SECD Department, Advising and Applications
How do I get an advisor?
Graduate Candidates: After you are admitted to the program, you will receive a letter from the graduate office that lists your advisor. Special Education advisors are assigned by the concentration that you select. Speech-Language Pathology advisors are assigned upon admission to the program.
Undergraduate Candidates: All undergraduate candidates are advised in the Office of Academic Advising and Field Experiences; for an appointment call 402.554.2717 or unocoeadvising@unomaha.edu
I was admitted to graduate school with “provisional” status. How do I change that to “unconditional” status?
Once you have proven yourself to be capable of graduate work, you may submit a written request to the program faculty to be considered for “unconditional” status. This allows you to take a full graduate course load. It is best to make your request prior to registering for the next term.
How do I apply to a program?
Information about applying to the speech-language pathology or special education graduate program is available on our department's web site.
How do I apply for my practicum/internship?
You will need to complete the appropriate practicum application and obtain the necessary signatures. Practicum applications and specifics on which one to complete are available on the graduate special education and speech-language pathology web pages.
What are the practicum/internship application deadlines?
Practicum/Internship deadlines are September 15th for Spring and February 1st for Fall.
How do I find out about scholarship information?
Scholarship information for graduate candidates is available on the Graduate College web site. Other information comes via email as funding opportunities arise. The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences offers a UNO Advantage Scholarship for non- Nebraska resident students. The application form is available on request. The speech-language pathology program sends the application form with your acceptance letter.
Why is there a block that prevents me from registering for graduate classes?
There may be a number of reasons for a block: advising flag, maximum credit block, course time conflict notice or a hold on your account. If you are registering for a practicum, there is an advising flag to ensure that you filed a practicum application in advance. The maximum credit block occurs if you are registering for more than the credit hour limit allowed. All of these may be removed by contacting your advisor.
Sign Language Interpreting
If I am a sign language interpreter, am I certified to teach?
No. Students completing the Sign Language Interpreter Program will graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Education but will not be eligible for teacher certification.
If I am a sign language interpreter, can I seek national certification?
Yes. After graduating, students may choose to prepare for certification through EIPA or NIC.
Do I need a bachelor's degree to interpret?
In 2012, a bachelor's degree became mandatory in order to seek certification. Most states in the United States also have licensing requirements in which certification is necessary.
Graduate Special Education
How do I select a graduate special education concentration?
Special education concentrations are selected based on your area of interest and your current and/or future teaching goals. Available graduate special education concentrations are: Behavior Intervention Specialist and Special Education Generalist endorsement. You may also want to contact the department at 402.554.2201 to schedule an appointment with a special education faculty member.
I don't have a teaching certificate and want to teach special education, where do I start?
The Accelerated Special EducationProgram (AC-SEP) is a teacher certification pathway for individuals with a baccalaureate degree or higher who wish to earn an Initial Teaching Certificate issued by the Nebraska Department of Education to teach special education. For questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Beth Leader-Janssen, Special Education & Communication Disorders Department Chair at: eleaderjanssen@unomaha.edu or 402.554.3448.
Are there English proficiency criteria for non-native English speakers?
Yes. If your native language is not English, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to undertake advanced academic work in an English-speaking institution through English language proficiency tests such as the TOEFL. We require the following minimum TOEFL scores: Paper-500 Computer-173 Internet-61. If your TOEFL scores are more than two years old, you may be required to retake the TOEFL.
Do I have to student teach to earn a Masters' degree in special education?
In order to add a new endorsement in Special Education Generalist or Behavior Intervention Specialist, you will need to complete a practicum (student teaching). This experience is referred to as a practicum under the course offerings and can possibly be done in your current special education teaching position. Please talk with your faculty advisor about the practicum experience.
Will I have to complete another student teaching internship if I want to add grades 7-12 to my current K-6 endorsement in behavioral intervention specialist or mild/moderate disabilities?
Yes, in order to be certified to teach grades 7-12 in behavior intervention specailist or special education, you will be required to complete one, all-day, 16-week student teaching internship with students in grades 7- 12.
Graduate Speech-Language Pathology
I am interested in applying to the speech-language pathology graduate program. Where should I begin?
Our admissions requirements are available online. An Open House is held during the Fall semester which covers the program application process; for further information call 402.554.2201.
I have a degree in a different discipline but am interested in SPTH, where do I start?
An undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology is a requirement for admission into the graduate program. To learn more about the requirements, please contact the Office of Academic Advising and Field Experiences at 402.554.2717 or unocoeadvising@unomaha.edu.
What are the general education requirements needed before applying to the speech-language pathology graduate program?
Specific science classes must include a biology and chemistry or physics class. One of these must have a lab. In addition, you must have a statistics course. The 2020 ASHA Standards are available for review online.
When is my SLP plan of study determined? How do I know what transfer classes will count at UNO?
Once you are admitted to the SLP graduate program, an advisor makes a preliminary plan of study using your transcripts. Your assigned advisor will then contact you directly to finalize your plan of study with you and answer any of your questions or concerns.
Can I get an out-of-area placement for my speech-language pathology practicum?
A CDIS 8510 or 8520 placement that is more than 50 miles from Omaha is considered out-of-area (See Tier 3 of the Out of Area Clinical Practice).
Are there English proficiency criteria for non-native English speakers?
Yes. If your native language is not English, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to undertake advanced academic work in an English-speaking institution through English language proficiency tests such as the TOEFL. We require the following minimum TOEFL scores: Paper-550 Computer-213 Internet-79. If your TOEFL scores are more than two years old, you may be required to retake the TOEFL.
What if I am concerned that my speech-language pathology graduate program is not meeting the standards set forth by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)?
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology accepts complaints from students that relate to the Standards for Accreditation of Entry-Level Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology. There are specific guidelines to follow. Contact information for the accrediting body: Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology American Speech-Language Hearing Association 2200 Research Boulevard #310 Rockville, MD 20850. Phone: 800.498.2071.
Where can I find a copy of the department's Strategic Plan?
A copy of the department strategic plan can be obtained by contacting the department chair, Dr. Elizabeth Leader-Janssen. Tel: 402.554.3448 or email: eleaderjanssen@unomaha.edu