Valley City State University (VCSU), located in Valley City, North Dakota, is a public institution renowned for its commitment to student success and hands-on learning. Nestled along the Sheyenne River, VCSU serves around 1,500 students with over 65 undergraduate programs in fields like education, business, software engineering, and the sciences. As part of the North Dakota University System, it emphasizes practical education, particularly its nationally ranked teacher preparation program. For those eyeing jobs at Valley City State University, the institution offers a welcoming environment where faculty and staff contribute to a close-knit community focused on regional needs in higher education.
VCSU's mission-driven approach means employment here aligns with fostering Viking pride—its athletic nickname—and preparing graduates for real-world challenges. Whether you're a prospective professor or administrator, understanding VCSU's background helps tailor your application to highlight how you support its goals.
Founded in 1890 as the State Normal School in Valley City, VCSU began as a teacher training institution during North Dakota's early statehood push for public education. It evolved through name changes: to Teachers College in 1929, State College in 1964, and finally Valley City State University in 1983, reflecting its expanded scope beyond education. Key milestones include the 1960s expansion into liberal arts and sciences, driven by state investments in higher education, and modern initiatives like software engineering programs launched in the 2010s to meet tech demands.
This history shapes jobs at VCSU, with a legacy of prioritizing educator roles—over 80% of graduates enter teaching—and now broader faculty positions. The university's growth mirrors North Dakota's economic shifts from agriculture to energy and tech, influencing hiring for specialized research and admin jobs.
VCSU's programs span art, communication arts, mathematics, music, science, technology education, and business administration. Its education department stands out, nationally recognized for producing licensed teachers equipped for K-12 classrooms. Other strengths include digital media, wildlife management, and nursing, tailored to North Dakota's rural and professional needs.
Research at VCSU is applied and collaborative, focusing on education pedagogy, environmental science along the Sheyenne River, and software development for regional industries. Faculty often lead projects with student involvement, such as STEM outreach or business analytics studies. For research jobs, expertise in grant-funded work through ND EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) is valued, emphasizing practical outcomes over pure theory.
Prospective hires should align their research with VCSU's focus on undergraduate mentorship and community impact. Learn more about research jobs in higher ed.
Jobs at Valley City State University include tenure-track faculty, adjunct professors, administrative roles like directors and HR specialists, and student positions. Recent openings on sites like Indeed and VCSU's portal feature assistant professors in education, instructors in math, and support staff in career services. University job types range from full-time faculty (teaching 12-15 credits/semester) to part-time adjuncts.
Faculty roles emphasize teaching excellence, with service to the university and profession required for tenure. Admin jobs support operations, from student affairs to facilities. Student employment via work-study offers on-campus gigs like library aides, paying minimum wage while building resumes. Explore faculty higher ed jobs or admin positions for listings.
For faculty jobs at VCSU, a PhD or EdD in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track positions, while a master's suffices for lecturers or adjuncts. North Dakota teacher licensure is essential for education roles. Admin positions often require a bachelor's plus experience; advanced degrees preferred for leadership.
Preferred candidates have publications in peer-reviewed journals, grant experience (e.g., NSF or ND state funds), and teaching demos showing student engagement. Regional experience in North Dakota higher education boosts applications, especially for programs like wildlife biology tied to local ecosystems.
Check how to write a winning academic CV for tips.
VCSU actively promotes diversity through its Student Success Center, offering TRIO programs for first-generation and underrepresented students. Hiring practices follow NDUS affirmative action, prioritizing diverse candidates via targeted recruitment. Initiatives include cultural competency training, LGBTQ+ ally groups, and events like Diversity Week celebrating Native American Heritage, given North Dakota's Indigenous populations.
Faculty development workshops address inclusive teaching, and the university tracks demographics to improve equity. Recent efforts include partnerships with tribal colleges for STEM access, reflecting commitment to inclusive excellence in jobs and campus culture.
Campus life at VCSU blends small-town charm with vibrant activities: Viking athletics (NAIA), marching band, theater, and clubs like the Outdoor Club for Sheyenne River adventures. Valley City, pop. ~6,500, offers affordable living, low crime, and proximity to Fargo (60 miles).
Employees enjoy work-life balance via flexible schedules, summer breaks for faculty, and wellness programs including gym access and EAP counseling. Professional development funds support conferences, fostering growth without burnout. The supportive community—faculty-student ratio 1:20—creates meaningful connections, ideal for those valuing balance in North Dakota higher education.
To apply for jobs at Valley City State University, visit AcademicJobs.com or vcsu.edu/jobs, then the NDUS portal. Submit online: cover letter, CV/resume, transcripts, three references, and teaching philosophy (1-2 pages).
Tips: Highlight ND ties; use free resume template. Process takes 4-8 weeks; background checks required. For postdoc or lecturer paths, see postdoc success tips.
Ready to advance? Browse higher ed jobs, get career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. VCSU awaits talented professionals.
