Higher Education
North Dakota's Higher Education system is an essential partner in preparing the state's early childhood workforce. With the current growing interest in quality early childhood education, demand for highly qualified early childhood teachers is on the rise. You may wish to complete college courses to help you expand your knowledge, renew your CDA Credential, complete coursework for continuing education credits, or earn a degree. Some courses may be offered online or in a distance format.
Learn more about the North Dakota Higher Education System.
Growing Futures works with the North Dakota Early Childhood Higher Education Consortium to approve and accept higher education coursework and degrees. The Consortium has developed common course numbering that allows ECE credits to easily transfer between schools. Several of these courses have been identified as options for fulfilling the requirements at Growing Futures Career Pathways Categories A–D. The Career Pathways also identifies a number of career options in the field of early care and education that require a degree and show the preparation needed to qualify for these career opportunities.
Thinking of Going Back to School?
If you are considering going back to school, be sure you are a careful higher education consumer. Some programs that claim to offer the same level of education as the North Dakota Higher Education colleges and universities do not provide coursework that is transferable, or they claim to qualify you for career positions that do not require a degree. Before you invest your time, energy, and money, here are some questions to ask when talking with representatives of each college or university:
- What degree programs are available in the early childhood field? What does each option entail?
- Is your program part of the ND University system and are you a member of the ND Early Childhood Higher Education Consortium? (for programs located in North Dakota)
- What delivery options are there? Online? Weekends? Work cohorts?
- Is your specific program accredited? If so, by what organization?
- Can I transfer some/all of my previous college-level courses to your degree program?
- Do the courses you offer transfer to other state college and university ECE degree programs? Do your credits transfer to these schools equally, meaning credit for credit? If so, are they accepted for more than general education credits?
- What is the general cost of a degree at your institution?
- Is financial aid available?
- What career options would be available to me after earning a degree from your program that I would not have otherwise?