The Department of Teacher Education offers a Bachelor of Science in Education degree without pursuing teacher certification. The Child, Youth, and Community Science Concentration will provide students with hands-on leadership and learning opportunities, and will prepare graduates to work in community-based education settings.
About the Child, Youth, and Community Science Concentration
Students in the Teacher Education Department have the flexibility to earn an education degree without pursuing teacher certification. Students will complete 120 credit hours of coursework including a capstone course with a 200-hour internship. Flexibility exists for minor programs and elective credits.
In this program, students will examine educational theory, practice, research, and evaluation associated with learning in informal contexts. Students will consider policies and practices that promote equity and educational access for all children, teens, and adults. Employment possibilities include a diverse offering of careers within, but not limited to: non-profit organizations, museums, zoos, youth and child development organizations, outreach programs, social service organizations, and the corporate sector.
Curious about what you can do with the Child, Youth, and Community Science Concentration? View the program flyer to explore career opportunities and skills needed in this important field.
Looking for a class to help you explore? Check out our NEW class, TED 3100: Community Education: Teaching & Practice in Informal Enviornments (only offered in the Fall semseters). This class has no prerequisites and is designed for students interested in community-based learning.
Program Admission Requirements
Those seeking the non-teacher certification pathway must apply to the Child, Youth, and Community Science Program in order to take the major coursework.
- Apply to the University
- Complete the following course with a grade of C- or higher: English Composition I (ENGL 1140/1150) or proficiency.
- The following courses may be in progress at the time of application, or completed ahead of time with a grade of C- or higher: English Composition II (ENGL 1160/2160) or proficiency, Communication Studies (CMST 1110 Public Speaking or CMST 2120 Debate), MATH/STEM 1120, MATH 1130, MATH 1220, MATH 1300, STAT 1530, MATH/STAT 1100 or math proficiency.
- The following courses may be in progress at the time of application, or completed ahead of time with a grade of C or higher: TED 2100 Educational Foundations and TED 2200 Human Relations for a Bias-Free Classroom
- GPA Requirements (UNO Students): Currently enrolled UNO students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- GPA Requirements (Transfer Students)Transfer students with 12 or more credit hours in the Nebraska System (UNL, UNK, UNO) must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all attempted coursework taken in the NU System.
- Transfer students with credit hours from institutions other than the NU System must have a minimum combined cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all attempted coursework.
Application to Program
- Program Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester - March 1
- Fall Semester - June 1
- Spring Semester - October 1
Background Check
All students accepted into the Child, Youth, and Community Science Program are required to do a background check with the vendor selected by UNO. The instructions for completing the background check are provided to the students when they are accepted into the program.
The cost of the background check is $38.
Internship - Education Capstone
Internships are required for every Child, Youth, and Community Science Program student. Internships are short-term work experiences that incorporate academic coursework with experiential learning. Students will complete a one-semester internship or an internship split between terms before earning their degree. Internships require a minimum of 200 hours. Internships allow students to investigate career opportunities, apply knowledge gained in the classroom, and develop new skills and contacts that will be helpful in securing future employment and/or graduate school admission.
Students must complete an internship application the semester prior to their internship. The deadlines are as follows:
- Fall Internship Application Due Date – March 15. All internship forms signed and submitted and internship solidified by June 1.
- Spring Internship Application Due Date – September 15. All internship forms signed and submitted and internship solidified by December 1.
If students miss the deadline, they must appeal to the Academic Review Committee (ARC)
View information about:
- List of Potential Internship Sites
- Internship Application for Fall Term
- Internship Application for Spring Term
- Agency/Intern Confirmation Forms
The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences provides academic advising and support to students. The advisor for this program is Hanna Wanzenried Solberg. We encourage you to consult with your advisor regularly for program information and degree planning.