severe disabilities program
ellin siegel, ph.d.
department of special education & communication disorders
university of nebraska-lincoln
program overview
upcoming courses for fall & spring
endorsement / certification
masters degree
courses
roles for educators
resources in this field
initial endorsement program 
Individuals with a B.S./B.A. are eligible to apply for admission to this teaching and Master's level training program. The program includes basic General Education and Professional Foundation courses. It also includes both the general Special Education content courses with the specialized courses in severe disabilities as additions to the foundations in General Education. These courses include methods and practicum experiences. This endorsement matches the requirements for the current endorsement in Special Education, Severe Disabilities. With the proposed program, the student can enter the program as a Masters student and earn an initial endorsement in severe disabilities. 
 
Professional Education Courses
Course
Number
Course Title and Description 
Credit Hours
 
CURR 831/331
 Foundations of Education (or  equivalent)
3
 
EDPS 850/250
Child Psychology or Psy 489/889 Child Behavior 
3
EDPS 854/362
 Cognitive Learning (or equivalent)
3
CURR 330/893
 Multicultural Education / Cultural diversity
3
 
   
Core Special Education Courses
Course
Number
   Course Title and Description
Credit Hours
 
 SPED 800/201
Characteristics of Exceptional Persons 
 3
 
 SPED 802/301
Advanced Assessment Techniques
3
 
 SPED 803/303
Effective Instruction for Learners with Special Needs 
3
 
   
Required Courses
(31 credits - Endorsement Courses)
Course
Number
Course Title and Description
Credit Hours
 
CURR 330/861
 Multicultural Education (or Equivalent Human Relations State Requirement)
3
 
SLPA 886/893D
Augmentative Communication
2/3
 
SPED 960
Family-Centered Services for Children with Disabilities
3
SPED 862
Classroom Programs for Preschool Children with Disabilities
3
SPED 880
 A Lifespan Approach to Mental Retardation
3
SPED 881

Teaching Students with Retardation or Severe  Disabilities
3
SPED 882

Advanced Methods for Students with Retardation or Severe Disabilities
3
SPED 980
Collaborative Assessments for Students with Retardation and Severe Disabilities
2
SPED 981
Functional Alternatives to Challenging Behavior
2
SPED 897P
 Practicum:  Severely/Multiple Handicapped
8
SPED 897Z
Practicum: Multicultural Education
1
     
 Research Content
 Course
Number
Course Title and Description
 Credit
Hours
 SPED 996A
 Research Other Than Thesis
1
OR
SPED 996 B
 Research in Special Education
1
ED 800
 Research Design
2/3
EDPS 859
 Introduction to Statistics
 3
Comprehensive Exams
Candidates must select from Options I, II, or III
to complete Master's Degree Program.

UNL Graduate College: (402) 472-2875, or toll-free (800) 742-8800
UNL Graduate Application
Registration and Information Line: (402) 472-3626

Note: Courses may be offered at the University of Nebraska-Omaha campus if enrollment from the Omaha area is 6 or more.
 
Direct questions about Special Education to:
Graduate Secretary
Direct questions or comments to:
Ellin Siegel Ph.D. 

Department of Special Education 
& Communication Disorders

University of Nebraska-Lincoln