Frequently Asked Questions-ECSE

How do I apply for the program?

All students must apply to a graduate program in special education. Applications are reviewed annually (January) for master's degrees and monthly for graduate certificates.

You must complete application to both the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders and Graduate Studies as a degree-seeking or graduate certificate-seeking student. This entails submission of transcripts, a letter of intent, an application form, and three letters of recommendation. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are needed for degree applications. If students already hold an advanced degree in education, they can apply to Graduate Studies as a graduate certificate student. Applicants with a master's degree in special education can forego the need for three letters of recommendation.

It is required that all interested students have their transcripts reviewed and get a possible program of study outlined and questions answered before applying. Contact the program advisers.

Can I start taking classes before I am officially admitted?

Students may apply to Graduate Studies as "non-degree" students for one semester prior to admission to the degree or certificate programs and register for any special education foundation courses, professional education courses or electives outside of special education.

I am an out-of-state student. Can I complete the program via distance education?

Both out-of-state and Nebraska residents are welcome. All required courses for the master's degree, graduate certificate and endorsements are now available via distance education technologies. Depending upon your goals, and program of study, you may find necessary courses at a distance from any of the University of Nebraska institutions. For the degree program, 51% of the program MUST be completed with University of Nebraska courses. The rest can be transferred in from other institutions, with approval from the University of Nebraska adviser. All of the methods courses and practicum credits MUST be completed through the University of Nebraska (SPED 861, 862, 882, 896Q/897Q). All credits associated with the graduate certificate courses must be completed through UNL, but are available at a distance.

Are all of the courses online?

Yes and no. This term "online" is used to mean many things to students. We offer courses "at-a-distance." All of our courses are organized on the web through the Canvas platform, but may also utilize email, video-streaming, chat rooms, phone and webcasting broadcasts. In addition, some courses require additional technologies or contacts with instructors/classmates. For example, phone-based conferences, interactive TV, and periodic, weekend-on-campus class sessions may be required; check course syllabi for individual course requirements. 

Which early childhood program should I / can I pursue?

Two programs are tied to graduate degree requirements.

Graduate Degrees/Certificates

1. Master's Degree: 36 graduate credits. Can be completed with or without pursuit of teaching endorsements for ECSE. Students seeking an initial teacher certificate must apply to the degree program.
2. Educational Specialist Degree: at least 66 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree and at least 24 graduate credits completed after admission to Ed.S. program. Can be tied to early intervention specialist endorsement requirements.
3. Doctor of Philosophy Degree: 60-70 hours past the master's degree. Students must have a teaching certificate in some area of special education or related field. All degree programs will result in the graduate having a ECSE specialization noted on their transcripts.
4. Non-Degree Graduate Certificate in ECSE (12 credits): Students interested in pursing study of early childhood special education populations and services, but without need for an added degree or teaching endorsement, can apply for and complete the required courses for this non-degree certificate awarded by UNL Graduate Studies. These 12 credits do not reflect all teaching endorsement or teacher certification requirements. This program generally can be completed in one year. Students wishing to pursue the ECSE add-on teaching endorsement, can do so with application to the graduate certificate program.

Add-on Teaching Endorsements

UNL offers courses leading to completion of requirements for Nebraska’s Teaching Endorsements for employment as a special educator with children birth through age 5 with disabilities. Students interested in an endorsement must apply to Graduate Studies as either a degree-seeking student or a graduate certificate-seeking student in ECSE. Pursuit of a degree plus an endorsement may require more than 36 credits. Pursuit of a graduate certificate plus an endorsement will require more than 12 credits (21-30 credits).

1. Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-K) (NDE Rule 24): This add-on endorsement is for the candidate with a valid teaching certificate in elementary (K-6), early childhood education (Pre-3), inclusive (unified) early childhood education (Birth-grade 3) or special education (K-6). The endorsement requires a minimum of 30 credits, with 18 graduate credits in ECSE and 12 credits in early childhood education and development, including kindergarten education. Relevant prior coursework may be considered and lower the total number of graduate credits required. This graduate will be able to apply for teaching positions as a preschool classroom teacher for children with and without disabilities or as a special educator in itinerant consultant or coach roles in homes, community child care, preschool or public school programs. Apply to UNL's graduate certificate in ECSE or master's degree program.
2. Early Intervention Specialist (Birth-K) (NDE Rule 24): This add-on endorsement is for the candidate who currently holds a valid teaching certificate in special education (K-6 or K-12). The endorsement requires 21 credits of graduate credit in ECSE. This endorsement does not permit the teacher to be a preschool classroom teacher. The program is designed to prepare the special educator as a consultant and coach for children under age 5 and their families in homes, child care, preschool or public school programs. Relevant prior coursework may be considered and lower the total number of credits required. The change in age-level requires that these candidates complete a minimum of 160 contact hours with children under age 5 in home visiting and preschool settings as part of coursework and/or seven weeks of supervised practicum. On-the job opportunities can be used for some hours. Apply to UNL's graduate certificate in ECSE or master's degree program.

Initial Teacher Certification

UNL offers courses that lead to initial teacher certification with a focus in early childhood special education. These programs are for students who a) do not have a bachelor's degree or b) have a bachelor's degree in an area other than education, and c) have no previous teaching certification.

Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-K) is a distance-accessible graduate degree program of study available to part-time and full-time students. It requires admission into the graduate degree program in special education and completion of professional education as well as foundation special education and early childhood education courses, in addition to ECSE coursework, practicum and student teaching. Interested students must pass the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before their application to the department will be reviewed. This teaching certificate will permit graduates to pursue any early childhood education position in the public schools as well as private schools and centers with children 5 years and under. They are prepared to assume the role as special educator birth through kindergarten but are not limited to jobs with these responsibilities.

How can I get information about what courses I should register for first?

It helps to have a program of study outlined before you take any courses. Some courses may have prerequisites or infrequent schedules. Contact the program advisers for an appointment (by phone or in person) to discuss your career goals. Forward a copy of your transcript to the program advisers; if you are a graduate of the UNL, UNO, UNMC or UNK, send only your student ID number. The advisers can outline both a program of study and a sequence of courses for you. Tell us if you want to attend classes part-time or full-time and we can show you what your academic life will look like for the next couple of years. Most full-time degree students (9 cr. per term, 6 cr. during summer) complete the program/degree in two years. Part-time degree students (3-6 cr. per term, 6 cr. during summer) complete the program in 3-4 years. Students pursuing only the graduate certificate or EI/ECSE can complete the program in one year. Students must be admitted and have an advising sheet on file before they can register for SPED 860, 861, 862, 863, 882, 896Q or 960.

I need a provisional endorsement in ECSE or EI specialist. Can I get one? How many credits will I need?

We understand that certified teachers may be hired into EI/ECSE teaching positions and require a provisional endorsement. This is a three-year special permission awarded by the Nebraska State Department of Education at the request of a school administrator and the prospective teacher. We help process these requests through our campus Teacher Certification Office by reviewing the necessary application materials and the teacher's credentials/transcripts. Review this online document for instructions. Generally, the application for the provisional endorsement in ECSE (Birth-K) or the Early Intervention specialist (Birth-K) requires documentation of a valid teaching certificate, prior completion of 6 credits in special education and an outlined program of study for the desired endorsement. We can review your credentials and advise you as to the needed courses before applying for a provisional endorsement.

Are there any scholarships or assistantships available to help me financially?

Scholarships and graduate assistantships and fellowships are sometimes available (see financial assistance). However, most are restricted for full-time, degree-oriented students. For part-time and non-degree students, you might want to explore opportunities through UNL's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and loan forgiveness programs.