Online Special Education

This emphasis is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and are seeking initial teacher certification in special education. Aligned with Nebraska Department of Education requirements and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Professional Practice Standards, candidates develop foundational knowledge and skills necessary to teach students with disabilities across K–8, 6–12, or K–12 grade levels.

Coursework emphasizes disability identification and eligibility, formal and informal assessment, data-based instructional decision making, curriculum adaptation, behavior support, and the implementation of evidence-based instructional and behavioral interventions. Candidates are prepared to collaborate with families, general educators, and related service providers while promoting inclusive practices and supporting students in the least restrictive environment. 

This emphasis is designed for licensed teachers who hold a valid teaching certificate in any discipline and are seeking an additional endorsement in special education in the state of Nebraska. Aligned with NDE endorsement requirements and CEC standards, candidates build the competencies needed to effectively instruct and assess students with disabilities across K–8, 6–12, or K–12 settings.

The Generalist emphasis focuses on special education law and ethical practice, assessment and progress monitoring, instructional and behavioral intervention strategies, neurodiversity, and inclusive educational practices. Candidates develop skills in collaboration, instructional planning, and data-driven problem solving to support diverse learners across educational environments.

Prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree, valid teacher certification, and six credit hours of prerequisite coursework. 

This emphasis is designed for teachers who hold a valid teaching certificate in special education and are seeking advanced professional preparation or a Nebraska Department of Education supplemental endorsement. Grounded in CEC Advanced-Level Standards, this emphasis prepares experienced special educators to assume specialized and leadership roles through advanced coursework in assessment, intervention, collaboration, and inclusive practice.

Candidates refine their ability to design, implement, and evaluate individualized and system-level supports that improve student outcomes across K–12 settings, with a strong emphasis on ethical practice, equity, and evidence-based decision making.

Advanced Practitioner Specialist Areas

Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS)

This specialization prepares educators to conduct functional behavior assessments, analyze emotional and behavioral disorders, and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based behavior intervention plans. Emphasis is placed on supporting students within the least restrictive environment through proactive, ethical, and data-driven behavioral supports. Completion of this specialization results in a Nebraska Department of Education supplemental endorsement.

Functional Academic Skills and Independent Living Specialist (FASIL)

This specialization focuses on preparing students with significant support needs for post-school outcomes through instruction in functional academics, independent living skills, and transition planning. Aligned with state and national standards, coursework emphasizes neurodiversity, instructional and behavioral interventions for students with intellectual disabilities, and systematic data analysis to support independence and quality of life. Completion of this specialization results in a Nebraska Department of Education supplemental endorsement.

Inclusion and Collaboration Specialist (ICS)

This specialization prepares educators to lead inclusive educational practices through collaboration, co-teaching, and instructional design that supports students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. As the only university in Nebraska offering preparation in this area, the emphasis focuses on intervention planning, instructional strategies, culturally and linguistically responsive practices, and collaboration with families and professionals. Completion of this specialization results in a Nebraska Department of Education supplemental endorsement.