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 personalized instruction from leading researchers in education and former teachers with years of experience working with students with and without disabilities. You can also collaborate with experts in the field to develop new knowledge in special education.

Global Experiences 

Expand your perspective through a faculty-led study abroad experience or complete your student teaching experience in another country through the Global Gateway for Teachers program.

Student Organizations

Connect with peers who share your interests and build your professional network by joining one of many active student organizations, including UNL Aspiring Educators, the Student Council for Exceptional Children, Best Buddies and 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 406 and 406A)

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 418)

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
  • M.A. Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, Innovative Learning Technologies Specialization, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • English as a Second Language Education added endorsement, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

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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