Help students become stronger, more confident readers. The 100% online Dyslexia Specialist Certificate gives teachers and educational professionals advanced training in dyslexia, the Science of Reading, assessment, and structured literacy instruction
Designed for professionals with a bachelor's degree, the 15-credit-hour graduate certificate connects research-based knowledge with practical skills to better support students with reading difficulties.
Program at a Glance
- 100% online
- Five courses totaling 15 graduate credit hours
- Three-semester completion schedule
- Eight-week courses
- Fall and spring start options
- Optional preparation for national certification with one addtional course
💲 Full Tuition Scholarships Available 💲
Full tuition scholarships are available for students in the Dyslexia Specialist Certificate program. Contact Dr. Amanda Kern at akern@unomaha.edu for information about scholarship availability and eligibility.
Ready to Apply?
- Fall application deadline: April 1
- Spring application deadline: October 1
Apply for the Dyslexia Specialist Certificate
Application note: When you reach Program Selection in the UNO Graduate Application, search for Dyslexia and select Dyslexia Specialist (Certificate). Do not select a Dyslexia concentration within the M.S. in Literacy or M.S. in Special Education unless you intend to apply to one of those master's degree programs. Full application steps can be found here.
Why Dyslexia Expertise Matters
Students with dyslexia can experience significant challenges with reading and other language skills, yet educators may not receive the specialized preparation needed to effectively address those challenges. UNO's Dyslexia Specialist Certificate helps close that gap by connecting current research with practical tools educators can use to better understand student needs and provide effective literacy support.
What You'll Learn
Through the Dyslexia Specialist Certificate, you'll develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in:
- The Science of Reading — Build a research-based understanding of reading development and dyslexia.
- Language and Literacy Development — Examine the language processes that support reading, writing, and literacy development.
- Effective Assessment Practices — Use assessment information to understand student needs and make informed instructional decisions.
- Structured Literacy Instruction — Develop explicit, systematic approaches to literacy instruction grounded in evidence-based practice.
- Applied Practice — Put your learning into action through supervised practicum experience.
Courses
The Dyslexia Specialist Certificate includes five graduate courses for a total of 15 credit hours:
- SPED 8260 — Dyslexia: Foundations & Science of Reading
- SPED 8360 — Dyslexia: Language Essentials
- SPED 8660 — Dyslexia: Assessment for Instructional Planning
- SPED 8690 — Dyslexia: Structured Literacy Instruction
- SPED 8760 — Dyslexia: Practicum
Optional Additional Coursework
SPED 8790 — Dyslexia: Advanced Practicum
SPED 8790 is optional and may be completed as part of additional preparation toward national certification.
How to Apply
UNO offers several graduate options related to dyslexia, so it is important to select the correct program when applying for this certificate.
- Open the UNO Graduate Application and select Online Application.
- Log in if you have completed a UNO graduate application within the past five years, or create an account if you are new to UNO graduate admissions.
- When you reach Program Selection, enter Dyslexia in the search box.
- Select Dyslexia Specialist (Certificate).
- Select your desired entry term and click Select, then complete and submit the remainder of the application.
Important for previous NU or Nebraska state college students: Do not skip the Social Security Number (SSN) field in the Personal Information section. Omitting this information may result in a duplicate NUID and delays in processing your application.
Applying for the stand-alone certificate? Choose Dyslexia Specialist (Certificate), not the M.S. in Literacy or M.S. in Special Education Dyslexia options.
Application Deadlines
- Fall start: April 1
- Spring start: October 1
Certificate or Master's Degree Concentration?
UNO offers more than one graduate pathway for students interested in dyslexia.
The Dyslexia Specialist Certificate is a stand-alone graduate certificate requiring 15 credit hours. It is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and want focused graduate-level expertise in dyslexia.
Graduate students may also incorporate dyslexia-focused coursework into a Master of Science in Special Education or Master of Science in Literacy with a Dyslexia Concentration.
Not sure which option fits your goals? Contact us before submitting your application and we'll help you identify the appropriate program.
Program Contact
Questions about the certificate, scholarships, coursework, or which dyslexia graduate option is right for you?
Dyslexia Specialist Certificate Director
Dr. Amanda Kern
akern@unomaha.edu
Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders
unosecd@unomaha.edu