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Learn all about how this opportunity from NDEO and Oakland University works at our upcoming information sessions!
There are 2 opportunities to join us for a Virtual Information Session with representatives from Oakland University and NDEO's OPDI program to learn more about earning college credits for OPDI courses. Listen, learn, and ask questions.
The meetings will be recorded and emailed to all registrants after the event. Please register for the event even if you are unable to attend.
The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and Oakland University (OU) in Michigan are proud to announce a new, forward-thinking partnership that expands access to high-quality dance education training and certification opportunities for educators across the nation.
To receive college credit for any summer OPDI course in addition to PDCs, you must register through Oakland University by scheduling an advising session and finalizing your registration through OU before the April 15th deadline.
For those seeking certification who already have either a bachelor's degree in dance or those who already have a bachelor's degree in any endorsed content in K-12 Education.
*The Oakland University Certificate in K–12 Dance Education is a program credential and not a state teaching licensure certificate. OU offers four pathways; the first three are for Michigan students, and the fourth is individualized to work with students on meeting their state’s certification requirements. Students should verify licensure requirements with their state education agency and work with OU to customize the coursework to meet each student's needs
For those who want a deep dive into dance education and do not need to pay extra for college credits. Awarded after 33 credits of OPDI coursework have been successfully completed. Previous dance teaching experience is a must, but no previous college degree is required.
For those who need college credit for salary or advancement opportunities or to fulfill existing undergraduate or graduate degree requirements from another college or university.
Contact Oakland University (OU) and let them know you are interested in the Certification option. You will do this by completing
Through this collaboration, Oakland University will launch a fully online K-12 Certificate in Dance Education, blending OU-developed coursework with select courses from NDEO’s Online Professional Development Institute (OPDI).
Students will enroll in the certificate program through Oakland University, and as part of their academic pathway, register for NDEO’s OPDI courses to fulfill key program requirements. OPDI courses taken as part of this certificate will be eligible for academic credit from OU, further supporting professional advancement for dance educators.
“By integrating our nationally recognized OPDI courses into Oakland University’s new certificate program, we’re creating more inclusive, flexible pathways for dance educators to gain the credentials they need—especially in underserved and hard-to-reach communities!"
Oakland University, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), has been a leader in dance education since 1960. With robust B.A. and B.F.A. programs and a deep commitment to serving K-12 education needs, OU is addressing a statewide (Michigan) and national shortage of certified dance teachers. The new certificate program is designed to offer an alternative path to certification for:
By offering the certificate fully online, Oakland University is meeting the demand for flexible, high-quality programs that support educators who are balancing work and study.
"This certificate, developed in partnership between Oakland University and NDEO, will support teachers already in classrooms and help establish new, sustainable dance programs in schools where students have traditionally lacked access."
Together, NDEO and Oakland University are proud to offer a new model for preparing highly qualified dance educators—building a stronger, more vibrant future for dance in our schools and communities.
No application involved. Simply create an account on NDEO website or join with a Membership, then register and pay for the OPDI courses you want to take. Keep taking courses in future semesters until you hit the magic number of 33 credits.
NDEO's CiDE
Be the first to know when our next semester of online profession development courses is announced!
When you sign up for our OPDI e-mail list, you'll be the first notified when new courses launch, upcoming semesters are announced, and updates to the OPDI program are available.
Ready to learn more about how online OPDI courses in dance education are structured and how they are run?
Register for OPDI Here