Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Online Elementary Education Degree

DSU graduate teaching a classroom of middle school students
DSU graduate teaching a classroom of students

Driven to teach

Put your passion to work with an online elementary education or elementary education/special education degree and teaching career where you can make a meaningful contribution to students' lives as a licensed teacher.

Dakota State University's online elementary education or elementary education/special education degree program gives you the skills and credentials you need to educate and care for diverse learners. This online teaching degree program prepares you for teacher licensure in any of the 50 states, so you will be qualified to obtain your teaching certification no matter where you live.

Courses, assignments, and requirements will parallel the on-campus program, which means you earn the same degree you would get on campus.

Apply to DSU

Dakota State University online elementary education student

On your schedule

Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of online learning, and you can earn your degree from just about anywhere. An online elementary education degree program offers flexibility for students who are also working professionals. 

Online Elementary Education Program

DSU online secondary elementary education student using a laptop

Close to home experiences

Complete your field experiences and student teaching internship at an elementary or middle school in or near your hometown. Dakota State University provides personalized support and the same faculty as on campus.

Online Elementary Education/Special Education Program

DSU online elementary education graduate teaching a classroom

Licensure in any state

DSU's online elementary education degree prepares you for a teaching license in any state in the United States. It's valuable to learn the other requirements in your state to know the full process for gaining licensure.

Licensure and Certification Disclosure


How to apply

Completing the application process at any school can be a little confusing, especially if you’re doing it completely online.

Unlike many other universities, there is no deadline to apply to DSU. However, since we'll need time to process the documents you send in, we recommend applying well before classes begin.

The best way to start is with four simple steps:

  1. Determine the type of online elementary education courses you want to take. Admission requirements can differ depending on the level of coursework and you'll want to make sure you submit the right application (undergraduate, graduate, or non-degree seeking).
  2. Create an online account (unless you're not seeking a degree). Undergraduate and graduate admissions work just a little differently and, depending on the type of degree you seek, you'll need to submit your application to the right place (undergraduate, graduate, or non-degree seeking)
  3. Complete the online application. You'll want to make sure you include any additional information such as applicable test scores and transcripts
  4. Pay the application fee. There is a $20 fee for applying to undergraduate programs and a $35 fee for applying to graduate programs

Lisa Olson returned to DSU as an online student to earn her elementary education (ELED) degree.

DSU alumna returns for new degree

After earning two degrees from Dakota State in 2007, Lisa Olson returned to DSU as an online student to earn her elementary education (ELED) degree.

Olson earned bachelor’s degrees in graphic design and multimedia web development during her first time at Dakota State. She knew that returning for a new degree, she would be in a professional community with excellent professors.

During her first year of online classes, Olson continued working at her previous job but was anxious to get into the classroom. So, for the 2021-2022 year, she substitute taught full-time in the Tea Area School District while continuing her online classes.

The online education Olson is receiving has helped her build a solid foundation. Despite not being in face-to-face classes, Olson found her professors exceptionally helpful.

Trojan Spotlight

Job outlook and salaries for graduates

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects elementary education employment to grow by 7 percent from 2016 to 2026. The demand for elementary educators should remain consistent thanks to rising student enrollment and the retirement of older teachers.

State and local government budget fluctuations can also have an impact on school district hiring. The BLS projects more job opportunities in urban and rural school districts than in suburban school districts.

Occupational OUtlook

The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) logo

CAEP accredited provider

The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) accredits Dakota State University educator preparation programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Dakota State University meets rigorous national standards for education preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation.

Office of Online Education