Professional development activities may be listed with either the 600 or 793 course designation.

The 600 course designation at NDSU is for graduate level professional development purposes and is designed to help teachers stay current in their fields, meet their recertification needs, and salary advancement goals. Courses with the 600 designation do not require admission to the NDSU graduate school, and consequently, are not eligible for use on graduate programs of study. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for registration. Registration is not complete until payment has been received. Individuals should verify with their certification/licensing boards to ensure professional development courses will meet their individual professional needs prior to registering. A maximum of 15 graduate professional development credits is allowed per semester.

The 793 course designation at NDSU is for graduate level courses and requires admission to the NDSU Graduate School. (Note: a $45.00 application fee may apply) These classes are degree eligible and may be eligible for use on programs of study. A maximum of 15 graduate credits is allowed per semester. 10 credits as a non-degree seeking student can be used on a plan of study at NDSU, with the approval of the supervisory committee, the program administrator, and the graduate dean.

Web-Based Classes

Web-based classes may use a learning management system called Blackboard to post a syllabus, materials, assignments, and communication from instructors. Or the user may log in to a website (IT4Educators uses a program called Moodle) where the syllabus, the online weblinks, discussion board (to communicate with other classmates) and even a gradebook await them. Users do all work online and then submit assignments digitally in a Digital Dropbox.

Print-Based Classes

Print-based classes have a printed packet that includes a syllabus, materials, assignments, and communication from instructors. Packets are generally mailed to you upon registration. A few print-based classes have materials available at the NDSU Bookstore.

CD ROM Classes

These courses are set up much like a book on CD-Rom, with chapters and multiple choice exams. Once registered VESi will mail you the software for the course.

Video Classes

These courses are in a DVD format. All materials are shipped directly to your home address.