Students may pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree through one of two options for degree completion in Special Education. The two options for degree completion in Special Education are described below.
Students must declare the degree option when they submit their Memorandum of Courses (MOC) for approval. This Graduate College MOC form is completed with the advisor and should be submitted prior to the student completing one-half of his or her degree program. At least 51 percent of the courses listed on the MOC must be completed through UNL. The MOC is then reviewed and approved by the SECD Graduate Faculty Chair and the Office of Graduate Studies.
This MOC reflects the student's commitment to a program of study, but can be modified with approval of the advisor. If the MOC is not submitted in a timely manner, it may result in delays of the student's graduation. It is the student's responsibility to complete and submit the MOC for advisor approval. The advisor will sign and forward the MOC to the Graduate Coordinator for review by the SECD Graduate Faculty Chair no later than the Monday of the 15th Week in any semester.
Look here for more information about the MOC and other forms and milestones toward the master's degree.
Degree Completion Options in Special Education
The degree options for each student will be determined in consultation with the student's advisor, after admission to the degree program.
Option A: M.A. thesis - A student must earn a minimum of 30 graduate credits, which include a research "thesis" equivalent to 6-10 credit hours. At least one-half (15 credit hours) of the required work, including the thesis, must be taken in Special Education courses and an additional 8 credits, besides thesis credits, must be earned in courses open exclusively to graduate students (900- or 800-level without 400- or lower counterparts). Students pursuing a thesis must submit a copy of the Final Examination form, listing their committee members when they submit their MOC, no later than the Monday of the 15th Week in any semester. The student and thesis advisor must inform the Graduate Coordinator of the date for the oral exam defense at least three weeks before the actual date. The Graduate Coordinator will process the form to Graduate Studies for final approval.
Option B: M.Ed. - Students admitted after Jan. 1, 2022, (2022 summer semester or later) must earn a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours in courses representing a major (of at least 15 credits), and at least 6 semester hours must be selected from education-based courses outside of Special Education. Students admitted prior to Dec. 31, 2021, must earn a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours in courses representing a major (of at least 18 credits), and at least 6 semester hours must be selected from education-based courses outside of Special Education. A thesis is not required. Students pursuing Option B must pass an exit examination.
*Full details outlining the option requirements can be found in the UNL Graduate Catalog.
Change in MOC Plan of Studies
Students may alter their plan of study, including degree option, with approval from their academic advisor. Students may request substitutions for courses listed on the MOC due to lack of course availability or minor change in focus to support a student's progress toward graduation. The advisor will contact the Graduate Coordinator and the Office of Graduate Studies and request a "change of program" for the student. Students cannot request the substitution of a completed course without approval from the advisor. A new MOC form does not need to be filed. Students may not request a change in program option after the start of their final semester. Furthermore, students cannot graduate in the same semester of a degree option change, which requires a new MOC to be filed.