The certificate will provide additional education for professionals interested in students with sensory disabilities.
Description
Through focused coursework about unique programs and services, collaboration with families, and specialized instructional methods, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively work with and support students who have unique sensory learning needs.
The Graduate Certificate in Sensory Disabilities alone does not qualify the holder to apply for a Nebraska teaching endorsement in Deaf Education or Visual Impairment. Students interested in pursuing an endorsement in either Deaf Education or Visual Impairment will be able to take additional coursework and should contact Dr. Thomas (Deaf Education) or Dr. Savaiano (Visual Impairments) for more information.
Program-Related Information
Graduate Chair
Angela Dietsch
402-472-3956
angela.dietsch@unl.edu
Program Director
Mackenzie Savaiano
402-472-3956
msavaiano2@unl.edu
Co-Director
Anne Thomas
402-472-2149
athomas16@unl.edu
Support Staff
Jill England
402-472-2141
jill.england@unl.edu
Program Website
https://cehs.unl.edu/secd/home/
Applying for Admission
Standard requirements for all graduate programs
- Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.
If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.
After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.
- If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.
- If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
- Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.
Additional requirements specific to this program
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement: This statement should include your rationale for pursuing this Graduate Certificate, your interest and specific experiences with individuals with sensory disabilities, and reasons why you are interested in working with this population. There are no specific length requirements for the personal statement.
- Faculty: Identify the faculty member(s) with whom you have discussed or will discuss this program.
Certificate programs are not considered degree programs, so international students should be aware that admission to this program is ineligible for immigration forms for an F-1 student visa.
Requirements
Complete 12 credit hours as described here:
Course List
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|
| SPED 846 | Visual Impairments: Characteristics | 3 |
| SPED 872 | Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Characteristics | 3 |
| SPED 866 | Family and School Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| or SPED 860 | Issues in Early Childhood Special Education |
| or SPED 861 | Infants with Disabilities and Home Visiting |
| or SPED 863 | Medically Fragile infants |
| SPED 852 | Visual Impairments: Methods | 3 |
| or SPED 873 | Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Content Methods |