Have a bachelor's degree and now you want to teach? Earn a teaching certificate in as little as 12 months.
The UNO Teacher Education Department offers two Master of Science in Education programs for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and now want to obtain teaching credentials. These accelerated programs of study combine coursework and field experiences to prepare candidates for initial teacher licensure to teach in K-6 or 7-12 schools in Nebraska.
Which program is right for me?
The UNO Teacher Education Department offers one pathway to become certified to teach elementary education and two pathways to become certified to teach secondary education in Nebraska.
I want to be an elementary school teacher:
The Elementary Accelerated Certification for Teachers (E-ACT) program at UNO is an elementary teacher certification pathway for individuals with a baccalaureate degree or higher who wish to earn an initial Teaching Certificate issued by the Nebraska Department of Education. Students who successfully complete the qualifications of the E-ACT program will be eligible for Initial Certification in Nebraska.
I want to be a middle or high school teacher:
The Teacher Academy Project (TAP) at UNO is a secondary education certification program designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree and aspire to become a teacher. This program aims to increase the number of teacher candidates with certification in high demand areas, such as math, science, and world language.
Graduate level work completed through this program may be applied toward completion of a master's degree in Secondary Education.
Pathway 1: TAP Residency
The TAP Residency pathway allows participants to be hired by a district to teach full-time in the classroom while working on their certification courses in the evenings and on weekend.
Pathway 2: TAP Para
The TAP Para pathway includes a 20 hrs./week work requirement as a Paraprofessional in a participating school district. This accelerated program is offered once a year and allows for completion of the certification requirements in as little as one calendar year.
International Students interested in our Accelerated Programs:
International student who do not intend to teach in the United States may be eligible for admission. Please note, applicants to the Accelerated Certification for Teachers concentration must already be eligible to work in the US before applying. Sponsorship will not be provided. Please contact the graduate program chair at unoacceleratedcert@unomaha.edu if you have questions or a unique set of circumstances you feel may qualify you for this program.
District Partners
UNO's teacher accelerated programs combine coursework and field experiences to prepare candidates for initial teacher licensure to teach in K-6 or 7-12 schools in Nebraska.
Candidates complete coursework at UNO while being employed in a participating Metropolitan Omaha Educational Consortium (MOEC) district.