Bismarck State College, Valley City State University launch collaborative teaching degree to address ND teacher shortage
Published: Mar 10 2026
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Today, Bismarck State College (BSC) and Valley City State University (VCSU) outlined a new academic partnership designed to strengthen North Dakota’s teacher workforce pipeline by creating a teaching degree pathway at BSC for students pursuing careers in elementary and secondary education.
The four-year collaborative program allows students to complete coursework through both institutions while remaining at BSC. Students will simultaneously earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Foundations of Teaching from BSC and a Bachelor of Science in Education from VCSU, making them eligible for initial teacher licensure upon completion of program requirements.
“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 will benefit from the strengths and resources of both institutions while remaining supported here at BSC.”
The four-year degree plan has students enrolling in 9+ credits at BSC and 3+ credits through VCSU each semester. Students will continue to access BSC services such as advising, tutoring, financial aid and other campus resources while completing coursework at 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 1500 alumni currently working as teachers or administrators in the state. Currently, 28 BSC students who initially planned to transfer to another college or university to complete their teaching degree have already enrolled in the new collaborative program and can remain at BSC to finish their bachelor’s degrees through the partnership with VCSU.
By expanding access to teacher preparation in central North Dakota, the partnership aims to grow the state’s educator pipeline and prepare more teachers to serve schools and communities across the region.