The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and its Graduate College offer Graduate Certificates in many departments and areas of focus. The Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders has two Graduate Certificate programs in Special Education:
–Early Childhood Special Education (12 credits)
–Sensory Disabilities (12 credits)
Graduate Certificate programs are primarily for students seeking a professional credential, rather than an academic degree. These short programs of 12-18 credits can enhance professional marketability. A Graduate Certificate in Special Education from UNL is NOT equivalent to a teaching credential but will reflect a portion of the requirements needed for a specified Nebraska Department of Education teaching endorsement. Students are advised to meet with an adviser to clarify what additional courses and/or field experiences will be needed to acquire the desired teaching endorsement. An additional application is necessary to pursue the teaching endorsement.
Students who begin study for a Graduate Certificate program, can apply at a later date for admission to the Master's Degree program in special education, or for an initial or add-on endorsement program to complete needed endorsement requirements. Applying for the Master's Degree program must be completed prior to the student completing 16 graduate credits, if he/she wants those credits considered for a degree program. Additional application materials for the Master’s Degree program are required. See application to degree program in Special Education for M.A (thesis) or M.Ed. (non-thesis).