College Studies Certificate

The College Studies Certificate offers a credential of completion for a student who does not plan to continue studying at VCSU.

These credits can come from dual credit or early entry credits while the student is in high school or can be earned while the student is enrolled at Valley City State University.

The flexibility of the requirements allows students to earn the College Studies Certificate in a variety of ways, either by focusing in a few areas of interest or being well-rounded in a variety of academic disciplines.

The College Studies Certificate is recorded on the student's official transcript and can be presented to an employer as proof the student has completed a range of college-level courses that will support their success in the workplace.


English Composition and Speech Communication3-9
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication
Intercultural Communication
College Composition I
College Composition II
Introduction to Professional Writing
College Composition III: Persuasive Writing
Mathematics, Lab Science, & Technology3-12
Concepts of Biology
General Biology I
General Biology II
General Zoology
Introductory Chemistry
Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Principles of Information Security
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Programming in Java
Introduction to Structured Programming I
Social Implications of Computer Technology
Introduction to Earth Science
The Earth Through Time
College Algebra
Finite Mathematics
Precalculus
Mathematics in Society
Calculus I
Elementary Statistics
Concepts of Physics
Introductory Astronomy
College Physics I
College Physics II
University Physics I
University Physics II
Cognition and Brain Science
Discovering Computing
Technology, Engineering, and Design
Technology Solutions for Society
Humanities, Fine Arts, & Social Science3-9
Introduction to the Visual Arts
Introduction to Digital Media
Two-Dimensional Design
Drawing I
Art History I
Art History II
History of Craft
American Sign Language I
American Sign Language II
Understanding Media and Social Change
Human Communication
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Introduction to Literature
Introduction to Film
Bible as Literature
Mythology
Women and Literature
World Literature I
World Literature II
American Literature I
American Literature II
Human Geography
United States to 1877
United States to Present
World Civilizations to 1500
World Civilizations since 1500
Environmental History
Native American Studies
Civilization, Thought, and Literary Heritage
Fine Arts and Aesthetics
Music Appreciation
Music Fundamentals
Valkyries
Concert Choir
Athletic Band
Concert Band
World Music
History of Popular/Rock Music
American National Government
State and Local Government
Introduction to Psychology
Ethics and Philosophy of Science
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Anthropology
1st Year Spanish I
1st Year Spanish II
2nd Year Spanish I
2nd Year Spanish II
Introduction to Theatre Arts
Additional Requirements
Electives3-15
Total Credits24