- Posted By: Steve Urness
- August 4, 2026 @ 6:23 am
- News
N.D. (VCSU) – Valley City State University (VCSU) and North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) have formally signed a new articulation agreement creating a seamless, affordable pathway for students pursuing a degree in career and technical education (CTE)
The agreement allows students to complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree at NDSCS and transfer directly into VCSU’s Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) program with a major in Career and Technical Education. Students who complete the identified coursework at NDSCS will be able to easily transfer credits toward bachelor’s degree completion, reducing duplication of coursework and accelerating time to graduation
The agreement was signed July 30 at Valley City State University
“This agreement is a wonderful example of what is possible when we work together on behalf of students,” said Lisa Karch, NDSCS interim president. “At NDSCS, we are proud of our longstanding leadership in career and technical education, and this partnership with VCSU creates an even stronger pathway for students to continue their educational journey and achieve their goals. By building on each institution’s unique strengths, we are expanding opportunities, keeping higher education accessible and affordable, and helping students pursue meaningful careers right here in North Dakota. Together, we are developing the next generation of career and technical educators while strengthening our communities, workforce, and state for years to come.”
After completing their AAS degree, NDSCS students may choose to remain in Wahpeton, N.D., for their third year and take VCSU courses delivered online or collaboratively. The fourth year can be completed online or face-to-face at VCSU. Academic advising, student support services, and financial aid coordination will be provided collaboratively by both institutions to ensure a smooth transition from NDSCS to VCSU
Graduates of the program will earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from VCSU and be eligible for licensure in North Dakota through the Educational Standards and Practices Board
“We are excited about this new partnership with NDSCS,” said Dr. Allen Burgad, VCSU Interim President. “This agreement allows students to complete an AAS degree from NDSCS and transfer seamlessly to VCSU where they will finish a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in Career and Technical Education. This unique partnership provides students with a high-quality teacher education program to address the teacher shortage and meet workforce needs of the state.”
The partnership reflects a shared mission by NDSCS and VCSU to support students, strengthen the teacher pipeline, and meet the evolving educational needs of North Dakota and the region
Valley City State University is a statewide leader in teacher education, with more than 1,500 alumni currently working as teachers or administrators in approximately 350 North Dakota schools. VCSU annually awards the most undergraduate teaching degrees of any institution in the state and is ranked the #1 Best College for Teacher Education in North Dakota by Niche.com
