Special Education Class

Mission

The program in Special Education prepares educators with the knowledge and skills to improve the academic, social, and life outcomes for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and their families.

Overview

U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs Grad Education 2020

Individuals interested in Special Education for persons with disabilities birth to age 21 can obtain teaching endorsements in Special Education for grades K-6 or 7-12 in our undergraduate program. At the graduate level, those with a current teaching certificate can pursue add-on endorsements in Deaf and Hard of Hearing (P-12), Visual Impairments (P-12), or Early Childhood Special Education or Early Intervention Specialist (birth to K). The latter graduate-level distance-education offerings have been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report's College Rankings in the "Best Online Programs" category.

Graduate Degree Specializations

Individuals interested in a master's degree in special education can target their interests to specific specializations:

Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Students with Visual Impairments
Early Childhood Special Education
Orientation & Mobility

Individuals can pursue the master's degree in special education without a specialization by pursuing either a Master of Arts or Master of Education.

Endorsements

Individuals seeking an add-on endorsement at the graduate level from the Nebraska Department of Education have the following options:

Special Education Generalist (K-6) or (7-12)
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Visual Impairments
Orientation & Mobility
Early Childhood Special Education –Initial teaching certificate may be earned at the graduate level.
Inclusive Early Childhood Education - See undergraduate degree options.

Graduate Certificates

Individuals interested in non-degree graduate study in special education can pursue a 12-18 credit Graduate Certificate. These Certificates are not teaching certificates or endorsements, but the credits can be used toward such pursuits. Graduate certificates are available in the following areas of study:

–Early Childhood Special Education
–Sensory Disabilities

Accreditation

Special Education programs are accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, and approved by the Nebraska Department of Education.