Required Courses for Your Major

Select the program endorsement to see course requirements.

Subject Area Minor  Early Childhood  Special Education Dual  Reading and Writing

Elementary Education (with open minor)

You must fulfill all elementary education major requirements, all subject area minor requirements and all general education requirements to complete your degree program. Components listed here include only courses required in the major.

Introduction to Education

You will survey the historical development of education and analyze the role of personnel and career opportunities, problem areas and contemporary issues with an emphasis on the cultural diversity of American schools today.

Child Psychology

In this course, you will study physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from conception through adolescence.

Technology in the Classroom

You will learn strategies for integrating instructional technology in curriculum planning and implementation. After receiving instruction in their use, you will plan learning activities that include instructional media, the Internet, web page construction, production and organizational software and multimedia programs in classrooms. In addition to computers, you will use video equipment, digital cameras and scanners in preparing your lessons.

Education Psychology and Measurement

You will study the teaching/learning processes to learn the nature of educational psychology and applications of major learning theories.

Assessment of Learners

You will be introduced to key concepts and issues in classroom assessment and large-scale, standardized educational assessment.

Children’s Literature

You will interact with a variety of children’s literature representative of ethnic and cultural diversity, emphasizing critical appraisal of significant authors and illustrators, quality of writing and appropriateness of topic to age and/or experience level.

Teaching Reading and Language Arts

You will study the theoretical background and identify Nebraska and National Standards in reading and Language Arts, with an emphasis on the organization of programs, effective teaching methods and varied instructional materials for students in elementary and middle school literacy settings.

Teaching Natural and Social Social Sciences — Elementary and Middle

You will learn about methodology and appropriate materials to effectively present social science in elementary and middle school settings, including integrating technology into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Teaching Mathematics — Elementary and Middle

You will learn current trends and strategies in teaching elementary and middle level math, including content, methodology and appropriate materials, including integrating technology into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Integrating Fine Arts Instruction into the Classroom

You will learn practical ways to integrate fine arts: art, music, drama and dance (visual and performing arts) into your classroom curriculum. You will examine basic concepts and instructional techniques of each area with an emphasis of infusion into the academic curriculum.

Human Relations in a Multicultural Society

You will identify characteristics of various ethnic groups that relate to learning, working, and living and develop strategies for assisting people in living jointly in our pluralistic society.

History, Philosophy and Trends in Education

You will compare philosophical foundations of historical and contemporary education and consider current issues using an informed discussion centered approach. You will also assess political and social trends, laws, proper conduct and penalties for teachers and shifts and technological changes related to contemporary and future educational planning.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Reading

You will learn assessment procedures and effective instructional and diagnostic techniques in reading. You will participate in formal and informal testing including achievement, criterion references, observational and portfolio strategies. You will implement your knowledge with a directed reading practicum in a partner school.

Student Teaching — Primary

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom teacher.

Student Teaching — Intermediate/Middle

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom teacher.

Research Seminar

In this course you will evaluate educational research and analyze procedures, logic and strategies implemented by researchers. You will complete a research project demonstrating effective research designs.

Student Teaching Seminar

This course will give you the opportunity to reflect on student teaching experiences, discuss specific topics of interest, share experiences, and receive professional assistance and feedback.

 

Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement

You must fulfill all elementary education major requirements, all early childhood education emphasis requirements and all general education requirements to complete your degree program. Components listed here include only courses required in the major/emphasis/endorsement areas.

Introduction to Education

You will survey the historical development of education and analyze the role of personnel and career opportunities, problem areas and contemporary issues with an emphasis on the cultural diversity of American schools today.

Technology in the Classroom

You will learn strategies for integrating instructional technology in curriculum planning and implementation. After receiving instruction in their use, you will plan learning activities that include instructional media, the Internet, web page construction, production and organizational software and multimedia programs in classrooms. In addition to working with computers, you will become familiar with working with video equipment, digital cameras and scanners in preparing your lessons.

Educational Psychology and Measurement

You will study the teaching/learning processes to understand the nature of educational psychology and applications of major learning theories.

Assessment of Learners

You will be introduced to key concepts and issues in classroom assessment and large-scale, standardized educational assessment.

Children’s Literature

You will interact with a variety of children’s literature representative of ethnic and cultural diversity, emphasizing critical appraisal of significant authors and illustrators, quality of writing and appropriateness of topic to age and/or experience level.

Teaching Reading and Language Arts

You will study the theoretical background and identify Nebraska and National Standards in reading and Language Arts, with an emphasis on the organization of programs, effective teaching methods and varied instructional materials for students in elementary and middle school literacy settings.

Teaching Natural and Social Sciences — Elementary and Middle 

You will learn about methodology and appropriate materials to effectively present social science in elementary and middle school settings, including integrating technology into the instruction of content and pedagogy.

Teaching Mathematics

You will learn current trends and strategies in teaching elementary and middle level math, including content, methodology and appropriate materials, including integrating technology into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Integrating Fine Arts Instruction in the Classroom

You will learn practical ways to integrate fine arts — including art, music, drama and dance — into your classroom curriculum. You will examine basic concepts and instructional techniques of each area with an emphasis of infusion into the academic curriculum.

Human Relations in a Multicultural Society

You will identify characteristics of various ethnic groups that relate to learning, working and living and develop strategies for assisting people in living jointly in our pluralistic society.

History, Philosophy and Trends in Education

You will compare philosophical foundations of historical and contemporary education and consider current issues using an informed discussion-centered approach. You will also assess political and social trends, laws, proper conduct and penalties for teachers and shifts and technological changes related to contemporary and future educational planning.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Reading

You will learn assessment procedures and effective instructional and diagnostic techniques in reading. You will participate in formal and informal testing including achievement, criterion references, observational and portfolio strategies. You will implement your knowledge with a directed reading practicum in a partner school.

Child Psychology

You will study the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of a child from conception through adolescence.

Play, Creativity and Artistic Development in Early Childhood Education

In this course you will select, plan, organize and evaluate art, music and drama experiences for children. You will learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Academic Standards.

Language Arts in Early Childhood Education

In this course you will select, plan, organize and evaluate activities that facilitate language skills development in reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Academic Standards.

Health, Safety and Nutrition in Early Childhood Education

In this course you will learn to plan programs that ensure the health, safety and nutrition of young children. You will learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Academic Standards. You will also learn basic information on managing accidents and injuries, identifying child abuse and planning health, safety and nutrition education. 

Teaching Math, Science and Social Studies in Early Childhood Education

You will select, plan, organize and evaluate activities that facilitate learning of mathematical and scientific concepts and social awareness in young children. You will learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Academic Standards.

Observation and Assessment In Early Childhood Education

You will learn to observe and assess children objectively, analyze their learning habits and provide for meeting the needs of children.

Physical Development and Creative Movement

You will select, plan, organize and evaluate activities that facilitate physical development of young children through physical activity, creative movement and dance. You will learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Academic Standards.

Administering Early Childhood Education Programs

You will learn the duties and responsibilities of administrators of early childhood programs.

Curriculum Planning in Early Childhood Education

You will learn to plan, organize and manage early childhood curriculum. This will include preparation of goal statements, objectives, schedules and units.

History and Trends in Early Childhood Education

In this course, you will evaluate history and philosophical theories and current trends in education and gain experience in applying theories. You will discuss current legislation, advocacy and professional ethics.

Student Teaching — Early Childhood Education

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom teacher in your teaching area.

Student Teaching — Primary or Intermediate/Middle

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom teacher.

Student Teaching Seminar

This course allows you the opportunity to reflect on student teaching experiences, discuss specific topics of interest, share experiences and receive professional assistance and feedback.

Research Seminar

You will evaluate educational research and analyze procedures, logic and strategies implemented by researchers. You will complete a research project demonstrating effective research designs.

 

Elementary Education and Special Education Dual Endorsement

You must fulfill all elementary education major requirements, all special education requirements and all general education requirements to complete your degree program. Components listed here include only courses required in the major/emphasis/endorsement areas.

Introduction to Education

You will survey the historical development of education and analyze the role of personnel and career opportunities, problem areas and contemporary issues with an emphasis on the cultural diversity of American schools today.

Child Psychology

In this course, you will study physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from conception through adolescence.

Technology in the Classroom

You will learn strategies for integrating instructional technology in curriculum planning and implementation. After receiving instruction in their use, you will plan learning activities that include instructional media, the Internet, web page construction, production and organizational software and multimedia programs in classrooms. In addition to computers, you will use video equipment, digital cameras and scanners in preparing your lessons.

Education Psychology and Measurement

You will study the teaching/learning processes to learn the nature of educational psychology and applications of major learning theories.

Assessment of Learners

You will be introduced to key concepts and issues in classroom assessment and large-scale, standardized educational assessment.

Children’s Literature

You will interact with a variety of children’s literature representative of ethnic and cultural diversity, emphasizing critical appraisal of significant authors and illustrators, quality of writing and appropriateness of topic to age and/or experience level.

Teaching Reading and Language Arts

You will study the theoretical background and identify Nebraska and National Standards in reading and Language Arts with an emphasis on the organization of programs, effective teaching methods and varied instructional materials for students in elementary and middle school literacy settings.

Teaching Natural and Social Sciences — Elementary and Middle

You will learn about methodology and appropriate materials to effectively present social science in elementary and middle school settings, including integrating technology into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Teaching Mathematics — Elementary and Middle

You will learn current trends and strategies in teaching elementary and middle level math, including content, methodology, and appropriate materials, including integrating technology into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Integrating Fine Arts Instruction into the Classroom

You will learn practical ways to integrate fine arts: art, music, drama and dance (visual and performing arts) into your classroom curriculum. You will examine basic concepts and instructional techniques of each area with an emphasis of infusion into the academic curriculum.

Human Relations in a Multicultural Society

You will identify characteristics of various ethnic groups that relate to learning, working, and living and develop strategies for assisting people in living jointly in our pluralistic society.

History, Philosophy and Trends in Education

You will compare philosophical foundations of historical and contemporary education and consider current issues using an informed discussion centered approach. You will also assess political and social trends, laws, proper conduct and penalties for teachers and shifts and technological changes related to contemporary and future educational planning.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Reading

You will learn assessment procedures and effective instructional and diagnostic techniques in reading. You will participate in formal and informal testing including achievement, criterion references, observational and portfolio strategies. You will implement your knowledge with a directed reading practicum in a partner school.

Intro to Special Education

You will survey various areas of exceptionality — high ability learners, mental disability, behaviorally impaired, visually impaired, hearing impaired, learning disabled, orthopedically impaired, speech language impairments, autistic, Asperger’s, traumatic brain injury, multiple and severely handicapped, physically disabled and health impaired. You will discuss the history, philosophy and future trends of special education as they are relevant to educational implications.

Learners with Mildly-Moderately Handicapping Conditions

You will examine learning and analyze strategies used in I.E.P.s of mildly and moderately mentally handicapped specific learning disabled, behaviorally impaired, orthopedically impaired, autistic, other health impairments, speech language impaired and traumatic brain injured, with an emphasis in assisting learners in making healthy transitions between special education and regular classrooms. You will also learn about recent legislation and its impact on the regular classroom.

Assessment Techniques for Diverse Learners

You will examine techniques and methods of administering formal and informal assessments and analyze learning tasks in visual, auditory, motor, language and behavioral areas. You will examine and practice tying individualized education programs/individualized education service program (I.E.P/I.E.S.P.) process to assessment and will write appropriate instructional strategies, goals and materials to implement I.E.P./I.E.S.P. objectives or gifted program objectives based on analysis of learning tasks and instructional needs.

Instructional Strategies - Inclusive Practices

In this course, you will examine and practice tying I.E.P./I.F.S.P process to instruction through modification of curricula. You will practice designing curricula for various areas of exceptionality for special needs populations.

Guidance and Classroom Management

You will learn techniques, models and psychological theories related to managing individual and small and large group learning activities including practical methods that enhance self-control and provide healthy classroom environments. You will learn the common behavior problems for pre-K through grade 12 students and exceptional children along with assessment techniques.

Legal and Ethical Issues in Special Education

You will examine processes and use skills necessary to identify and verify special needs, the I.E.P./I.E.S.P process, plan for transitions and organize and maintain student special education records. You will become familiar with state and local resources for improving and strengthening educational programs for special populations with an emphasis on national, state and local laws, policies and procedures affecting special populations.

Critical Issues in Special Education

You will observe and implement effective approaches for remediation through supervised practicum experience in self-contained classrooms, resource rooms or inclusive settings. You will investigate, discuss and present critical issues including current research and appropriate remediation techniques.

Student Teaching — Primary

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom teacher.

Student Teaching — Intermediate/Middle

Supervised teaching experience under the direction of a college faculty member and a classroom teacher.

Student Teaching Seminar

This course will give you the opportunity to reflect on student teaching experiences, discuss specific topics of interest, share experiences and receive professional assistance and feedback.

Research Seminar

In this course, you will evaluate educational research and analyze procedures, logic and strategies implemented by researchers. You will complete a research project demonstrating effective research designs.

Reading and Writing Supplemental Endorsement

Children’s Literature

Students interact with a wide variety of children’s literature that is representative of ethnic and cultural diversity. Critical appraisal in light of significant authors and illustrators, quality of writing and appropriateness of topic to age and/or experience level are emphasized. Techniques and procedures for promoting lifelong reading habits are explored. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Language Arts in Early Childhood Education

Students select, plan, organize, and evaluate activities that facilitate language skills development in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students learn to plan and conduct lessons consistent with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines and K-12 Content Standards. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy. Theories in language acquisition are presented. Course requirements include a 10 hour field experience.

Creative Writing I

A beginning class in fiction writing, ENG212 addresses essential strategies for writing and evaluating fiction. Students read, discuss, and analyze contemporary fiction and original fiction written for the class. The course includes reading in the theory and practice of writing.

Linguistics for Teachers

A study of the structure of the English language. Includes units on lexicography, semantics, and dialects. Prerequisite: ENG 101. Does not fulfill general education requirement.

Literacy Methods

Instruction centers on theoretical background, Nebraska and National Standards in Reading and Language Arts. Content emphasizes organization of programs, effective teaching methodologies, and varied instructional materials for all students in elementary and middle school literacy settings. Techniques for enhancing literacy skills, verbal and written expression are emphasized. A directed field experience of 32 hours is required and provided in local schools. Appropriate technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Critical Issues in Literacy

Students research current theories, strategies and evaluative techniques included in reading literature. Selected experiences direct students to explore individual needs and areas of interest. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Literacy

This course is designed to provide teachers with assessment procedures and effective instructional and diagnostic techniques in reading. Instruction is provided in a self-directed portfolio mode featuring acquisition of theory, teaching strategies, and assessment procedures. Students participate in formal and informal testing including achievement, criterion references, observational, and portfolio strategies. Implementation of the teacher’s knowledge of this curriculum is achieved within a directed reading field experience in a partnership school. A field experience of 40 hours is required and focuses on effective assessment and teaching procedures based on awareness of individual learners. Appropriate use of instructional technology is integrated into instruction of content and pedagogy.