Earn Your Master of Science in CS Education
This graduate program provides teachers with both content and pedagogical content knowledge in teaching computer science. If you're already a licensed Nebraska teacher, you'll also be able to earn your IT Supplemental Endorsement along the way!
The Master of Science in Computer Science Education requires a completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours which include the following:
Core Coursework (15 credit hours)
- Choose one:
- CSTE 8020 – Exploring Computer Science for Teachers
- CSTE 8030 – Computer Science Principles for Teachers
- CSTE 8040 – Object Oriented Programming for Teachers
- CSCI/CYBR 8366 – Foundations of Cybersecurity
- Choose one:
- CSCI 8256 – Human Computer Interaction
- CSCI 8266 – User Experience Design
- CSCI 8836 – Software Engineering
- ACMP 8220 – Design Process
- TED 8006 – Special Methods in the Content Area (IT/CS Section)
Those holding an active Nebraska teaching certificate are eligible for the IT Supplemental Endorsement upon completing all Core coursework above. Follow the instructions provided by the College of Education once these courses have been completed to add this to your teaching license.
Extension Coursework (6 credit hours)
- CSCI 8010 – Foundations of Computer Science
- Choose one:
- TED 8050 – Data-Driven Decision Making for Educators
- TED 8860 – Invention & Innovation in Engineering Education
Capstone/Thesis/Project (3-6 credit hours)
Students must complete either a graduate capstone course, a thesis or a thesis-equivalent project.
- Choose one:
- CSTE 8910 – Capstone in CS Education (3 credits*)
- CSTE 8990 – Thesis (6 credits, cannot be completed in a single term)
- CSTE 8960 – Thesis Equivalent Project (6 credits, cannot be completed in a single term)
* Those choosing the capstone option must complete an additional elective course in order to meet the 30 credit hour minimum for the degree.
Electives (3-6 credit hours)
Approved electives should be completed to earn the required 30 credit hours. These courses should typically be selected from CSTE, CSCI, STEM, or TED courses. Elective choices must appear on a student’s plan of study form for review and approval by the CSEd Graduate Program Committee.
The following courses are considered standing electives that have already been approved for all students.
- CSCI 8xxx – All graduate computer science courses not counted elsewhere on the plan of study
- CSTE 8xxx – All graduate CS Education courses not counted elsewhere on the plan of study
- MTCH 8040 – Topics in Mathematical Computing
- STEM/TED 8420 – Trends and Teaching Strategies in Science Education
- STEM/BIO 8450 – Biology Education Research Methods
- STEM/TED 8530 – Instructional Design Strategies for STEAM Educators
- STEM/TED 8840 – Engineering Education Externship
- TED 8050 – Data-Driven Decision Making (if not used as extension coursework)
- TED 8540 – Digital Citizenship
- TED 8550 – Technology for Creative and Critical Thinking
- TED 8860 – Invention & Innovation in Engineering Education (if not used as extension coursework)
Students may request that a course not listed here be counted as an elective in writing to the GPC. Such requests should be made prior to enrolling in the course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate CS knowledge and skills by creating computational artifacts.
- Articulate a vision of equitable and inclusive CS teaching practices.
- Responsively implement evidence-based pedagogy to facilitate meaningful learning experiences.
- Design learning experiences that implement evidence-based pedagogy.
- Describe relevant and recent research findings in computer science education including how they might be applied in the classroom.
Application and Admissions Information
Application Materials
To apply, create an account in the UNO Admissions system, upload your required documents, and complete the application form. In addition to the required form fields, you will need to following materials to complete your application:
- Current résumé or CV
- Personal statement of purpose (click here for more details about what to include)
- A copy of your current teaching certificate (if you are an active teacher in any state)
- Personal/Professional Fitness form
- Academic transcripts for all prior study
- NOTE: International students who do not intend to teach in the U.S. may be eligible for admission. However, international students seeking admission to this program must have a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper), 213 (computer-based), 80 (internet-based), 6.5 IELTS, or 53 PTE.
Application Deadlines
- Summer: April 1st
- Fall: July 1st
- Spring: December 1st