Alternate routes to teacher licensure are designed by states to encourage those who already have a bachelor’s degree to pursue teaching. North Dakota offers alternate licensure for teachers to fill positions in shortage areas. Current critical shortage areas in North Dakota have been listed here.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in North Dakota.
School district administrators must request these licenses directly on an individual basis. Holding an alternative license allows you to work in a North Dakota school while completing the requirements for full teacher licensure.
USC Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching Online — No GRE *
Purdue Global University - offering Bachelors and Masters programs
From master’s degrees to teacher-certification pathways, Purdue Global University offers flexible online education programs to help you pursue a career in teaching, enhance your current skills, or advance in your education career.*
Fordham University’s online Master of Science in Teaching
Fordham University’s online Master of Science in Teaching program prepares students for NY state initial teaching licensure in grades 1 to 6. Complete in two years—bachelor’s degree required to apply.
You must have a bachelor’s degree in a content area in order to receive an alternate one-year license. You must also be enrolled in a teacher education program in an approved college/university and complete at least 8 semester hours each year towards a degree in education.
Before obtaining full licensure in North Dakota, you must pass the Praxis I Basic Skills Exam and the Praxis II exam for your content area.
No experience is required to receive an alternate license in North Dakota.
As a candidate for an alternate license in North Dakota, you will be asked to submit to a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting. Your college program or the ESPB will provide you with the fingerprinting instructions and packet.
To complete the fingerprint cards, take them to a police department, sheriff's office, or campus police station that offers fingerprinting services. Send the fingerprint cards and authorization forms to the ESPB with your application and supporting documents. Your alternate license will not be issued until your background check is complete.
For more information about state-approved teacher education programs in North Dakota, contact them directly.
If you would like to learn more about alternate teacher licensure in North Dakota, contact the ESPB at 701-328-9641.