North Dakota Mandates Advanced Degrees for Tenure

New policy enacted by State Board of Higher Education will not impact current tenured professors

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has enacted a new policy requiring professors in the state's university system to hold advanced degrees in order to receive tenure. The mandate will not affect current tenured faculty, according to the board chair Kevin Black, who says the policy is aimed at ensuring accountability.

Why it matters

This policy shift reflects a broader national trend of increasing academic credential requirements for tenure-track positions, which some argue raises the bar for professorship but also limits access for those without the means to pursue advanced degrees.

The details

The new tenure policy, enacted by the State Board of Higher Education on Thursday, stipulates that professors in the North Dakota University System must hold a master's degree or higher in order to be eligible for tenure. However, the requirement will not apply retroactively to current tenured faculty members.

  • The new policy was enacted by the State Board of Higher Education on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Kevin Black

The chair of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, who says the new mandate aims to ensure accountability among the state's university professors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

While proponents argue the new degree requirement will raise academic standards, critics contend it may limit access to tenure-track positions, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds who face greater barriers to advanced education.