About DWU

In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education Federal Guidelines 34 CFR§600.9(c), programs leading to licensure and/or certification required for entry into the profession are listed below. 

Requirements for professional licensure and certification can vary from state to state and can be changed at any time. DWU designs and updates its professional programs in accordance with requirements for licensure or certification in the state of South Dakota. Students planning to apply for licensure or certification and/or sit for a national certification exam in a state other than South Dakota must meet any unique requirements for that state. 

Assistance will be provided to students in contacting the licensing authority in their state and in understanding the requirements prior to enrollment in a DWU program. When enrolled in an academic program, students will meet regularly with their academic advisor to further determine and prepare for any unique requirements in their state of residence. The DWU program will provide students the resources to understand and prepare for any additional requirements in a state other than South Dakota, as necessary.

State licensure requirements are subject to change and relocating during your DWU program could impact whether you meet that state’s requirements. Students must notify their academic advisor and update the Registrar’s Office when moving to a different state during their academic program. 

Current students will receive an annual disclosure notification from the Registrar’s Office if the program does not meet educational requirements for licensure/certification, or if it has not been determined if the program meets educational requirements for licensure/certification in a student’s state of residence. Prospective students will be notified similarly upon admission to the university. 

A further explanation of licensure with resources and contact information for state entities offered by NC-SARA can be found at: https://www.nc-sara.org/resources/professional-licensure 

The DWU Bachelor of Science in Accounting program does not meet all the educational requirements for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). All U.S. states and territories require 150 college credits to take the CPA licensure exam. Students who complete the B.S. in accounting program plus 30 credits meet the educational requirements to take the CPA licensure exam, provided the student meets all specific academic subject requirements determined by the state board. 

DWU’s program has been designed to prepare students for CPA licensure exams in South Dakota. Completion of the accounting program does not award students the CPA designation. South Dakota law requires that individuals who take the CPA professional exam must complete 150 credits of college education. Students whose residence is in a state other than South Dakota, or who plan to move to a state outside of South Dakota, should be aware of the unique CPA licensure requirements in that state. 

Contact Christine Mauszycki

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting plus 30 or more credits to take the Certified Professional Accountant exam. 

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy: https://nasba.org/stateboards/ 

DWU’s accredited teacher education program has been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements and curriculum requirements in South Dakota to prepare students for licensure exams in South Dakota. Although most states accept our teacher education program graduates for licensure, licensure boards in each state are responsible for setting the requirements for licensure/certification in their state. Graduates may be required to pass additional assessments and complete additional state-specific requirements. Students seeking to establish licensure outside the state of South Dakota are required to meet with their academic advisor prior to beginning the program. Students moving to another state must be aware of the unique licensure requirements of that state and should contact their state board. 

Contact Ashley Digmann

• Bachelor of Science in Biology Education 
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education 
• Bachelor of Arts in English Education 
• Bachelor of Arts in History Education 
• Bachelor of Arts in Math Education? 
• Bachelor of Arts in Music Education 
• Bachelor of Science in Special Education 

 
South Dakota Department of Education: https://doe.sd.gov/ 

DWU’s accredited graduate education certification programs have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements and curriculum requirements in South Dakota. Students moving to a state other than South Dakota during, or after completion of, their program must be aware that the unique licensure requirements of that state and should contact their state board to determine if the DWU program will meet the current requirements. Candidates completing the PreK-12 Principal program are required to hold a valid teaching certificate from South Dakota and meet licensure requirements. For additional information, please visit the South Dakota Department of Education website. 

Contact Melissa Weber

• Master of Arts in English as a New Language 
• Master of Arts in PreK-12 Principal 
• Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Administration

South Dakota Department of Education: https://doe.sd.gov/ 

The Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Administration program does not lead to a South Dakota teaching certificate, nor does it lead to an endorsement on the South Dakota teaching certificate. The program is designed for certified teachers to further develop their skills or for those who work in post-secondary education. 

DWU’s accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements and curriculum requirements in South Dakota. Students seeking to work as nurses outside the state of South Dakota are required to meet with their academic advisor prior to beginning the program. Students moving to another state must be aware of the unique licensure requirements of that state and should contact their state board of nursing to take the NCLEX exam in their state of residence/employment for any additional requirements. 

Upon completion of the accredited DWU nursing program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX certification exam through the South Dakota Board of Nursing. The program and all its course requirements meet the national education standards mandated by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Completion of DWU’s program does not award students the certification. 

The South Dakota Board of Nursing is a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), which is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one compact state nursing license that gives them the ability to practice in other member states. As a member of the NLC, the BSN meets the educational requirements for multi-state licensure in participating compact states. Please visit the state board’s website for specific licensure requirements: https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm 

Contact Penny Tilton

• Associate of Science in Nursing  
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

South Dakota State Board of Nursing: https://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/ 

CCNE: https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE 

NCLEX: https://nclex.com/index.htm

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, students are eligible to take the exam for the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Examination (CSCS). Completion of DWU’s program does not award students the certification; students must successfully pass the exam to satisfy the requirements for licensure. 

Contact Randi Christensen 

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

CSCS: https://www.nsca.com/certification/cscs/ 

The accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training (MAT) program meets the education requirements to pursue a license as an athletic trainer. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national certifying examination for athletic trainers through the Board of Certification (BOCATC). 

The program and all its course requirements meet the national education standards mandated by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Only by completing a CAATE-accredited program can a student take the national certifying examination. Completion of DWU’s program does not award students the certification; students must successfully pass the exam to satisfy the requirements for licensure. 

Contact Dan Wagner

•  Master of Athletic Training 

Licensing board: https://www.bocatc.org/state-regulation/state-regulation 

CAATE: https://caate.net/Programs/Professional

For additional information regarding licensure and certification as it relates to your program and state of residence, please see: Licensure Chart