An online Master of Science in Special Education with a concentration in Behavior Intervention Specialist is designed for teachers, and other professionals, who wish to pursue an advanced degree in special education with an emphasis in behavior interventions.
Certified teachers who consistently work with at-risk youth or who want more specific information about working with children and youth with behavioral challenges will find this program beneficial to their careers.
Students may choose from four program options available. This flexibility makes the program applicable to teachers looking for an additional endorsement, as well as for professionals working in related fields such as social work, counseling, and speech-language pathology who may be interested in the degree without pursuing the teaching endorsement.
Candidates completing the degree program meet the academic requirements for PK-6 or 7-12 endorsement by the Nebraska Department of Education.
Options for the Behavior Intervention Specialist
- A master's degree in Special Education with a teaching endorsement in Behavior Intervention Specialist (36 credit hours).
- A master's degree without a teaching endorsement (36 credit hours).
- Behavior Intervention Specialist endorsement for candidates without a special education endorsement (33 credit hours).
- Candidates who are endorsed in Special Education can complete the 18-hour Behavior Intervention Specialist endorsement.
Prerequisites
All candidates must have completed TED 2300 Human Growth and Learning and SPED 1500 Introduction to Special Education or SPED 8030 Teaching Students with Exceptionalities (or an equivalent to any of these).
Behavior Intervention Specialist (36 credit hours)
| Course Number | Course Name |
| SPED 8016 | Mental Health in Schools: Risk Factors and Interventions |
| SPED 8120 | High Incidence Disabilities |
| SPED 8250 | Literacy Assessment and Interventions for Students with Disabilities |
| SPED 8810 | Research Methods in Special Education |
| SPED 8816 | Behavior Supports and Interventions (PK-6) |
| SPED 8910 | Assessment in Special Education |
| SPED 8980 | Professional Collaboration |
| SPED 8820 | Characteristics E/BD |
| SPED 8656 | Transition Planning (7-12) |
| SPED 8830 | Graduate Practicum in Behavioral Intervention Specialist (PK-6 or 7-12) |
| SPED 8850 | Instructional Strategies for Students with E/BD |
| SPED 8860 | Behavior Modification |
| SPED 8870 | Autism Spectrum Disorders: Behavioral Supports and Interventions |
Behavior Intervention Specialist 18-hour Endorsement*
*Candidates must hold a Special Education Endorsement
| Course Number | Course Name |
|---|---|
| SPED 8016 | Mental Health in Schools: Risk Factors and Interventions |
| SPED 8820 | Characteristics of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders |
| SPED 8840 | Advanced Practicum in Behavioral Intervention Specialist |
| SPED 8850 | Instructional Strategies for Students with E/BD |
| SPED 8860 | Behavior Modification |
| SPED 8870 | Autism Spectrum Disorders: Behavioral Supports and Interventions |
Admission Requirements
- Admission to the University of Nebraska at Omaha Graduate College
- Admission to the graduate program in Special Education, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
- Bachelor's degree with a valid teaching certificate or completion of the deficiencies necessary for teacher certification
- Meet department application requirements
Thesis Option
The thesis option in Special Education requires candidates to register for 6 credit hours of SPED 8990 Thesis. Candidates must present and successfully defend a thesis to members of his or her committee. Remaining requirements are identical to those described above.
Advisors
Dr. Apryl Poch (last names A-M)
Dr. Philip Nordness (last names N-Z)