Bismarck State College (BSC) and Valley City State University (VCSU) have launched a new partnership that allows students to complete a four-year teaching degree while remaining in Bismarck, helping strengthen North Dakota’s teacher workforce pipeline.

Already, 28 BSC students who expected to transfer to another college or university to complete their teaching degree have enrolled in the program and will now remain at BSC to earn their bachelor’s degrees through the partnership with VCSU.

“I’m excited to be one of the first enrolled in this program, and I’m excited to see where it takes me from here,” said BSC student Emma Smithers.

The collaborative program allows students to complete coursework through both institutions while staying at BSC; simultaneously earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in Foundations of Teaching from BSC and a Bachelor of Science in Education from VCSU. Students who complete program requirements are eligible for initial teacher licensure.

“What makes this partnership especially meaningful is that it expands access to high-quality teacher preparation while keeping students connected to their home communities,” said Dr. Dan Leingang, interim president at BSC. “Through the North Dakota University System’s collaborative student process, students benefit from the strengths and resources of both institutions while remaining supported here at BSC.”

Under the four-year degree plan, students enroll in nine or more credits at BSC and three or more credits through VCSU each semester. Students continue to access the BSC services they are already familiar with, such as advising, tutoring, financial aid and other campus resources, while completing coursework through both institutions.

Dr. Allen Burgad, interim president at VCSU, said the partnership is the result of a shared mission to prepare future educators.

“This partnership reflects the shared commitment of our institutions to prepare high-quality teachers for our schools and communities,” Burgad said. “We are excited to create a strong career pathway for students who have a passion for working with children while helping address the growing need for educators.”

VCSU annually awards the most undergraduate teaching degrees in North Dakota and has more than 1,500 alumni currently working as teachers or administrators in the state.

Dr. Jeff Fastnacht, superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools (BPS), the largest K-12 district in North Dakota, said the partnership strengthens the region’s educator pipeline. BPS has implemented a high school pathway designed to build interest in what Fastnacht says is “the greatest profession on earth, teaching.” The new partnership between BSC and VCSU allows students who discover an interest in teaching while in high school to continue pursuing their teaching career right here in Bismarck.

By expanding access to teacher preparation in central North Dakota, the BSC-VCSU partnership aims to grow the state’s educator pipeline and prepare more teachers to serve schools and communities across the region.