Special Education (7-12) - Program

Special Education (7-12)

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Schools are experiencing a shortage of special education teachers, especially at the secondary level. By completing this Bachelor of Science degree with an endorsement in special education (7-12), you will participate in a variety of field experiences that will allow you to practice the skills you learn in the classroom and be ready to make a difference in the lives of secondary students with disabilities.

The Nebraska Difference

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Scholarships

CEHS awards more than $200,000 annually in scholarships to incoming students.

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1-to-1 Advising

Your assigned advisor will support you with academic planning throughout your time at Nebraska.

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Career Coaching

Career coaches can help you plan for a meaningful career built upon your degree program.

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Classroom Experience

Participate in a year of practicum experiences in diverse settings prior to student teaching.

Special ed student teachers pose for a photo in an oversized frame at Liceo de Atenas, Costa Rica.

Program Features

Professional Expertise and Research Experience

Professional classes are small, allowing you to receive personal instruction from some of the leading researchers in education and former teachers with years of experience teaching students with and without disabilities. You can also work with leading experts in the field to develop new knowledge in special education.

Global Experiences 

Expand your learning by traveling on a faculty-led study abroad experience to countries such as Finland, Japan, South Korea, England or Costa Rica, or complete your semester of student teaching in another country through Nebraska’s partnership with Global Gateway for Teachers.

Student Organizations

Interact with peers who have similar interests and develop your professional network by joining one of the many active student organizations on campus such as the UNL Aspiring Educators, Student Council for Exceptional Children, Best Buddies, or Future Teachers of Color.

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Notable Courses

Fundamentals of Adolescent Development for Education (EDPS 251)

Explore fundamental concepts and principles of cognitive and social/emotional development from late childhood to early adulthood. Understand biosocial forces affecting behavior and educational development.

Collaborative Practices (SPED 310)

Understand the foundations, strategies and techniques for communicating effectively with educational personnel and parents, including implementing collaborative efforts, problem solving and conflict resolution.

Teaching Multilingual Learners in Content Areas (TEAC 413M)

Identify and design linguistically and culturally responsive instruction for multilingual learners in the content areas at all levels of K-12 education.

Reading and Writing Disabilities and Practicum (SPED 415 and 415A)

Learn to assess and teach early literacy skills in small groups and 1-to-1. Apply classroom learning by tutoring children at the Schmoker Reading Center.

Behavior Management (SPED 454)

Learn to manage student behavior. Functional assessment of and strategies for preventing behavior problems. Techniques for increasing prosocial behavior and non-aversive interventions.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Counselor, Camp Kesem
  • Zoo crew manager, Lincoln Children’s Zoo
  • Student teacher, Lincoln Public Schools
  • Intern, Family Services

Careers

  • Special education teacher, Lincoln Public Schools
  • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBiS) coach, Lincoln Public Schools
  • Instructional strategist, Des Moines Public Schools
  • Special education teacher, Alief Independent School District

Graduate Schools

  • M.S. Special Education, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • ESL Endorsement Program, Doane University
  • Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Special Education (7-12) major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Dijon DeLaPorte
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Director of Recruitment
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