NDSCS and VCSU Sign Career & Tech Ed Articulation Agreement
Photo, from left: VCSU Interim President Allen Burgad, NDSCS Interim President Lisa Karch and NDSCS Vice President for Academic Affairs William Fanning meet to discuss and sign an articulation agreement for Career and Technical Education.
Agreement Creates a Seamless Pathway for Students
VALLEY CITY, 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.
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About North Dakota State College of Science
Founded in 1903, NDSCS is the second oldest two-year comprehensive college in the nation, with locations in Wahpeton and Fargo, N.D. The College offers a variety of in-person and online courses, as well as workforce training to meet industry demands. NDSCS offers degrees, certificates, and diplomas in more than 100 academic options in traditional career and technical studies as well as liberal arts. Focused on student success, NDSCS strives for affordable tuition and more than $1.6 million in available scholarships annually. The College offers a robust campus experience with on-campus living and dining options, student health and advocacy services, athletic teams, and numerous student clubs, events, and activities. Learn more at www.NDSCS.edu.
About Valley City State University
Valley City State University, a member of the North Dakota University System, is a student-focused institution committed to academic excellence and innovation. Founded in 1890 and located in Valley City, North Dakota, VCSU offers more than 65 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. Known for its nationally recognized teacher education program and small class sizes, VCSU prepares students for success through hands-on experiences and strong faculty support. Learn more at www.vcsu.edu.