Valley City State University
Technology-rich, personalized, affordable education.
📍 Valley City, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #1462 in United States
Quick Facts about Valley City State University
- Founded: 1960
- Type: Public
- Students: 1,754
- International: 3%
- Campus: Rural
- Tuition: $12,220 – $12,220/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Intakes: August, January, May
About Valley City State University
Academics
VCSU offers over 65 undergraduate programs and multiple online graduate programs, including a Master of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Science in Business Information Systems. The university emphasizes a practical, hands-on teaching approach, with strong connections to local businesses for internships and job shadowing. Notable programs include Elementary Education, Business Administration, and Fisheries and Wildlife Management.
International Students
VCSU welcomes international students and provides support services, including assistance with transportation from Hector International Airport in Fargo. While specific diversity statistics for international students are not prominently featured, the Office of Multicultural Affairs aims to foster an inclusive campus environment and offers educational, cultural, and social programs. International students are automatically enrolled in the North Dakota University System's health insurance plan, with options for waiving if equivalent coverage is held.
Campus & Location
Valley City State University is situated in a rural setting in Valley City, North Dakota, often called the "City of Bridges" due to its picturesque location in the Sheyenne River Valley. The campus offers a small-town atmosphere with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, cycling, and boating. On-campus housing is available, with various residence hall options and university apartments for eligible students.
Career Outcomes
VCSU boasts impressive career outcomes for its graduates, with a 99% success rate for the 2023-24 academic year, meaning graduates are either employed or continuing their education. The Career Services Office assists students with finding employment and further educational opportunities. Many graduates find employment within North Dakota, and the university maintains strong industry connections, facilitating internships and real-world experience.
Information for International Students at Valley City State University
Valley City State University in Valley City, United States welcomes international students, with 3% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 3% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$7280/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Valley City State University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Valley City State University:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 71
- Duolingo minimum: 105
- GPA minimum: 3
- Application fee: $35
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: Rolling Admissions
Programs at Valley City State University (38 programs)
Valley City State University offers 38 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (32)
- Music Education (BM) — 48 months · English
This program combines musical performance and theory with pedagogical training, preparing students to teach music in K-12 schools.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Music Teacher, Choir Director, Band Director, Private Music Instructor - Elementary Education (BS) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students to teach in elementary school settings, focusing on curriculum development, classroom management, and child psychology.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Elementary School Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Educational Consultant - Secondary Education (BS) — 48 months · English
Students in this program specialize in a subject area to teach at the middle or high school level, covering advanced pedagogical techniques and subject-specific content.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: High School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, Educational Administrator - Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn fundamental computer science concepts, including programming, data structures, algorithms, and software development, with practical application.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, IT Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore historical events, movements, and figures, developing research skills and a deep understanding of past societies and their impact on the present.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Educator - Physical Education (BS) — 48 months · English
Prepares students to teach physical education and promote healthy lifestyles in school settings, focusing on exercise science, sports, and wellness.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Physical Education Teacher, Coach, Fitness Instructor, Athletic Director - Business Administration (BS) — 48 months · English
This program provides a broad understanding of business principles, including management, marketing, finance, and accounting, preparing students for various business careers.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Marketing Specialist, Financial Analyst, Accountant - Fisheries and Wildlife Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn about the management and conservation of fish and wildlife populations, including ecological principles and field techniques.
Field: Natural Resources
Career outcomes: Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Manager, Park Ranger, Environmental Consultant - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
This program explores human behavior and mental processes, covering topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Psychologist (with further study), Counselor (with further study), Social Worker, Human Resources Specialist - Communication (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop strong oral, written, and visual communication skills, exploring theories and practices across various media and contexts.
Field: Communication
Career outcomes: Public Relations Specialist, Marketing Communications Manager, Journalist, Corporate Trainer - Art Education (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop artistic skills and learn methods for teaching art to diverse student populations, fostering creativity and aesthetic appreciation.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Art Teacher, Art Therapist, Museum Educator, Graphic Designer - Technology Education (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to teach technology and industrial arts in K-12 settings, focusing on design, engineering, and practical skills.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Technology Teacher, Shop Teacher, Vocational Instructor, Curriculum Developer - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students study the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, with a strong emphasis on laboratory techniques and scientific inquiry.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Specialist, Pharmacist (with further study) - Social Science (BA) — 48 months · English
This interdisciplinary program examines human society and social relationships, drawing from fields like sociology, political science, and economics.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Policy Analyst, Community Organizer, Researcher - Health Sciences (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a foundational understanding of health-related fields, preparing students for graduate studies or entry-level positions in healthcare.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Health Educator, Medical Assistant, Research Assistant, Graduate School (e.g., Nursing, Physical Therapy) - Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program covers core mathematical concepts, including calculus, algebra, and statistics, fostering analytical and problem-solving skills.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Actuary, Data Scientist - Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program covers the fundamental principles of life sciences, including genetics, ecology, and cell biology, through laboratory and fieldwork.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Healthcare Professional (with further study) - Music (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop musical skills through performance, theory, and history, preparing them for careers in music education, performance, or composition.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer, Sound Engineer - Science Education (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to teach science in secondary schools, combining in-depth scientific knowledge with effective pedagogical strategies.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Science Teacher, Educational Program Coordinator, Curriculum Specialist - English (BA) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on literary analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication through the study of various literary genres and writing styles.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Communications Specialist - Art Education (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop artistic skills and learn methods for teaching art to diverse student populations, fostering creativity and aesthetic appreciation.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Art Teacher, Art Therapist, Museum Educator, Graphic Designer - Technology Education (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to teach technology and industrial arts in K-12 settings, focusing on design, engineering, and practical skills.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Technology Teacher, Shop Teacher, Vocational Instructor, Curriculum Developer - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students study the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, with a strong emphasis on laboratory techniques and scientific inquiry.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Specialist, Pharmacist (with further study) - Social Science (BA) — 48 months · English
This interdisciplinary program examines human society and social relationships, drawing from fields like sociology, political science, and economics.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Policy Analyst, Community Organizer, Researcher - Health Sciences (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a foundational understanding of health-related fields, preparing students for graduate studies or entry-level positions in healthcare.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Health Educator, Medical Assistant, Research Assistant, Graduate School (e.g., Nursing, Physical Therapy) - Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program covers core mathematical concepts, including calculus, algebra, and statistics, fostering analytical and problem-solving skills.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Actuary, Data Scientist - Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program covers the fundamental principles of life sciences, including genetics, ecology, and cell biology, through laboratory and fieldwork.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Biologist, Environmental Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Healthcare Professional (with further study) - Music (BA) — 48 months · English
Students develop musical skills through performance, theory, and history, preparing them for careers in music education, performance, or composition.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Teacher, Composer, Sound Engineer - Science Education (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to teach science in secondary schools, combining in-depth scientific knowledge with effective pedagogical strategies.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Science Teacher, Educational Program Coordinator, Curriculum Specialist - English (BA) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on literary analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication through the study of various literary genres and writing styles.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Communications Specialist - Sport Management (BS) — 48 months · English
Students learn the business aspects of the sports industry, including marketing, finance, event management, and facility operations.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Sports Marketing Manager, Athletic Director, Event Coordinator, Sports Agent - Criminal Justice (BS) — 48 months · English
This program examines the American criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, preparing students for careers in public safety.
Field: Criminal Justice
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Parole Officer, Probation Officer, Forensic Investigator
Master Programs (6)
- Career and Technical Education (M.Ed.) — 24 months · English
This master's program focuses on advanced pedagogical strategies and curriculum development for career and technical education programs.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: CTE Teacher, Vocational Program Coordinator, Educational Administrator, Curriculum Specialist - Elementary Education (Master's) (M.Ed.) — 24 months · English
An advanced program for current or aspiring elementary educators, focusing on leadership, research, and specialized instructional strategies for young learners.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Lead Elementary Teacher, Instructional Coach, School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist - Master of Education (M.Ed.) (M.Ed.) — 24 months · English
This graduate program is designed for current educators seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in various educational specializations, such as leadership or curriculum.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Coach, Lead Teacher - Career and Technical Education (M.Ed.) — 24 months · English
This master's program focuses on advanced pedagogical strategies and curriculum development for career and technical education programs.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: CTE Teacher, Vocational Program Coordinator, Educational Administrator, Curriculum Specialist - Elementary Education (Master's) (M.Ed.) — 24 months · English
An advanced program for current or aspiring elementary educators, focusing on leadership, research, and specialized instructional strategies for young learners.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Lead Elementary Teacher, Instructional Coach, School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist - Master of Education (M.Ed.) (M.Ed.) — 24 months · English
This graduate program is designed for current educators seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in various educational specializations, such as leadership or curriculum.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Coach, Lead Teacher
Scholarships & Tuition at Valley City State University
Annual tuition for international students: $12,220 – $12,220/year
✅ Valley City State University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Valley City State University
- National Ranking: #1462 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
Campus & Facilities at Valley City State University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Rural
- Average class size: 13
- Housing cost: ~$7280/month
Key Highlights
- Technology-enriched campus
- Top Midwest regional college
- Affordable, quality education
- 99% graduate success rate
- Hands-on learning approach
- Picturesque "City of Bridges" location
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
Notable Alumni
- Paul Fjelde
- Todd Hoffner
- Thomas Kleppe
- Earl Pomeroy
- Gary Tharaldson
Frequently Asked Questions about Valley City State University
What is Valley City State University?
Valley City State University is a public university located in Valley City, United States, founded in 1960. It has approximately 1,754 students, with 3% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Valley City State University?
Tuition fees at Valley City State University for international students range from $12,220 – $12,220/year. Student housing costs approximately $7280/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Valley City State University?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 71. Duolingo minimum: 105. GPA minimum: 3. Application fee: $35. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: Rolling Admissions.
What language are courses taught in at Valley City State University?
Courses at Valley City State University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Valley City State University offer?
Valley City State University offers 38 programs: 32 Bachelor's, 6 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Valley City State University ranked?
#1462 in United States.
Does Valley City State University offer scholarships?
Yes, Valley City State University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Valley City State University provide visa support?
Yes, Valley City State University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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