Shape the Future with a Degree in Education from NSU
At Northwestern State University’s School of Education, we prepare passionate, skilled, and innovative educators who make a difference in the lives of students and communities. Whether you dream of teaching in the classroom, leading in administration, or influencing education policy, NSU offers the programs, faculty expertise, and real-world experience to help you succeed.
Our graduates are highly sought after, known for their strong instructional skills, leadership abilities, and commitment to lifelong learning. With flexible pathways, online options, and hands-on training, NSU is your partner in turning your passion for education into a rewarding career.
Why Choose NSU’s School of Education?
Comprehensive Degree Options
From early childhood education to secondary education, special education, and educational leadership, our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of future educators. We also offer graduate degrees and certifications for those seeking to advance or specialize in their careers.
Hands-On Learning
At NSU, learning goes beyond textbooks. Students gain real-world experience through classroom placements, student teaching, and partnerships with local schools. This immersive approach ensures our graduates are classroom-ready from day one.
Expert Faculty and Mentorship
Our faculty members are experienced educators and researchers who are committed to your success. They bring real-world insight into their teaching and provide personalized mentorship to guide you from your first class to your first job.
Flexible and Accessible Learning
With on-campus and online programs, NSU makes it easier than ever to earn your degree—whether you’re a traditional student or a working professional seeking career advancement.
Career Opportunities in Education
A degree from NSU’s School of Education can prepare you for careers such as:
- Elementary or Secondary Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- School Administrator or Principal
- Curriculum Specialist
- Instructional Coordinator
- Educational Consultant
Our graduates work in schools, educational organizations, nonprofits, and policy settings—impacting lives across Louisiana and beyond.
NSU Graduates: Leading the Way in Teacher Hiring & Retention
84.6%
of NSU Education graduates are employed or engaged in continuing education within 6 months
100%
score across all Praxis assessments—Core Academic Skills, Content Knowledge, Pedagogical Knowledge, and combined—all categories included.
8,000
new teaches hired last year in Louisiana
Admission & Teacher Candidacy
Admission to Northwestern State University is your first step—but it’s not the same as being admitted to a teacher education program. Once you’re an NSU student, you’ll need to meet specific academic requirements to enter your chosen program. This step is called Teacher Candidacy.
Requirements for Teacher Candidacy:
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Submit a Teacher Candidacy Application (or Appeal Form if needed).
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Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.
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Earn a grade of C or better in all degree-applicable courses.
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Meet all additional program-specific academic requirements.
Note: Students majoring in Child and Family Studies do not participate in teacher candidacy.
Graduate and alternate certification programs have their own admission and retention requirements. Explore detailed criteria in our Program Offerings.
If you’re pursuing certain high-demand education programs, you may qualify for the Federal TEACH Grant—offering financial assistance in exchange for a commitment to teach in high-need fields. Learn more and check eligibility at:
Clinical Experiences at NSU
Hands-on classroom experience is at the heart of every great teacher. At Northwestern State University, our teacher education students gain real-world skills in P–12 schools from early fieldwork through residency, student teaching, and internships.
Overview:
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Opportunities in a variety of P–12 school settings throughout professional education courses.
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Designed to build confidence, teaching skills, and classroom readiness.
Resources for Current Candidates:
Apply the Semester Before You Begin:
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Deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | October 1 (Spring)
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Submit the Residency/Student Teaching Application to Ms. Ramona Wynder (wynderr@nsula.edu)
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Request any additional course hours using the Permission to Enroll Form – courses must be outside school-day hours.
Resources:
Apply the Semester Before You Begin:
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Deadlines: March 1 (Fall) | October 1 (Spring)
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Submit the Internship Application to wynderr@nsula.edu (Save PDF as LASTNAMEInternshipApplication).
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All extra coursework must occur outside your school-day hours.
Resources:
Structure:
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Early field experiences are assigned by course instructors.
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Residency/student teaching/internships have a cooperating teacher and a university supervisor for guidance and evaluation.
Coaching & Mentoring Resources:
Working alongside an experienced educator builds confidence and smooths the transition into full-time teaching. Co-teaching approaches include:
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Alternative/Differentiated Teaching
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One Teach, One Assist
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One Teach, One Observe
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Parallel Teaching
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Station Teaching
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Team Teaching
Resources:
CAEP Accountability Measures
Northwestern State University was founded as a Normal School in 1884. Since its inception, Northwestern has prided itself on being a premier provider of teacher education programs. Northwestern’s teacher and professional education programs are accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) measures. The School of Education is also recognized by the state of Louisiana as having fully accredited programs.
Call Me MiSTER
Northwestern State University is proud to partner with Clemson University in the nationally recognized Call Me MiSTER® program—Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models. Founded in 2000 to address the critical shortage of minority male teachers, the program has grown to welcome women and all aspiring PreK–12 educators from diverse backgrounds.
The mission is simple yet powerful: expand the pipeline of highly qualified, culturally responsive teachers—particularly in underserved and lower-performing elementary schools. With NSU’s long-standing legacy of excellence in teacher preparation, our partnership with Clemson empowers future educators to lead with skill, empathy, and impact in classrooms across Louisiana and beyond.
