Valley City State University Degree Programs Available
Valley City State University appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Online Degree Programs For In-State Students.
Earning a college degree offers many advantages beyond higher salaries. Research indicates that those who hold college degrees are more satisfied in their jobs than those who hold a high school diploma. In addition, college graduates are less likely to be unemployed than high school diploma holders. Valley City State University offers several unique degree programs, some available online, that will prepare individuals for a new career or help them advance in their current career.
Featured Programs
Valley City State University offers degrees through 11 departments as well as the School of Education & Graduate Studies. These departments include:
- Art
- Business
- Communication Arts
- Computer Systems and Software Engineering
- Kinesiology and Human Performance
- Language & Literature
- Mathematics
- Music
- Science
- Social Science
- Technology Education
The Art Department offers a Bachelor of Art and Bachelor of Science in Composition Art which is only available on campus. The program is designed to nurture a student’s natural talent in the studio arts and provide them with an understanding of how to apply them in many different careers. Students develop technical skills, material exploration as well as the study of contemporary and historical art movements and practices. They also have access to the McCarthy Gallery which features prominent artists from across the region as well as student artwork throughout the year. Courses include:
- Art History
- Ceramics
- Digital Photography
- Drawing
- Painting
- Print Making
- Sculpture
The Department of Business offers an undergraduate degree in Business Process Integration Management that is available both on campus and online. The program provides an understanding of communication, problem-solving, business collaboration, and technical skills. Students focus on business processes and advanced enterprise systems in order to move into the growing IT field. Students gain an understanding of business requirements as well as knowledge in information systems for individual business needs. Students may also obtain internships at such prestigious firms as John Deere Seeding Group, Best Buy, Farm Services Agency, and Bank Forward. Courses required may include:
- Business Data Solutions
- Customer Relationship Management
- Elements of Accounting I & II
- Enterprise Systems I & II
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
- Introduction to Business
- Introduction to Computer Information Systems
- Managerial Finance
- Operations Management
- Organizational Communication
- Principles of Management
- Principles of Marketing
The Enterprise Applications Certificate offered through the Department of Computer Systems and Software Engineering is available online or on campus. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to work in operating systems, work with spreadsheets, manage files, and generate reports. Students may also gain document editing techniques and database principles. Courses required may include:
- Advanced Business Languages
- Business Language
- Customer Relationship Management and Business Intelligence
- Database Theory/Design
- Enterprise Systems I & II
- Integration of Business Processes in SAP ERP
- Introduction to Structured Programming I
- Programming Language Topics
- Systems Analysis and Design
The School of Education and Graduate Studies offers a Master of Arts in Teaching which is available online or on campus. The program provides a set of core courses required to meet requirements for teacher certification in North Dakota. The degree is designed to meet the growing demand for teachers in shortage areas and provides a direct path to teacher licensure. It is designed around the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards with a focus on effectiveness, knowledge, skills, dispositions, and commitments of accomplished teachers. Courses required may include:
- Exceptionality, Diversity & Differences
- Foundations of Teaching for Learning
- Human Development and Learning Needs
- Issues in School, Community and Family
- Reading and Multiple Literacies
- Secondary Methods and Assessment
- Supervision and Assessment of Teachers and Learners
- Teaching with 21st Century Tools
Students must also complete an internship and capstone course.
About Valley City State University
Valley City State University opened as the Valley City State Normal School in 1890, led by J.W. Sifton, M.A., Ph.D., a former pastor at the Valley City Congregational Church of Christ. The purpose of the school initially was to prepare students for careers teaching science and art in public schools. The school opened in a room at the City High School as there was no funding provided by the state.
In 1892, the school moved into a building on the present campus that was simply called “The Main Building,” and has since become known as “Old Main.” Joachim Frederick Weltzin III, the first president of the school born in North Dakota, served just under two years after publicly condemning Governor William Langer’s attempts to pressure employees of universities to make political contributions. In retaliation, Governor Langer vetoed the entire appropriation for the school, requiring a special session of the legislators to re-establish appropriation. Dr. Weltzin took a leave of absence shortly after and was replaced by James Emery Cox.
During World War II, Valley City State offered programs designed to fill positions due to shortages of men and encouraged women to pursue education. In 1943, Valley City State Teacher’s College, as it was then known, was selected to take part in the V-12 Program to ensure the Navy had a flow of professionally trained men. In 1963, the school became Valley City State College and gained university status in 1987.
Today, Valley City State University is one of the top regional colleges in the Midwest and one of America’s “Best Colleges” according to US News & World Report, a distinction it has held for 22 years.
Valley City State University Accreditation Details
Valley City State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent organization that reviews institutes of higher education using a peer process that confirms programs offered are of the highest quality. During the review, any areas that are determined to need improvement are addressed by the University as quickly as possible. Accreditation also qualifies students to apply for and receive federal financial aid.
In addition to regional accreditation, teaching programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, athletic programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education while music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Valley City State University Application Requirements
Applicants who have not earned college credit after high school graduation must provide an official high school transcript as well as official ACT or SAT scores. They must have a 2.0 GPA as well as an ACT composite score of 18 or an SAT score of 940. Applicants who have earned college credit after high school graduation must also provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Applicants to the Master of Arts in Teaching must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A written statement of professional goals, a resume, and three letters of recommendation must also be submitted.
Valley City State University Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time tuition for North Dakota residents is $5,884 per semester and for Minnesota residents $6,590. Residents of Montana, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, or Wisconsin, as well as Saskatchewan and Manitoba, pay $7,355 per semester. Residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, or those who are dependents of alumni pay $7,355 per semester as well. Residents of all other states pay $10,296 per semester.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Students attending on campus may be eligible for work-study, fellowship or assistantships as well.
Valley City State University offers programs designed to help individuals move into more satisfying careers, earn higher salaries and obtain better job security in programs that may be offered in flexible online formats.
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