 210, 212; SOC 100, 150, 250; PSYC 101; Wellness: WEL 100/101L (2 credits)
HIST 151, 152; CJUS 201 (9 credits)* Human Values: ARTH 250; PHIL 100, 270; BADM 457; POLS 206; EDFN 475, MFL 103 (3
*Note: BA music majors take 15 credits, see major for list of choices. credits)
Wellness: WEL 100/100L (2 credits) NOTE: PHIL 100 and 270 may not satisfy Human Values requirement if used for another
requirement.
Human Values: ARTH 250; PHIL 100, 270; BADM 457; EDFN 475; POLS 206, MFL 103
(3 credits)

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ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Globilization: ANTH 210; ECON 201, 202; GEOG 210; POLS 250; HIST 121, 122, Associate of Arts — General Studies
Foreign Language (100-200 level). One course 0 credits.
Computer Literacy: high school course work or MIS 105
Bachelor of Science in Education and Bachelor of Music Education students need to concurrently in the same commencement. Course requirements are listed under General
complete the following:
ENGL 101, 201 (6 credits)
Select from SPCM 101, 215 or 222 (3 credits)
Humanities and Fine Arts-Take four (4) courses from two (2) categories:
up to 3 credits of MUEN
I. ART 111, 112, 121; ARTH 100, 211, 212; MUS 100; THEA 100, 131; and the electives in the A.A. degree. Suggested courses for selected professional programs are
or 3 credits of 100 level MUEN (3 credits)**
II. ENGL 210, 213, 221, 222, 230, 241, 258, 242, 363, 431, 432; or Associate of Science
Foreign Language (3 credits)*
III. HIST 121, 122: PHIL 100, 200, 270 (3 credits)
*BSEd English majors must take 2 semesters of Foreign Language.
* * BSEd Art majors should choose MUS or THEA.
BME should choose ART, THEA.
MATH 102, 104, 115, 120, 121, 123, 125, 225 (3-4 credits)
Laboratory Science - Take two (2) courses in one category: *
I. BIOL 101/101L, CHEM 106/106L, PHYS 101/101L, GEOL 101/101L (6 credits)
Or
II. A year sequence BIOL 151/153, CHEM 112/114, GEOG 131/132, PHYS 111/113, PHYS
211/213
(8 credits)
*Note: Physical Education, Elementary and Special Education majors should choose BIOL as one
course.
Behavioral/Social Science - Take three (3) courses from 3 different prefixes: CJUS 201; ECON
201, 202; POLS 100, 200, 250; ANTH 210; GEOG 200, 210, 212; SOC 100, 150, 250; PSYC 101;
HIST 151, 152 (9 credits)
Elementary Education majors must take POLS 100, GEOG 210, HIST 151 or 152.
Wellness: WEL 100/100L (2 credits)
Human Values: EDFN 475 (3 credits)
Globilization: ANTH 210; ECON 201, 202; GEOG 210; POLS 250; HIST 121, 122,
Foreign Language (100-200 level). One course, 0 credits
Computer Literacy: high school course work or MIS 105
The Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies is a two-year program that provides a
broad background in the major traditional fields of scholarship rather than a specific career
preparation. The Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees may not be awarded to a student
Studies in the Programs Section of this catalog.
Pre-Professional Focus Areas
Students whose career goal is to enter professional, baccalaureate degree programs that are not
offered at Northern State University can customize the Associate of Arts degree with courses
required in the first two years of the chosen professional degree. Advisors will work closely with
the student and the catalog from the professional school to determine core courses selections
outlined under Pre-professional in the Programs section of this catalog.
The Associate of Science degree is a two-year program which emphasizes science or a career
preparation field. The degree requires completion of a minimum of 64 semester hours with 15
of those hours in general education. Specific programs are outlined within the appropriate area
of study. The Associate of Science degree cannot be awarded concurrently with a bachelor’s
degree where the majority of the bachelor’s degree major courses are included in the associate’s
degree emphasis.
Baccalaureate Pre-Professional Programs
Most professional schools and universities throughout the United States require a baccalaureate
degree for admission to programs such as medicine, dentistry and law. The program offered
at Northern State University leading to the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees
provides such preparation. Northern State University students should request catalogs from a
number of professional schools and follow the recommended graduate program for entrance
into the professional school they wish to attend.
Students may also choose to complete two years of coursework before transferring into a
professional school for a baccalaureate degree. Students who plan to transfer to a professional
school should plan their programs using the professional school catalog from the college or
university to which the transfer is planned. Northern has agreements with South Dakota State
University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology to provide the first two years of
an engineering program. Courses required for all Pre-Professional programs are listed under
Pre-professional in the Programs section of this catalog.

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

36
 ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Dentistry, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Physical

Therapy, Veterinary Medicine
These professional schools accept students with majors in a variety of fields. Regardless of
major, however, a strong science and math background and a high score on the appropriate test
(Medical College Admission Test, Dental Admission Test, Optometry College Admission Test,
etc.) increase the probability of acceptance into the professional school of choice. Most students
at Northern who are planning these careers major in biology with minors in chemistry and/or
psychology.
Law
Students interested in law should follow closely the recommendations made by the Association
of American Law Schools. For assistance in preparing for law school, see the Dean of Arts and
Sciences. The Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is usually taken during the senior year,
may be taken on campus.
Law school entrance requirements include a degree from an accredited four-year institution,
a minimum grade point average of 3.00 and an acceptable score on the Law School Admission
Test. Although no particular undergraduate specialization is required, the Association of
American Law Schools advises that the pre-law curriculum include the development of basic
skills (including comprehension and expression in language), a critical understanding of human
institutions and values and creative power in thinking.
Business Administration
Students interested in pursuing graduate education leading to the MBA or other graduate
degree, should follow the guidelines of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of
Business (AACSB). The courses identified as business core, as well as BADM 424 (Operations
Research) and MATH 123 or MATH 121 should be completed regardless of major. For assistance
in preparing for graduate business school, see the Dean, School of Business. The Graduate
Management Admissions Test (GMAT), taken during the senior year or immediately prior to
applying to a graduate business school, may be taken on campus.

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 37

GRADUATE STUDIES

Graduate Studies
Graduate Office
Spafford Hall, Room 104
(605) 626-2558
Dr. Thomas Hawley, Director of Graduate Studies
embraces the possibilities for academic success. The mission
of the graduate program is:
• to provide a climate in which students can expand their
knowledge;
Admission to Graduate Studies
Whether or not they intend to complete a degree program,
students enrolling in course work for graduate credit
must apply for admission to graduate study. The following
information must be submitted:
Master of Science • to encourage development of critical and independent
Northern State University awards a Master of Science degree thinking skills; 1. An application form for admission to graduate study;
in the following program: E-learning Technology and 2. An official transcript of all college or university credits
• to enhance the ability to analyze problems objectively;
Administration including both undergraduate and graduate credit, if
• to develop the ability to investigate and interpret current applicable. Students who attended a South Dakota regental
Master of Science in Education
research; univeristy (BHSU, DSU, NSU, SDSM&T, SDSU, USD) do not
Northern State University awards a Master of Science in
Education degree in the following programs: • to provide a wide range of courses that will prepare have to provide a transcript;
E-learning Design and Instruction graduate students for the professional demands of 3. A $35.00 application fee. (Fee assessed on all applications
Counseling leadership roles in education and technology; and to graduate school. Students will pay the fee multiple times
(School and Agency) • to maintain flexible program guidelines to prepare students if applying to multiple graduate schools at the same or
Leadership and Administration for a wide range of employment opportunities. different instituions.)
(Elementary and Secondary)
Specific outcomes of all graduate programs are: 4. Two letters of reference addressing the student’s potential
Teaching and Learning with emphases in:
1. The graduate will demonstrate understanding of for success in graduate study. Students who wish to
Educational Studies
formulation, conduct, and applications of research. pursue a master’s degree at Northern State University
Elementary Classroom Teaching
should declare their intent when admitted to graduate
Health, Physical Education and Coaching 2. The graduate will provide evidence of knowledge of study. Students wishing to complete graduate credit for
Language and Literacy theoretical concepts in the program area. professional growth or certification purposes may enroll in
Secondary Classroom Teaching
3. The graduate will demonstrate skills appropriate to the a non-degree program. However, only 10 semester hours of
Special Education
program area. non-degree credit may be applied toward a degree program
Descriptions of graduate courses are included in the course at a later date.
4. The graduate will demonstrate competent a) written, b)
description section of the catalog. Courses numbered 700
oral, and c) technological communication skills. 5. Students pursuing the Counselor Education program
through 799 are open to graduate students only. Courses
5. The graduate will provide evidence of skills in reflection must complete an interview process with the counselor
numbered 500 through 699 may include students who have
and synthesis, applying theory to practice. education faculty prior to admission into the program.
enrolled for undergraduate credit.
Students must be admitted as candidates for the master’s
degree as follows:
General Information Administration
Through its graduate program, Northern State University The Graduate Council develops policy, procedures, and • The minimum grade point average for admission to a
identifies individuals with outstanding abilities and encourages programming for all graduate programs. It is led by the master’s degree program is an overall 2.75 for bachelor’s
them to prepare for leadership in the profession of education Director of Graduate Studies, who serves as chairperson. degree work.
and technology. The knowledge base for the graduate Members include the Provost/Vice President for Academic • Students who do not meet this minimum GPA may be
programs emphasizes knowledge of self as a master teacher, Affairs; nine elected members of the graduate faculty; and one admitted if they have earned a GPA of 3.00 during the last
administrator, or counselor and member of a learning student elected by the Graduate Student Association. The 64 semester hours of bachelor’s degree work or a GPA of
community and calls for a collaboration among teachers, director for the Center for Statewde E-learning and the Dean 3.25 in their major field
students and their families and communities that embraces of Education, who serve as ex-officio members.
diversity, promotes a positive sense of personal identity, and

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

38

• Students who do not qualify on the basis of the
baccalaureate grade point average may take the General
Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A
minimum combined score of 800 is required for the verbal
and quantitative sections of the GRE, and a 2.5 or greater
is required for the analytical writing section to be admitted
to a degree program. Information regarding the GRE is
available from the Office of Graduate Studies.
• Admission to the school administration program requires
one year of full-time K-12 teaching experience in an
accredited school.
Non-degree Admission
Students who intend to complete graduate credit for
professional growth, for certification purposes, or who do not
meet the requirements above are admitted on a non-degree
basis. They may later request a change in status to a degree
program. A minimum of six graduate hours at Northern State
University must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.00
before requesting a change in status. Non-degree students
may transfer a maximum of 10 semester hours to the degree
program.
Immunization Policy
All students born after 1956, who receive instruction on one
of the residential campuses must show proof of immunization
for measles, mumps (MMR), and rubella. Proof of two doses
of measles, mumps, rubella, vaccine or of the presence of an
immune antibody titer is required. Immunizations for tetanus,
diphtheria, and poliomyelitis, as well as a tuberculin test are
recommended. Proof consists of a State Health Department
Certificate or it may be included as part of the Northern State
University physical exam report.
International Student Admission
In addition to the requirements for admission to graduate
study, international students must submit a TOEFL (Test of
English as a Foreign Language) report, with a minimum paper-
based score of 550, computer-based score of 213; or Internet-
based score of 79-80 . International students must provide
evidence of their ability to finance a program of study without
assistance from Northern State University. International
students are required by the South Dakota Board of Regents
to have medical insurance, proof of which must be provided
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
before registering. The insurance requirement applies to
the student, her or his spouse and any other accompanying
dependents.
Graduate Credit for Seniors
Students classified as seniors may request permission to enroll
in 500- and 600-level courses for graduate credit if they meet
the following criteria:
1. Fewer than 16 hours of undergraduate work to complete
toward the baccalaureate degree.
2. A grade point average of 2.75 or better.
Course work taken for graduate credit will not apply toward
the bachelor’s degree.
Admission to Candidacy for the Master’s
Degree
Once admitted to graduate study, students who wish to
become a candidate for the master’s degree must contact the
Director of Graduate Studies. One of the following conditions
must be met:
1. Successful completion of at least 6 to 10 credits in all
programs except counseling which requires completion of
at least 10 to 16 hours, and E-learning which requires 8 to 12
hours;
OR
2. Enrollment in 11 or more semester hours of graduate
credit during the current semester with a 3.00 GPA at midterm
except counseling which may allow 17 semester hours of
accumulated and current enrollment.
The Graduate Office will approve a three-member graduate
committee to evaluate the student and determine whether to
recommend admission to candidacy. The recommendation
will be reviewed by the Director of Graduate Studies and the
Graduate Council.
Graduate Committee
The graduate committee serves during the student’s candidacy
review and final examination. It consists of three members
of the graduate faculty—two are chosen by the student from
the graduate faculty in his or her degree program. The third
member is appointed by the Graduate Office from outside the
GRADUATE STUDIES
student’s degree program. It is the student’s responsibility
to arrange a date and time for the candidacy review and final
examination. Both must occur prior to the last two weeks of
an academic semester or the last week of summer schedule.
Candidacy Review Process
The purpose of the candidacy review is to:
1. Determine whether the student will be recommended to
candidacy for the degree;
2. Determine whether any transfer credit will be accepted for
the degree program; and
3. Develop an outline of the candidate’s program of study
including specific requirements for the graduate portfolio.
Before the candidacy review, the student prepares a packet
of materials for the graduate committee according to
guidelines in the Graduate Student Handbook which comes
in the portfolio binder. The packet is made available to
the committee chair two weeks in advance of the deadline
established for the candidacy review. Recommendation for
candidacy is by unanimous vote of the student’s graduate
committee. Upon recommendation of the graduate
committee for candidacy, the student and chair, with
recommendations of the other two committee members,
prepare the candidate’s program of study and outline the
requirements for the graduate portfolio.
A minimum of six and no more than 10 credit hours
completed before the candidacy review may be applied to
a graduate degree program. An exception for counseling
requires completion of 10 but no more than 16 credit hours
and E-learning which requires 8 but no more than 12 hours.
All credits must be appropriate for the student’s chosen
program. The graduate committee, graduate director, and
Graduate Council have authority to accept or reject credits
completed prior to the candidacy review when they exceed
more than one-third of the program total.
Modification and general direction of course work following
the candidacy review are the student’s responsibility, with
approval of the graduate committee chairperson and the
Graduate office.
39
GRADUATE STUDIES
Teacher Education Certification
A master’s degree does not certify anyone to teach,
administrate, or counsel in the public schools. Those who
intend to do so must be eligible for a teaching certificate
or its equivalent. Candidates should check certification
requirements in the state in which they intend to work.
Graduate Program Portfolio
The graduate student is required to develop a portfolio
documenting achievement of the program outcomes
according to the requirements developed during the
candidacy review and the guidelines for graduate portfolios
outlined in the Graduate Student Handbook. The handbook,
portfolio binder, and index tabs for the specific program are
available in the university bookstore. E-learning students must
specify an E-learning portfolio. The completed portfolio will be
made available to the graduate committee at least two weeks
prior to the final oral examination.
Internship and Field-Based Research
Project
All graduate programs require an internship as a culminating
experience. Two-thirds of the course work should be
completed before enrolling in the internship. A field-based
research project may be conducted as part of the culminating
experience (except in the counseling program where the
research project may be conducted as a separate experience).
This research will include a paper which will be part of the
student’s portfolio. The topic of the research project must be
approved by the committee and the Graduate Studies Office.
Students must complete their field-based research project
prior to their oral exam.
In addition, IRB Human Subjects Approval must be acquired
before students begin any research involving human beings.
The IRB forms are available in the Graduate Office. Two
copies of the field-based research project must be presented
to the Graduate Office to be placed in the NSU Library. A
public presentation of the field-based project may be made as
part of the final oral examination.
Final Examination
Written and oral examinations are required during the last
period of enrollment. The writing component, as required
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
40
by the program, will serve as one component of the oral
examination and must be completed at least two weeks
but not more than four weeks before the oral examination.
Summer students must complete the written examination
during one of the scheduled dates. Contact the Graduate
Office for details. Students are responsible for scheduling the
examination with the Graduate Office.
Full-time students must pass the oral examination no earlier
than six weeks and no later than three weeks before the end
of the semester in which they intend to graduate. Summer
students must pass the oral examination no later than one
week before the end of the second summer session. The oral
examination will be based on the student’s field of study, the
writing examination, and the graduate student portfolio that
may include the research project.
Application for Graduation
Students may apply for graduation in the semester in which
all course work, internships, papers, and final examinations
are completed. Any student who fails to successfully complete
all remaining requirements in the semester of graduation
must apply for graduation again in a subsequent semester.
All incomplete grades and all correspondence courses must
be completed by the verification deadline (approximately 3-4
weeks) or the student will be required to reapply.
Institutional Endorsement/Second
Master’s Degree/K-12 Certification
Requirement
Students who have already earned a master’s degree may seek
an institutional endorsement or a master’s degree in another
program area. If the first degree was not awarded by Northern
State University, the student should apply as stated under
“Admission to Graduate Studies.” If Northern State University
awarded the first master’s, the student should contact the
Graduate Office.
An institutional endorsement or second master’s requires
appointment of a graduate committee, a candidacy review
process, additional course work and a final examination. No
more than 10 hours can be applied from the first master’s
degree toward a second master’s degree. There is no
limit to the number of hours that may be applied toward
the institutional endorsement, but they must have been
completed within the six-year period (see “Validation of
Credit”) and considered appropriate for the student’s chosen
program. An institutional endorsement is limited to students
who have a classroom teaching master’s degree and want to
add administration capability. The endorsement is available
in the elementary and secondary school administration
programs only.
Students who already have a master’s degree in secondary
school leadership and administration and then want to
administrate at the elementary level may complete: ELED 740,
Elementary School Curriculum (2 credits) and EDAD 794,
Elementary School Internship (2 credits) to fulfill the K-12
principal certification requirements. Students who already
have a master’s degree in Elementary School Leadership
and Administration and then want to administrate at the
secondary level may complete: SEED 740, Secondary School
Curriculum (2 credits) and EDAD 794, Secondary School
Internship (2 credits) to fulfill the K-12 principal certification
requirements.
Time Limits
All degree work must be completed within a period of six
years.
Transfer of Credit
A maximum of 8 semester hours of graduate credit for a 32
hour program, 9 semester hours of graduate credit for a 36
hour program, and 12 semester hours of graduate credit for
a 48 hour program may be transferred from other approved
colleges or universities. All transfer credit must carry a grade
of B or better and must meet Northern State University
criteria for credit approval on the graduate level. Transfer
credit must be approved by the Graduate Office and the
graduate committee.
Validation of Credit
Course work is considered outdated if taken more than six
years before completion of the degree program. Outdated
course work may, however, be applied to the master’s
degree by repeating the course or completing the validation
process. Students may validate up to six (6) credits of
outdated work. To validate an outdated course, the student

must demonstrate current course knowledge by passing an
examination or by doing an equivalent task as assigned by
the professor validating the course. The student must make a
request to the Office of Graduate Studies to validate a specific
course. The Director of Graduate Studies will appoint a
faculty member responsible for preparation, monitoring, and
scoring of the validation process. A $20.00 fee must be paid
at the Graduate Office for each validation.
Credit Load
The maximum credit load during one semester is 14 hours.
Graduate assistants are limited to 12 hours but must be
enrolled in a minimum of (6) hours. The maximum credit
load during a four-week summer session is six hours. Not
more than 12 semester hours may be completed during
the two four-week summer sessions. Exceptions must be
approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. A full-time load
is nine (9) or more semester hours; three-fourths load is 6.75
semester hours; half-time is 4.5 semester hours; and part-time
is one to three semester hours. Full-time students should
not expect to complete the master’s degree in nine months.
Graduate credit is awarded in letter grades of A, B, C, D, F.
Students may take up to one-half of their graduate program
by distance delivery (on-line, DDN/IVN, live-stream video, and
e-clips).
All graduate students are required to maintain a 3.0. Students
falling below a 3.0 will be allowed a one-semester probation
to raise their GPA to a 3.0. Graduate assistants will lose
their assistantship for the probationary semester. Students
failing to raise their GPA after the probationary period must
withdraw from their classes for two consecutive semesters.
For readmission, students must seek approval from the
Director of Graduate Studies. Students who show progress
(e.g., receive 2-3 A’s), and are still under the 3.0 will be
brought to Graduate Council for the determination as to
whether the student should continue with the graduate
program.
Incomplete Grades
The deadline for removal of a grade of Incomplete (I) for
course work is no later than one calendar year from the
end of the semester in which the incomplete grade is given.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Extension may be granted by instructor permission with
appropriate rationale. The deadline for an incomplete grade
for a thesis is two years with extension granted by instructor
permission with appropriate rationale.
Repeat or Retake Course
Students will be allowed a total of two takes for graduate
courses (course numbers 500 and above) for which credit
is only counted toward graduation once. The student must
petition the Director of Graduate Studies for permission to
take a graduate course more than two times.
Students will be allowed unlimited takes for a graduate
course for which credit toward graduation may be received
more than once (e.g., Independent Study, Thesis). All takes
will count in grade point average calculations. Individual
departments/majors may limit the number of credits allowed
toward graduation in certain courses.
The audit (AU) grade is the only grade that will not be
counted as a take of a course. All other grades, including a
Withdraw (W), will count as a take of a course.
Transfer courses and non-courses (e.g., CLEP, credit by exam)
will count as a take of a course.
Correspondence/TV/Extension Credit
Correspondence or television credit will not be accepted
for a master’s degree without prior approval of the Director
of Graduate Studies. Graduate credits earned in off-campus
extension may be applied toward a degree program if
approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
Workshop Credit
Workshop credit is permitted as approved by the Director
of Graduate Studies and by the student’s committee at the
candidacy review. No more than three (3) graduate credit
hours in any graduate program can be a workshop. Workshop
courses at the graduate level are numbered 593, 693, 793, or
893.
Financial Assistance
A limited number of graduate assistantships are awarded
annually for one academic year and require part-time
teaching or non-teaching duties in specific schools. Graduate
GRADUATE STUDIES
assistantships will be offered only to students who are
academically qualified, based on their undergraduate record
(GPA) or GRE scores, admitted to the graduate program and
have submitted an application for a graduate assistantship.
Graduate assistants receive a stipend plus two-thirds
remission of tuition, which includes waiver of non-resident
tuition. Both the non-resident tuition waiver and the two-
thirds remission of tuition are effective throughout that
academic year, including summer enrollment.
Graduate assistants will have an assignment related to their
field of study and a workload of approximately 20 hours per
week. Graduate assistants are required to be enrolled in 6
hours per semester and are limited to no more than 12 hours
per semester. Graduate assistants who resign the assistantship
position or drop below 6 hours per semester, but continue
classes, will be required to pay the remaining two-thirds
tuition waived.
Application forms for graduate assistantships are available at
the Office of Graduate Studies. While the priority application
deadline is March 1, applications are taken until all positions
are filled. Applications must be turned in before a graduate
assistantship will be considered.
A limited number of $1000 scholarships is available to
new graduate students, continuing students, and graduate
assistants. Applications for scholarships may be obtained
from the Graduate Office.
Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Unsubsidized
Stafford Loans and Federal Work-Study are available for
qualified graduate students. Work-study positions are paid on
an hourly basis and do not include tuition remission.
For detailed information regarding financial aid programs,
application procedures, and deadlines, contact the Financial
Aid Office, Northern State University, 1200 South Jay Street,
Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198. (605) 626-2640.
You must be accepted for admission and enrolled at least
half time in a graduate degree program in order to qualify for
federal financial assistance.
41
GRADUATE STUDIES
Academic Requirements
1. A grade point average of 3.00 or above must be earned in
the total hours taken for graduate credit. Grades below a C
will not count toward graduation.
2. A course can be repeated at Northern State University only
if originally taken there. The second grade earned will be
counted. Exceptions must be approved by the Director of
Graduate Studies.
3. At least half the master’s degree credits must be 700-level
courses. Exceptions must be approved by the Director of
Graduate Studies.
4. Before completing at least six but no more than 10
credits in all programs except counseling (which requires
completion of at least 10 but no more than 16 credits) and
E-learning (which requires completion of 8 but no more
than 12 credits), the Director of Graduate Studies and
committee chairperson will determine whether a student
with less than a 3.00 grade point average should continue in
a degree program.
5. Any student who is deficient after completing one-half of
the total hours in the program shall be dropped.
Appeal Process
Graduate students who feel they have been aggrieved
by a decision or an action of a Northern State University
graduate faculty member relating to class absences, grades,
alleged academic dishonesty, plagiarism, or classroom
behavior disorders, shall follow the procedure outlined
below if they wish to bring their grievances to a resolution.
A. The student shall first attempt an informal resolution
between the student and graduate faculty member. Failing
resolution at this level, the student should file a written
complaint to include the desired outcome with the faculty
member involved within ten (10) school days after the
alleged grievance. The faculty member must respond
in writing within ten (10) school days after the written
grievance has been filed. Copies of both the written
complaint and the faculty response should be filed in the
Office of Graduate Studies.
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
42
B. If the grievance is not resolved at step A, the Director of
Graduate Studies will meet with the graduate student and
graduate faculty member to attempt a resolution. Failing
resolution at this step, the graduate student may submit
a written complaint and request for resolution to the
Graduate Council. A meeting of Graduate Council will be
called. The student and the member of graduate faculty will
be allocated time to speak to Graduate Council. Each may
provide written material if desired. Members of Graduate
Council may ask relevant questions of the faculty member
and the student. Upon completion of the discussion, the
Graduate Council will meet to determine the resolution
of the complaint. Copies of the decision will be given in
writing to the faculty member and the graduate student.
C. A graduate student not satisfied with the resolution at step
B of the above procedure may initiate an appeal to the
Academic Grievance Committee as outlined in the student
handbook beginning on step C.
Master of Science in Education Counseling
The counseling program at Northern State University is a 48-54
semester hour program that prepares students for a career in
counseling and other helping professions. The program leads
to a master’s of science degree in education with preparation
for K-12 school or community counseling certification. The
program of study provides the student the theoretical base
and skills necessary to provide counseling services. Students
admitted into the program are required to meet and maintain
the graduate student requirements detailed on page 43 .
Specific course descriptions can be found in the course
description section of the catalog.
The program subscribes to the American Counseling
Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
The prescribed ethics and standards are very clear about
the potential counselor’s ability to serve clients/students
and addresses issues and expectations for the training and
the acquisition of counseling skills and knowledge base of
students, in order to uphold the standards of the counseling
profession. Commitment to academic and personal growth
and development is expected of each student. Students in the
program are encouraged to develop an individual counseling
style; no single educational or counseling approach is
imposed. The code of ethics and standards of practice are very
clear concerning the rights of students and clients with regard
to openness and diversity of lifestyle and culture. Acceptance
of diversity (i.e., age, disability, gender, race, sexual
orientation, etc.) is a necessary part of each student’s personal
makeup. If one’s values, beliefs or behaviors are such that they
do not allow the student acceptance of and flexibility to work
with a wide variety of clients, the student will be encouraged
to pursue another course of study.
Career directions: Students selecting School Counseling
will be prepared to counsel K-12 children in private, public, or
parochial schools. Students selecting Community Counseling
will be prepared to enter into an agency setting working
with children, adults, families and groups. They are also
prepared to select a career guidance or employment setting.
All students are prepared to take a state licensure or national
certification exam in their area.
A. Thesis, 6 credits (54 credit program)
B. Field-Based Research Paper (48-53 credit program)
C. Course work:
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research
(2 credits) (50-55 credit program)
I. Research Foundations: 3-9 credits (5 credits for Option C)
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research
(2 credits) Required for Option C
EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits)
II. Core Foundation: 3 credits
CGPS 762, Socio-Cultural Foundations (3 credits)
III. Specialization Core Concentration: 21 credits
CGPS 713, Administration and Supervision of
Counseling Services (2 credits)
CGPS 736, Individual Appraisal (3 credits)
CGPS 742, Career and Lifespan Development
(3 credits)
CGPS 755, Human Development (2 credits)
CPGS 758, Counseling Skills (3 credits)
CGPS 761, Theories of Counseling (3 credits)
CGPS 765, Group Counseling I (3 credits)
CGPS 769, Ethics in the Counseling Profession
(2 credits)

IV. Specialization Orientation: 16 credits (21 credits for Master of Science in Education Leadership
licensure in agency setting)
School: Students preparing for school counseling must take
CGPS 710, Introduction to School Counseling (2 credits),
CGPS 711, Counseling of Children & Adolescents (3
credits), CGPS 763, Application of Counseling Techniques,
CGPS 768, Family Counseling (2 credits), CGPS 795,
Practicum: School (3 credits), and CGPS 794, Internship:
School (6 credits), and five hours of elective courses
approved by the committee. (3 credits)
* In order to be certified in South Dakota, students must also
take INED 411/511, SD Indian Studies and EDFN 475/575,
Human Relations.
Agency: Students preparing for other community
agencies must take CGPS 763, Applications of Counseling
Techniques (3 credits), CGPS 795, Practicum: Agency (3
credits), and CGPS 794, Internship: Agency (6 credits).
CGPS 737, Psychopathlogy & Diagnosis (3 credits),
CGPS 768, Family Counseling (2 credits), CGPS 739,
Psychopharmacology (optional)(2 credits), and CGPS
740, Case Management (2 credits) in their specialization
course work, and 2-3 hours of electives as approved by the
committee.
* Students with a community counseling degree may take the
additional courses to be eligible for a School Counselor:
CGPS 710, Introduction to School Counseling; INED 511,
SD Indian Studies, EDFN 575, Human Relations; CGPS 711,
Counseling Adolescents; CGPS 768, Family Counseling;
and CGPS 794, Internship(6). A second practicum is not
required.
* Students with a School Counseling degree may take
the additional courses to be eligible for a Community
Counselor: CGPS 737, Psychopathology and Diagnosis (3);
CGPS 739, Psychopharmacology(2) optional; CGPS 740,
Case Management(2); CGPS 768, Family Counseling (2);
and CGPS 794, Internship(6). A second practicum is not
required.
Total: 48-54 credits
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE STUDIES
IV. Elective Concentration: 8 credits
and Administration All core foundation courses not required by the program
The school administration program prepares school service may be taken as electives as approved by the committee.
personnel for leadership roles in elementary and secondary
Suggested electives include:
school administration. Specialized courses foster development
CGPS 710, Introduction to School Counseling (2 credits)
of the analytic and scientific inquiry skills needed by school
EDAD 730, Public School Finance (2 credits)
administrators—including management, public relations,
EDAD 740, Readings and Issues for Administrators
curriculum development and supervision.
(2 credits)
Courses provide the background for certification in a EDAD 742, Public Relations for School Personnel
wide range of administration positions for elementary and (2 credits)
secondary programs. Schools accredited by North Central EDAD 790, Seminar: Issues in Educational
Association (NCA) require at least 45 hours of graduate credit Administration (3 credits)
(including a master’s degree) for a principalship. These ELED/SEED 790: Seminar: Issues and Advanced Topics
requirements may be completed at Northern State University. in the Content Area (2 credits)
Admission to the school administration program requires one
year of full-time K-12 teaching experience in an accredited V. Internship: 4 credits
school. Four years of teaching experience in an accredited EDAD 794, Internship/Field-Based Research in
school is recommended at the time of graduation. Educational Administration (4 credits)
Total: 32-34 credits
Career directions: public and private school administration,
Institutional Endorsement
graduate study.
Elementary School Leadership and Administration
Educational Prerequisites: One-year full-time K-12 teaching
experience. I. Research Foundation: 3 credits
EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits)
A. Thesis, 6 credits (32 credit program)
II. Core Foundation: 3 credits
B. Field-Based Research Paper (32 credit program) EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits)
C. Course work: III. Specialization Concentration: 16-17 credits
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research (2 EDAD 700, Models of Educational Leadership (3 credits)
credits) (34 credit program) EDAD 715, Supervision and Mentoring (3 credits)
I. Research Foundations: 3 credits (5 credits for Option C) EDAD 735, School Law (3 credits)
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research EDFN 750, Technology in Education (3 credits)
(2 credits) Required for Option C ELED 740, School Curriculum (2 credits)
EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits) ELED 720, Research and Teaching in Science and
II. Core Foundation: 3 credits Mathematics (2 credits)
EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits) or
ELED 742 Research and Teaching in Language Arts
III. Specialization Concentration: 14 credits (3 credits)
EDAD 700, Models of Educational Leadership
(3 credits) IV. Electives: 6 credits
EDAD 715, Supervision and Mentoring (3 credits) V. Internship: 4 credits
EDAD 735, School Law (3 credits) EDAD 794, Internship in Educational Administration
EDFN 750, Technology in Education (3 credits) (4 credits)
ELED/SEED 740, School Curriculum (2 credits) Total: 32-33 credits
43
GRADUATE STUDIES

Secondary School Leadership and Administration II. Core Foundation: 6 credits Career directions: coaching (prerequisite: major/minor
I. Research Foundation: 3 credits EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits) in Health, Physical Education or coaching or equivalent
EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits) Choose one: experience), professional education.
II. Core Foundation: 3 credits CGPS 762, Socio-Cultural Foundations (3 credits) A. Thesis, 6 credits (32 credit program)
EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits) EDAD 700, Models of Educational Leadership B. Field-Based Research Paper (32 credit program)
(3 credits)
III. Specialization Concentration: 16 credits EDAD 735, School Law (3 credits) C. Course work:
EDAD 700, Models of Educational Leadership (3 credits) EDFN 720, Philosophies of Education (3 credits) EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research
EDAD 715, Supervision and Mentoring (3 credits) EDFN 760, Writing for Learning (3 credits) (2 credits) (34 credit program)
EDAD 730, Public School Finance (2 credits) I. Research Foundations: 3 credits (5 credits for Option C)
EDAD 735, School Law (3 credits) III. Specialization Concentration: 10-11 credits
EDAD 715, Supervision and Mentoring (3 credits) EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research
EDFN 750, Technology in Education (3 credits) (2 credits) Required for Option C
SEED 740, School Curriculum (2 credits) EDFN 750, Technology in Education (3 credits)
ELED/SEED 740, School Curriculum (2 credits) EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits)
IV. Electives: 6 credits II. Core Foundation: 6 credits
Choose one:
V. Internship: 4 credits ELED/SEED 720, Research and Teaching in EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits)
EDAD 794, Internship in Educational Administration Science and Mathematics (2 credits) Choose one:
(4 credits) ELED/SEED 742, Research and Teaching in CGPS 762, Socio-Cultural Foundations (3 credits)
Total: 32 credits Language Arts (3 credits) EDAD 700, Models of Educational Leadership
ELED/SEED 761, Research and Teaching in (3 credits)
Master of Science in Education Teaching EDAD 715, Supervision and Mentoring (3 credits)
and Learning Emphasis in Elementary or Humanities (2 credits)
EDFN 720, Philosophies of Education (3 credits)
Secondary Classroom Teaching IV. Elective Concentration: 9 credits EDFN 750, Technology in Education (3 credits)
The Master of Science in Education degree in Teaching and All core foundation courses and specialization courses EDFN 760, Writing for Learning (3 credits)
Learning is designed for educators who are interested in the not required by the program may be taken as electives as
science of pedagogy. Students study learner development, approved by the committee. III. Specialization Concentration: 11 credits
current pedagogy, curriculum models, instructional resources HPE 740, Organization and Administration of Health
Elementary emphasis must take one additional course on and Physical Education (2 credits)
and methodologies, and strategies for diverse learners with teaching and research in the academic discipline.
applications at elementary or secondary levels and in a variety PE 755, Analysis of Teaching in Physical Education
of program areas. V. Internship: 4 credits (2 credits)
ELED/SEED 794, Internship/Field-Based Research in Choose one:
Career directions: professional education, graduate study. Classroom Teaching (4 credits) HLTH 770, Perspectives in Health Promotion and
A. Thesis, 6 credits (32-33 credit program) Total: 32-35 credits Education (3 credits)
B. Field-Based Research Paper (32-33 credit program) Master of Science in Education Teaching HLTH 771, School Health Principles and Practices
C. Course work: and Learning Emphasis in Health, Physical (3 credits)
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research Education and Coaching Choose one:
(2 credits) (34-35 credit program) This program provides educators with a background and PE 750, Sociological Aspects of Sport (2 credits)
I. Research Foundations: 3 credits (5 credits for Option C) experience in physical education and/or coaching to assume PE 754, Applied Sport Psychology of Effective
leadership positions in the field. Graduate assistantships Coaching (2 credits)
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research provide opportunities for practical experience in teaching and
(2 credits) Required for Option C coaching.
EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits)

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44
 GRADUATE STUDIES

Choose one: EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits) Career directions: K-12 special education director,
PE 752, Analysis and Mechanical Principles of Sport II. Core Foundation: 6 credits professional education, graduate study.
Skills (2 credits) EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits) Specialization Concentration courses will be offered in a two
PE 753, Applied Sport Physiology (2 credits) summer sequence upon formation of a student cohort.
Choose one:
IV. Elective Concentration: 8 credits CGPS 762, Socio-Cultural Foundations (3 credits) Educational Prerequisites: Undergraduate certification in
EDFN 720, Philosophies of Education (3 credits) Special Education
All core foundation courses, specialization courses not EDFN 760, Writing for Learning (3 credits)
required by the program and other graduate courses in A. Thesis, 6 credits (39-40 credit program)
III. Specialization Concentration: 14 credits
HLTH/HPE/PE offered may be taken in this program as B. Field-Based Research Paper (33-34 credit program)
ELED/SEED 742, Research and Teaching of Language
approved by the committee. C. Course work:
Arts (3 credits)
V. Internship: 4 credits ELED/SEED 750, Language and Literacy (3 credits) EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research
HPE 794, Internship/Field-Based Research in ELED/SEED 753, Issues and Trends in Literacy (2 credits) (35-36 credit program)
Teaching HPE (4 credits) Development (2 credits)
I. Research Foundations: 3 credits (5 credits for Option C)
Total: 32-34 credits ELED/SEED 757, Administration and Supervision of
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research
Literacy Programs (3 credits)
Master of Science in Education Teaching (2 credits) Required for Option C
SPED 757, Linking Reading Assessment to Corrective
and Learning Emphasis in Language and EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits)
Instruction (3 credits)
Literacy II. Core Foundation: 6 credits
The program in language and literacy provides classroom IV. Elective concentration: 5 credits
teachers with skills and knowledge of literacy skills for a range Choose two:
All core foundation courses and specialization courses
of students. CGPS 762, Socio-Cultural Foundations (3 credits)
not required by the program may be taken as electives as
*EDAD 700, Models of Educational Leadership
Career directions: professional educator, literacy specialist, approved by committee.
(3 credits)
graduate study. ELED/SEED 790, Seminar (1-3 credits) *EDAD 715, Supervision and Mentoring (3 credits)
Specialization Concentration courses will be offered in a two ELED/SEED 791, Special Projects (2-3 credits) EDFN 720, Philosophies of Education (3 credits)
summer sequence upon formation of a student cohort. Individualized projects (i.e., language and literacy, EDFN 750, Technology in Education (3 credits)
comprehension strategies, study skills, or corrective EDFN 760, Writing for Learning (3 credits)
Educational Prerequisites: Nine credits of undergraduate
reading assessment tools) EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits)
reading and language arts courses and one year of
teaching experience where reading instruction was a major V. Internship: 4 credits III. Specialization Concentration: 15 credits
responsibility. Three years of teaching experience where ELED/SEED 794, Internship (4 credits) EDAD 735, School Law (3 credits)
reading instruction is the major responsibility is necessary to The internship would require experience with the SPED 710, Applied Behavioral Analysis (2 credits)
obtain state certification as a Reading Specialist. administration of reading programs in a school setting or SPED 740, Special Education Curriculum (3 credits)
A. Thesis, 6 credits (32 credit program) assessment and correction of reading disabilities in a school SPED 760, Special Education Systems (3 credits)
setting. SPED 770, Special Education Assessment and
B. Field-Based Research Paper (32 credit program) Programming (2 credits)
Total: 33-38 credits
C. Course work: SPED 785, Special Education Law (2 credits)
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research Master of Science in Education Teaching
IV. Elective Concentration: 5-6 credits
(2 credits) (34 credit program) and Learning Education Emphasis in
Special Education Choose two:
I. Research Foundations: 3 credits (5 credits for Option C) *EDAD 730, Public School Finance (2 credits)
Students with undergraduate certification in special education
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research ELED/SEED 753, Issues/Trends in Literacy
may gain the additional skills and expertise to better serve
(2 credits) Required for Option C Development (2 credits)
children with special needs.

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GRADUATE STUDIES

SPED 740, Seminar: Current Issues in Special Select a minimum of 6 credits in each of 2 or 3 areas of EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits)
Education (1-2 credits) emphasis as determined and approved by the committee III. Specialization Concentration: 19 credits
V. Internship: 4 credits for a total of 19 credits. Areas of emphasis could include,
administration and leadership, elementary and secondary SPED 517, Vocational-Transitional Programming
SPED 794, Internship in Special Education (4 credits) (3 credits)
education, health and physical education, counseling,
Total: 33-40 credits language and literacy, special education, and E-learning. SPED 710, Applied Behavioral Analysis (2 credits)
*These courses will qualify the student completing the Students wishing to use the counseling emphasis are SPED 740, Special Education Curriculum (3 credits)
Master of Science in Teaching and Learning Special limited to non-skill related courses and are not eligible for SPED 760, Special Education Systems (3 credits)
Education emphasis for a K-12 Special Education Director a counseling license. Contact Graduate Office for course SPED 770, Special Education Assessment and
endorsement. Students must also have 4 years teaching listings. Programming (3 credits)
experience with at least one year special education as the SPED 780, Special Education Methods (3 credits)
IV. Internship: 4 credits SPED 785, Special Education Law (2 credits)
major responsibility in order to obtain the endorsement.
Internship in one area of emphasis to include field-based IV. Electives: 2-3 credits for Option C
Master of Science in Education Teaching research project.
and Learning Emphasis in Educational V. Internship: 4 credits
Studies Total: 32-34 credits SPED 794, Internship in Special Education
This program allows students to combine two or three areas Master of Science in Education Teaching VI. Certification: 8 credits
of study according to individual focus. and Learning Emphasis in Special SPED 788, Practicum in Special Education
Career direction: professional education, graduate study. Education
Educational Prerequisites: Elementary or secondary teaching Areas of emphasis may be chosen which lead to special
Educational Prerequisites: Admission to graduate studies certification and completion of SPED 100, Introduction to endorsements or certifications. State requirements should
A. Thesis, 6 credits (32 credit program) Persons with Exceptionalities. be consulted. Any upper division work in special education
requires completion of undergraduate certification as a
B. Field-Based Research Paper (32 credit program) A. Thesis, 6 credtis (45 credit program) prerequisite.
C. Course work: B. Field-Based Research Paper (39 credit program) Total: 39-45 Credits
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research C. Course work: Master of Science in Education E-learning
(2 credits) (34 credit program) EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research Design and Instruction
I. Research Foundations: 3 credits (5 credits for Option C) (2 credits) (41 credit program) I. Research Foundation: 3 credits
EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research I. Research Foundations: 3 credits (5 credits for Option C) EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits)
(2 credits) Required for Option C EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational Research II. Core Foundation: 19 credits
EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits) (2 credits) Required for Option C ELRN 510, E-learning and Communication Technologies
II. Core Foundation: 6 credits EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits) (3 credits)
Choose two: II. Core Foundation: 6 credits ELRN 553, Copyright Law in Electronic Media (1 credit)
CGPS 762, Socio-Cultural Foundations (3 credits) ELRN 725, Instructional Design in E-learning (3 credits)
EDAD 700, Models of Educational Leadership (3 credits) Choose two: ELRN 728, Interactive Methods in E-learning (3 credits)
EDAD 715, Supervision and Mentoring (3 credits) CGPS 762, Socio-Cultural Foundations (3 credits) ELRN 772, Application of Learning Theory Models to
EDFN 720, Philosophies of Education (3 credits) EDAD 700, Models of Educational Leadership E-learning Environments (2 credits)
EDFN 750, Technology in Education (3 credits) (3 credits) Choose one (3 credits)
EDFN 760, Writing for Learning (3 credits) EDAD 715, Supervision and Mentoring (3 credits) ELRN 788, Master’s Project in E-learning (3 credits)
EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits) EDFN 720, Philosophies of Education (3 credits) ELRN 789, Master’s Project in E-learning Sustaining
EDFN 750, Technology in Education (3 credits) (3 credits)
III. Areas of Emphasis: 19 credits EDFN 760, Writing for Learning (3 credits)

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

46
 GRADUATE STUDIES

ELRN 790, E-learning Graduate Seminar (2 credits) ELRN 540, Multimedia Learning Tools (3 credits) ELRN 774, Elements of Artificial Intelligence in E-learning
ELRN 794, Internship in E-learning (2 credits) ELRN 545, Design and Administration of E-learning Systems (3 credits)
III. Electives: 14 credits Networks (3 credits) ELRN 794, Internship in E-Learning (2 credits)
2 elective courses (up to 6 credits) must be taken through ELRN 553, Copyright Law in Electronic Media (1 credit) ELRN 788 or 789, Master’s Project in E-Learning
distance technology (from a university other than NSU— ELRN 720, Emerging Technologies in E-learning (3 credits)
preferably from a SD Regental Institution) and the experience (1 credit) Total: 36 credits
critiqued. ELRN 728, Interactive Methods in E-learning (3 credits)
EDAD 747, Implementing Change in Education ELRN 772, Application of Learning Theory Models to
(2 credits) E-learning Environments (2 credits)
ELRN 520, Technology Support for Educational ELRN 790, E-learning Graduate Seminar (1 credit)
Systems (3 credits) III. Areas of Emphasis: 10 credits (Select one area)
ELRN 535, Lesson Planning for Electronic Delivery A. Technology Support for Schools and Business Education:
(3 credits) (11 credits)
ELRN 540, Multimedia Learning Tools (3 credits) MIS 523, Server and Construction Configuration
ELRN 555, Electronically-mediated Research (2 credits) (3 credits)
ELRN 715, Multimedia Theory and Interface Design ELRN 760 Content Administration in Data Base
(3 credits) Environments(3 credits)
ELRN 720, Emerging Technologies in E-learning ELRN 794, Internship in E-Learning(2 credits)
(1 credit) ELRN 788 or 789, Master’s Project in E-Learning
ELRN 745, Technology Implementation Strategies (3 credits)
(2 credits)
ELRN 748, Business Analysis and Marketing Strategies B. Multimedia Design for E-learning: (11 credits)
for E-learning Courses (2 credits) ELRN 565, Digital Audio Production and Editing
ELRN 750, Course Authoring Tools (3 credits) (3 credits)
ELRN 794, Internship in E-learning (2 credits) ELRN 715, Multimedia Theory and Interface Design
EPSY 741, Psychology of Learning (3 credits) (3 credits)
ELRN 794, Internship in E-Learning (2 credits)
Any approved graduate course in the student’s ELRN 788 or 789, Master’s Project in E-Learning
academic discipline that is taken through distance (3 credits)
technology and critiqued (3 credits)
C. Software Integration for Educational Systems:
Total: 36 credits (10 credits)
Master of Science E-learning Technology ELRN 774, Elements of Artificial Intelligence in
and Administration E- learning Systems (3 credits)
I. Research Foundation: 3 credits ELRN 780, Multimedia Programming (2 credits)
EDER 761, Graduate Research and Design (3 credits) ELRN 794, Internship in E-Learning (2 credits)
II. Core Foundation: 23 credits ELRN 788 or 789, Master’s Project in E-Learning
EDFN 525, Case Studies in Instructional Design (3 credits)
(2 credits) D. Design and Administration of E-learning Networks:
ELRN 510, E-learning and Communication Technologies (11 credits)
(3 credits) ELRN 560 Content Administration in Data Base
ELRN 530, Interactive Web Site Programming (3 credits) Environments(3 credits)

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GRADUATE STUDIES
Summary of Procedures for a
Master’s Degree
1. File an application for graduate study with the Graduate
Office at least two weeks before registration.
2. Register according to the Northern State University
calendar if acceptance in graduate school is complete.
3. Purchase a portfolio binder and graduate student
handbook in the university bookstore.
4. Select a graduate committee with approval of the
Graduate Office.
5. Arrange the candidacy review prior to completion of
at least six to 10 credits for 32 credit programs, 8 to
12 credits for 36 credit programs, and 10 to 16 credits
for 48 credit programs. Contact the committee chair
to arrange a date for the candidacy review. Prepare
the candidacy packet according to guidelines of the
Graduate Office.
6. For option B, select field-based research topic while
enrolled in EDER 761. Get approval of the graduate
committee chair and graduate director. Obtain and
complete the IRB Human Subjects Approval for
Research Studies.
7. Complete graduate portfolio requirements according
to guidelines specified by committee to include
field-based research project completed during the
internship.
8. For option B, arrange for the public presentation of the
field-based research findings with the Graduate Office.
9. Submit the graduate portfolio to include the field-based
research paper (option B) to the faculty advisor at least
two weeks prior to the oral examination.
10. If the student elects to complete a thesis, (Option A)
the student must submit the topic for approval of the
graduate committee and the graduate director before
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
48
enrolling for credit. Submit two copies of the thesis and
one copy of the abstract to the Director of Graduate
Studies at least five days before graduation.
11. Students may elect to complete the non-paper option
which is Option C. With this option students are
required to take EDER 751, Interpretation of Educational
Research (2 credits).
12. Arrange to complete the writing requirement for the
final examination, two to three weeks before the oral
examination.
13. Arrange the oral examination with the graduate
committee members during the last semester of the
program. Complete the request for oral exam form
(for Options A and B) with committee signatures and
return it to the Graduate Office with the date and time
at least two weeks before the oral examination. Submit
the completed portfolio to the graduate committee at
least two weeks before the oral examination. The oral
examination must be completed no earlier than six
weeks and no later than three weeks before the end of
the semester. (During the summer, the oral examination
must be completed no later than one week before the
end of the second summer session.)
14. Apply for graduation no later than eight weeks before
the end of the academic year or one month before
summer session graduation.
For additional information, contact
Director of Graduate Studies
Northern State University
Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401
(605) 626-2558; FAX (605) 626-2542
 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

University College
Dacotah Hall, Room 201
(605) 626-2633
Mr. Steve Rasmussen (Director); Mr. Rocky Burkett;
University College
The University College also manages two federal TRIO
Ms. Madia Droppers; Ms. Vicki Evans; Ms. Denise Finstad; Programs which are open to those students whose parents
Ms. Kami Fischbach; Ms. Heidi Fisher; Ms. Barb Moeckly; have not graduated from college and are from a low-income
Ms. Rosanne Rougemont; Ms. Heather Scott; Ms. Kayla Suther; background, or who have a disability. The first is Student
Ms. Amber Tucholke Support Services. This program provides academic support
services in a learning community setting for new freshman
The University College brings together all the academic at NSU and continues to provide academic support services
support services at NSU. Students have access to a Math until students graduate. The second TRIO Program at NSU
Center that offers assistance for students taking math is Upward Bound. This program works with high schools in
and statistics courses, a Reading Center that provides northeastern South Dakota and south-central North Dakota.
comprehension strategies for content area, and a Writing It offers high school students a six-week summer college
Center that can assist students with assignments that involve experience as well as a summer bridge program for those who
writing for any of their classes. There is also general tutoring have graduated from high school and are about to start taking
and Supplemental Instruction groups for a variety of general college classes.
education courses. All services are offered free of charge. For more information concerning the University College,
All freshman have an advisor at the University College for their its programs and services, please contact the Office of the
first year at NSU. In addition to assisting students in selecting, Director, University College, Northern State University, 1200
adding, and dropping classes, each semester advisors facilitate South Jay St., Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198.
the needs of their students by making referrals to other Phone number: (605) 626-2633.
departments as needed. By giving guidance and providing a
support network, academic advisors educate students about
their responsibility to, and the importance of, their education.
The University College also offers students the opportunity
to participate in the learning communities it coordinates.
These learning communities consist of two or three general
education courses that are linked by a University Success
course. The University Success course (IDL 101) teaches
students study skills, provides information about university
resources and shows students how to link their career goals
with academic majors at NSU.

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY 49

STATEWIDE E-LEARNING

Statewide E-learning
NSU Center for
Statewide E-learning
(605) 626-3382
Gerber Room 111
Dr. Thomas Hawley (Director)
Mewaldt-Jensen, Room 122
Ms. Mary Cundy (Principal)
Ms. Julie Schmidt (Program Assistant)
Master Teachers:
Ms. Joanna Case-Goetz (Spanish I, Spanish II)
Ms. Mary Cundy (AP ® Calculus)
Mr. Steve Gough (Spanish I, Spanish II)
Ms. Carleen Jaspers, (Spanish I, Spanish II)
Ms. Gayla Martens (Spanish I, Spanish II)
Ms. Deanna Mauck (AP ® English Language and
Composition, Literature and Composition)
Ms. Leslie McLaughlin (AP ® U.S. History, French I, French II)
Ms. Jacki Omland (AP ® Physics, CP Physics, Astronomy,
Earth Studies)
Mr. David Pierson (Chemistry, CP Physics, Senior Math)
Ms. Karen Rosby (Spanish I, Spanish III)
Ms. Paula Wetenkamp (Spanish I, Spanish II)
The NSU Center for Statewide E-learning was established
by the South Dakota legislature in March of 2001 to fund
Northern State University to serve all levels of South
Dakota’s educational system through DDN, Internet and
videoconferencing technologies. The center serves K-12
schools through distance delivery of DDN/Internet-based
and online high school courses as well as K-12 enrichment
activities; undergraduate students through a broad range
of academic and professional programs incorporating
multimedia and distance delivery technologies; and graduate
students through master’s degrees in distance education and
interactive instructional technologies. Delivery of courses to
the high schools began in August 2001; undergraduate and
graduate programs began in 2002. These programs strive to
educate graduates to be creative and productive participants
in modern workplaces where interactive multimedia
technologies are significantly changing the nature of most
jobs.
For more information concerning the E-learning Center and
its programs and services, please contact Julie Schmidt, NSU
Center for Statewide E-learning Program Assistant, Northern
State University, 1200 South Jay St., Aberdeen, SD 57401-7198.

Faculty:
Mr. Keum-Taek Jung (Graphic Arts)
Dr. Mark Zaidel (E-learning and Educational Technologies)

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

50