Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Most questions about the Department of Professional Education programs and services can be answered by contacting the department office at 218-755-2934. Your inquiry will be directed to the appropriate person or department.

I want to be a teacher. How do I get started?

First, you need to complete 30 semester credits of liberal education courses with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher. Next, you must take the basic skills test (Pre-Professional Skills Test/PPST or Minnesota Teacher License Exam/MTLE). Proof/documentation that the prospective student took the basic skills test must be provided by either a score report, testing center verification, or on file with the BSU Records Department.  Finally, final acceptance to a specific program is completed in ED3100 Introduction to the Foundations of Education.

I have a non-teaching undergraduate degree and am interested in becoming a teacher. Who do I contact for information?

Contact the BSU Registrar at 218-755-2020 or contact the Professional Education Chair, Dr. Judy Olson, at 218-755-3749 or at jolson@bemidjistate.edu. 

I am a student at another institution, but I want to transfer to BSU and enroll in education classes. Who do I talk with about my transfer credits?

Please contact the Department of Professional Education at 218-755-3734 to schedule an on-campus appointment or phone conversation with Dr. Judy Olson, Chair of Professional Education.

I am interested in teaching at the secondary level. Should I talk with someone from my major area or from education?

For major advising, contact your assigned advisor in your major area of study. For advice about education course requirements, contact the Department of Professional Education at 218-755-3734 or the Clinical Experiences office at 218-755-2930.

I am interested in the DLiTE Program. Who should I contact for more information?

The Distributed Learning in Teacher Education (DLiTE) is a blended (online and on campus in the Twin Cities) elementary education program. Contact the DLiTE Office at 800-723-3567 or 763-591-4786.

I am interested in the FasTrack Secondary Initiative. Where do I go for more information?

The FasTrack Secondary Initiative program is designed for individuals who hold a non-teaching baccalaureate degree and are interested in secondary level licensure. More information about the FasTrack Secondary program can be found on their website.

Who do I talk with about student teaching?

Contact the Clinical Experiences Office at 218-755-2930 or the Clinical Experiences Director at 218-755-3733.  More information about student teaching can be found on the Clinical Experiences website.

I am interested in taking online courses, extension courses, and/or ITV courses.  Who do I contact to find out what is available?

Contact the Center for Extended Learning at 218-755-2068 and ask for Ms. Angie Casper or Ms. Peggy Boyer.  Angie may also be reached at acasper@bemidjistate.edu and Peggy at pboyer@bemidjistate.edu.  Or contact the Center for Extended Learning directly at Center for Extended Learning.

I am interested in a graduate degree in education.  Where do I start?

Contact the School of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Studies Office at 218-755-2027 or jmiller@bemidjistate.edu.  Specific questions about the M.S. in Education or M.Ed. degree programs should be addressed to Dr. Shari Olson-Nikunen at slolson@bemidjistate.edu or 218-755-2931.

I am interested in special education.  Who do I contact?

Contact Dr. Judy Olson about the M.S. in Special Education or Special Education Licensure Program in EBD and SLD at 218-755-3749 or jolson@bemidjisstate.edu.

I want to apply for a scholarship. How do I do this?

Scholarships are available every year.  Applications are usually available in January.  Deadlines for submissions are in February and awards are made in April. For more information, visit the scholarships website or contact the Clinical Experiences Director, Mr. James R. Brouwer at 218-755-3733.