The graduate program in special education is an online program designed for candidates who wish to pursue an endorsement in Special Education.
Candidates completing the program meet the academic requirements for a special education endorsement (K-6 or 7-12). Candidates can complete a Master's degree by completing 36 graduate credit hours.
Prerequisites
All candidates must have completed TED 2300 Human Growth and Learning and SPED 1500 Introduction to Special Education or SPED 8030 Teaching Students with Exceptionalities (or an equivalent to any of these).
Candidates specializing in teaching students in special education can obtain K-6 or 7-12 endorsements. Upon completion of the program, candidates will meet the requirements of the Nebraska Department of Education for endorsement to teach children and youth with special education needs.
Required Courses for Special Education Endorsement (30 credit hours)
| Course Number | Course Name |
|---|---|
| SPED 8120 | High Incidence Disabilities |
| SPED 8236 | Language Development and Disorders for Teachers |
| SPED 8250 | Literacy Assessment and Interventions for Students with Disabilities |
| SPED 8810 | Research Methods in Special Education |
| SPED 8816 | Behavior Supports and Interventions |
| SPED 8910 | Assessment in Special Education |
| SPED 8980 | Professional Collaboration |
| SPED 8580 | Instructional Methods and Interventions in Special Education |
| SPED 8656 | Transition Planning (7-12) |
| SPED 8720 | Graduate Practicum in Special Education (K-6 or 7-12) |
| Elective (K-6) |
Candidates currently holding a Special Education endorsement can obtain a Master of Science degree in Special Education and would select an elective to replace SPED 8720.
If the candidate has completed comparable coursework at the undergraduate level, course substitutions will be made in consultation with the advisor.
Admission Requirements
- Admission to the University of Nebraska at Omaha Graduate College
- Admission to the graduate program in Special Education, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
- Bachelor's degree with a valid teaching certificate or completion of the deficiencies necessary for teacher certification
- Meet department application requirements
Thesis Option
The thesis option in Special Education requires candidates to register for 6 credit hours of SPED 8990 Thesis. Candidates must present and successfully defend a thesis to members of his or her committee. Remaining requirements are identical to those described above.