Prospective Student Information
MSU Aspire Program
Did You Know?
- the top factor influencing student success is a skilled teacher
- there are about 15,000 students in ND and 7.2 million in the U.S. with disabilities who need special education to be successful
- there is a CRITICAL shortage of teachers in ND and the nation
- high school juniors and seniors can “earn while the learn” and receive their special education paraeducator certificate and work in their school
What is ASPIRE?
Through a partnership with the ND Department of Public Instruction’s Educator Pathway Program and our Bush Foundation PIPELINE project, MSU is able to offer North Dakota juniors and seniors a high quality, no-cost opportunity to get a head start on their career by taking dual credit courses at MSU! Participants receive:
- a sequence of dual credit courses online at no cost (materials included)
- peer mentors who are current college students in education programs
- an immersive 1 day on campus experience
- customized career planning
- Spring 2025 Flyer
What Courses are Offered?
We currently offer 3 options for courses that are offered online both spring and fall semesters. If your high school wishes to offer one of these courses on site using one of their staff to teach, please contact us.
- *SPED 110 Introduction to Exceptional Children, 3 credits (19010 - Educating Exceptional Students)
- *SPED 299 Special Education Field Experience, 1 credit (19020 - Special Education Field Experience)
- ED 260 Educational Psychology, 2 credits (20085 or 09042 - Educational Methodology)
*Students can take SPED 110 and the SPED 299 field experience concurrently and then be eligible for the Special Education Paraeducator Certificate from DPI, which qualifies them to work in schools in this position supporting students with disabilities.
How Does It Work?
High school juniors and seniors who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and the approval of their school administrator are eligible to apply.
Step 1: a school administrator or counselor nominates a student HERE
Step 2: accepted students and their administrators/counselors will be sent detailed instructions to apply to MSU as a dual credit student
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
Dr. Holly Pedersen
Department of Education and Inclusive Services
holly.pedersen@minotstateu.edu
701-858-3846
Dr. Lisa Borden-King
Teacher Licensure Programs Head
lisa.bordenking@minotstateu.edu
701-858-3158
The alternative access program helps people with degrees obtain licensure in their teaching field while teaching in a full-time paid position.
