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
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.
Degree Options
UNDERGRADUATE | Curriculum Information
Dual Major Elementary Education + Special Education (K-6)
Special Education (K-6)
Special Education (7-12)
MASTERS
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Master of Education (M.ED.)
Master's Handbook
DOCTORAL
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Ph.D. Handbook
NON-DEGREE OPTIONS
Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificate and Endorsement Handbook
MPUP-SPADE Project
Mid-Plains Professional Upgrade Partnership - Interdisciplinary Preparation in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Deaf Education (MPUP-SPADE)
