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NWU Home   ›   Academics   ›   Academic Departments   ›   Education Department   ›   Majors and Minors

Majors and Minors

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science

The choice of a B.A. or B.S. may be dependent on the student’s area of study or second major. The B.A. for Elementary and Special Education majors requires two years of college-level foreign language. Students majoring in music earn a Bachelor of Music degree.

Nebraska Wesleyan's education programs are approved by the Nebraska Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
2010 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20036-1023
202.466.7496
www.ncate.org

Teacher Certification Requirements

Candidates for teacher certification must earn in residence at least 30 hours of credit, 12 hours of which must be in each endorsement program. All students who expect to be recommended for teacher certification must become candidates in the department’s Teacher Education Program. Once a student has applied for candidacy in the program, the student must schedule coursework with an adviser in the education department and in the student’s teaching subjects or field. After a student fulfills the requirements for a degree for graduation and for the Teacher Education Program, the student may be recommended for a teaching certificate by the certification officer in the Education Department. The Career Center assists prospective teachers in securing teaching contracts but does not guarantee employment.

Majors:

  • Elementary Education
  • Middle Grades Education
  • Special Education
  • Language Arts Education
  • History-Social Science Education
  • Natural Science Education
  • Secondary Education Endorsement
  • Certificate in English Language Learning

Databases:

  • Teacher Placement Database (Campus Only)
  • TEP Database (Campus Only)

Download Forms:

  • Elementary Student Teaching Application (Word)
  • Middle Grades Student Teaching Application (Word)
  • Secondary Student Teaching Application (Word)
  • Special Education Student Teaching Application (Word)
  • Teacher Education Program (TEP) Application (Word)

Majors

Courses  
 Elementary Education major (65 hrs.)
Educ 001 Intro to Education in the U.S. 2 hrs.
Educ 075 Field Experience 1 hr.
Art/Educ 100 Art in Elementary School 3 hrs.
Educ 105 Human Development and Learning I 2 hrs.
Educ 105L Human Development and Learning I Lab 0 hrs.
Educ 106 Human Development and Learning II 2 hrs.
Educ 109 Reading Theory 2 hrs.
Music/Educ 121 Music Methods for Elem. 2 hrs.
Educ 168 Lit for Children/Youth 3 hrs.
Educ 185 Educ in Pluralistic Soc. 3 hrs.
Educ 187 Instructional Tech. 3 hrs.
HHP 178 Curr & Methodology in Elem HPE. 3 hrs.
Math 002 Math for Elem Teachers 3 hrs.
Educ 240 Teaching Methods Elem/Mid Grades 2 hrs.
Educ 242 Teaching Social Science Elem/Mid Grades 3 hrs.
Educ 244 Teaching Natural Science Elem/Mid Grades 3 hrs.
Educ 245 Teaching Literacy Elem/Mid Grades 4 hrs.
Educ 246 Methods Practicum A 1 hr.
Educ 246 Methods Practicum B 1 hr.
Educ 286 Classroom Mgt. and Discipline 1 hr.
SpEd 107 Understanding Human Differences 3 hrs.
SpEd 246 Methods Practicum 1 hr.
SpEd 248 Curriculum Adaptations: Lang Arts Methods 1 hr.
SpEd 270 Curriculum Adaptations: Math and Science Methods 1 hr.
Senior Comprehensive:  
Educ 280 Supervised Teaching Elem School 14 hrs.
Educ 299 Student Teaching Seminar 1 hr.

Elementary education students who desire a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete two years of college-level foreign language.

See the elementary education brochure for other program requirements.

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Courses  
 Middle Grades Education major (100-101 hrs.)
Educ 001 Intro to Education in the U.S. 2 hrs.
Educ 075 Field Experience 1 hr.
Educ 105 Human Development and Learning I 2 hrs.
Educ 105L Human Development and Learning I Lab 0 hrs.
Educ 106 Human Development and Learning II 2 hrs.
Educ 109 Reading Theory 2 hrs.
Educ 168 Lit for Children/Youth 3 hrs.
Educ 185 Educ in Pluralistic Society 3 hrs.
Educ 187 Instructional Tech 3 hrs.
Educ 213 or 215 Educational Assessments 2-3 hrs.
Educ 220 Middle and Jr. High Schools 3 hrs.
Educ 240 Teaching Methods Elem/Middle Grades 2 hrs.
Educ 242 Teaching Social Science Elem/Middle Grades 3 hrs.
Educ 244 Teaching Natural Science Elem/Middle Grades 3 hrs.
Educ 245 Teaching Literacy Elem/Middle Grades 4 hrs.
Educ 246 Methods Practicum A 1 hr.
Educ 246 Methods Practicum B
 1 hr.
Educ 286 Classroom Mgt. and Discipline 1 hr.
SpEd 107 Understanding Human Differences or
SpEd 207 Methods of Teaching Secondary Students with Disabillities
 3 hrs.
Select one of the following:
  • Art 100 Art in the Elementary School
  • Art 200 Art in the Secondary School
  • Music 121 Music Methods and Materials for Elementary Teachers
  • Music 230 Elementry General Music Methods
 3 hrs.
Senior Comprehensive:  
Educ 280 Supervised Teaching Elem School or
Educ 285 Student Teaching		 14 hrs.
Educ 299 Student Teaching Seminar 1 hr.
Content Areas 36 hrs.

Students are required to complete two respective Content Areas of Specialization (CAS) (minimum 18 or more distinct hours in each area) for a minimum total of 36 hours. Dependent upon CAS, various general education courses can also apply to maximize hours. See the education department brochure for detailed program requirements.

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Courses  
 Special Education (Mildly/Moderately Disabled) major (67-74 hrs.)
Educ 001 Intro to Education in the U.S. 2 hrs.
Educ 075 Field Experience 1 hr.
SpEd 076 Field Experience
 1 hr.
Art/Educ 100 Art in Elementary School 3 hrs.
Educ 105 Human Development and Learning I 2 hrs.
Educ 105L Human Development and Learning I Lab 0 hrs.
Educ 106 Human Development and Learning II 2 hrs.
Educ 109 Reading Theory 2 hrs.
Educ 185 Educ in Pluralistic Society 3 hrs.
Educ 240 Teaching Methods Elem/Middle Grades 2 hrs.
Educ 242 Teaching Social Science Elem/Middle Grades 3 hrs.
Educ 244 Teaching Natural Science Elem/Middle Grades 3 hrs.
Educ 245 Teaching Literacy Elem/Middle Grades 4 hrs.
Educ 246 Methods Practicum A 1 hr.
Educ 246 Methods Practicum B 1 hr.
SpEd 107 Understanding Human Differences 3 hrs.
SpEd 118 Learning Strategies I 3 hrs.
SpEd 119 Learning Strategies II 3 hrs.
SpEd 120 Learning Strategies III 3 hrs.
SpEd 187 Instructional & Adaptive Tech 3 hrs.
SpEd 216 Assessment 2 hrs.
SpEd 246 Methods Practicum 1 hr.
SpEd 248 Curr Adaptations—Lang Arts Methods 1 hr.
SpEd 257 Legal Issues 2 hrs.
SpEd 270 Curriculum Adaptations Math and Science Methods 1 hr.
SpEd 271 Creating Supports for Safe Schools 2 hrs.
HHP 265 Planning/Implementing Adapted PE programs 3 hrs.
Comm 040 Interpersonal Communication or
Comm160 Group Communication		 3 hrs.
Senior Comprehensive:  
SpEd 287 Student Teaching 7 hrs.
Educ 299 Student Teaching Seminar 1 hr.

Special Education majors must also select an Elementary Education major.

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Required Courses in English 30 hrs.
 Language Arts Education major (86-95 hrs.)
Eng 100 Intro to Textual Studies 3 hrs.
Eng 101 Masterpieces of Literature 3 hrs.
Eng 107 or 108 American Literature 3 hrs.
Eng 105 or 106 British Literature 3 hrs.
Eng 110 Advanced Composition 3 hrs.
Eng 151 Intro to Linguistics 3 hrs.
Eng 200 Shakespeare 3 hrs.
Creative Writing (choose one of the following):
  • Eng 117 Fiction Writing
  • Eng 119 Poetry Writing
  • Eng 217 Advanced Topics in Fiction Writing
  • Eng 219 Advanced Topics in Poetry Writing
 3 hrs.
Origins of English Language & Rhetoric (choose two of the following):
  • Eng 152
  • Eng 160
  • Eng 253
  • Eng 263
 6 hrs.
Required Courses in Communication 12 hrs.
Comm 001 Fund of Speech 3 hrs.
Comm 040 Interpersonal Communication 3 hrs.
Comm 130 Communication Theory 3 hrs.
Comm 155 Mass Media 3 hrs.
Required Courses in Theatre Arts 17-19 hrs.
Thtre 001 Theatre Appreciation 3 hrs.
Thtre 030 Stagecraft 3 hrs.
Thtre 155 Directing I 3 hrs.
Thtre 255 Directing II 3 hrs.
Thtre 007 Acting or
Thtre 017 Practicum: Acting		 1-3 hrs.
Thtre 080 Approaching Scenography 3 hrs.
Thtre 010 Practicum: Stagecraft 1 hr.
Additional Required Courses in Language Arts 10 hrs.
Educ 239 Methods in Teaching Reading in Middle/Secondary Schools 3 hrs.
Journ 161 News Reporting 3 hrs.
Journ 169 Journalism Laboratory 1 hr.
Journ electives (select from the following):
  • Journ 162
  • Journ 164
  • Journ 169
  • Journ 297
 3 hrs.
Required Methods Courses 9 hrs.
Educ/Eng 169 Learning Resources for Young Adults 3 hrs.
Educ 224 Methods for Teaching Comm & Theatre Arts in Middle/Secondary Schools 3 hrs.
Educ 260 Methods in Teaching English in Middle/Secondary Schools 3 hrs.
Senior Comprehensive:  
Educ 287 Student Teaching 7-14 hrs.
Educ 299 Student Teaching Seminar 1 hr.

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Courses  
 History-Social Science Education major (83-90 hrs.)
Hist 001 U.S. History to 1877 3 hrs.
Hist 002 U.S. Society and Culture since 1877 3 hrs.
Hist 010 Studies in World Civilization 3 hrs.
Hist 100 History: Theory and Method 3 hrs.
Hist 115 Western Civilization through Religion, to 1648 3 hrs.
Hist 116 Western Civilization through Literature: 1500 to present 3 hrs.
Hist 156 American Indian History 3 hrs.
Hist 265 Nebraska History 3 hrs.
History upper level electives (200-level) 9 hrs.
History elective (any level) 3 hrs.
Anthr 050 Intro to Anthropology 3 hrs.
Anthr 151 Cultural Anthropology 3 hrs.
Econ 053 Macroeconomic Principles 3 hrs.
Econ 054 Microeconomic Principles 3 hrs.
Geog 051 Physical Geography 3 hrs.
Geog 052 Cultural Geography 3 hrs.
PolSc 001 U.S. Government and Politics 3 hrs.
PolSc 103 Political Parties and Pressure Groups 3 hrs.
Psych 001 Basic Psychological Science 3 hrs.
Psych 002 Applied Psychological Science 3 hrs.
Soc 003 Intro to Sociology 3 hrs.
Soc 116 Race Relations and Minority Groups 3 hrs.
Educ 264 Methods in Teaching Social Sciences in Middle/Secondary Schools 3 hrs.
Senior Comprehensive:  
Educ 287 Student Teaching 7-14 hrs.
Educ 299 Student Teaching Seminar 1 hr.

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Required Biology Courses 16 hrs.
 Natural Science Education major (82 hrs.)
Bio 050 Gen Biology of Plants 4 hrs.
Bio 060 Gen Biology of Animals 4 hrs.
Bio 160 Cell Biology 4 hrs.
Bio 170 Genetics 4 hrs.
Required Chemistry Courses 16 hrs.
Chem 051/051L Chemical Principles/Lab 4 hrs.
Chem 120/120L Organic Chem I/Lab 4 hrs.
Chem 121/121L Organic Chem II/Lab 4 hrs.
Chem 122/122L Analytical and Inorganic Chem 4 hrs.
Required Physics Courses 16 hrs.
Phys 101 or 111 Prin of Physics I 4 hrs.
Phys 102 or 112 Prin of Physics II 4 hrs.
Phys elective courses: Select 8 hours of Phys 121, 162, or 54/55 8 hrs.
Required Earth Science Courses 12 hrs.
Phys 010 Astronomy 4 hrs.
Phys 020 Intro to Meteorology 4 hrs.
Phys 053 Earth Science 4 hrs.
Science Electives 4 hrs.
Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, for a total of at least 24 hours in one of the science subject areas.  
Required Methods Course 3 hrs.
Educ 228 Methods for Teaching Science in Middle/Secondary Schools 3 hrs.
Senior Comprehensive: 15 hrs.
Educ 287 Student Teaching 14 hrs.
Educ 299 Student Teaching Seminar 1 hr.

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Courses  
 Secondary Education endorsement Grades 7-12 (39-40 hrs.)
Secondary education is not a major; it is used in conjunction with a major to become certified to teach.
Educ 001 Intro to Education in the United States 2 hrs.
Educ 075 Field Experience 1 hr.
Educ 105 Human Development and Learning I
 2 hrs.
Educ 105L Human Development and Learning I Lab 0 hrs.
Educ 106 Human Development and Learning II 2 hrs.
Educ 106L Human Development and Learning II Lab 0 hrs.
Educ 185 Education in a Pluralistic Society 3 hrs.
Educ 187 Instructional Technology 3 hrs.
Educ 213 Educational Assessments: Secondary or
Educ 215 Educational Assessments: Directed Study		 2-3 hrs.
Educ 235 General Secondary Methods or
Educ 237 General Secondary Methods: Directed Study		 2 hrs.
Educ 236 General Secondary Methods Lab 1 hr.
Educ 283 Supervised Teaching in Secondary Schools Music,
Educ 287 Supervised Teaching in the Secondary School, or
Educ 289 Urban Student Teaching Semester		 14 hrs.
Educ 299 Student Teaching Seminar 1 hr.
SpEd 207 Methods of Teaching Secondary Students with Disabilities 3 hrs.
Special Methods course (choose one of the following):
  • Educ 214
  • Educ 224
  • Educ 228
  • Educ 229
  • Educ 232
  • Educ 239
  • Educ 260
  • Educ 264
  • Educ 282
  • Art 200
  • HHP 260
 3 hrs.
See the education department for major endorsement and certification requirements.

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Required Courses in English
Certificate in English Language Learning (18 hrs.)
Educ 150 English Language Learners in the 21st Century Classroom
 3 hrs.
Educ 250 C&A for Teaching ELL 3 hrs.
Educ 251 Methods of Teaching ELL 3 hrs.
Eng 151 Intro to Linguistics or
Eng 253 Studies in Linguistics		 3 hrs.
Comm 050 Interpersonal Communication 3 hrs.
Educ 260 Superivised Teaching ELL 3 hrs.

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Teaching Endorsements

Teaching endorsements are divided into two categories: subjects and fields. Candidates must complete at least one subject endorsement or one field endorsement to become certified.

Subject Endorsement

Candidates who are preparing for a subject endorsement should choose from the following list: basic business, economics, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, English, music (vocal) K-6, music (vocal) 7-12, music (instrumental) K-6, music (instrumental) 7-12, speech, theatre, physical education (K-6), physical education (7- 12), biology, chemistry, history, physics, political science, and psychology. See the education department brochure for details.

Field Endorsement

To be certified, a candidate who is preparing for a field endorsement must choose one of the following fields: elementary education, language arts, middle grades, music (combination), health and physical education, natural science, physical science, comprehensive social science, and special education — mildly/moderately disabled. Additional endorsements are available in coaching and English Language Learning. Coaching and English Language Learning are supplemental endorsements that must be attached to another major. See the education department brocure for details.

Pass/Fail Policy

Education department courses are not offered on a Pass/Fail basis except for a field experience.

Supervised Teaching

A variety of supervised teaching (commonly called student teaching) opportunities are offered for students in education. Candidates may student teach in the Lincoln Public Schools, neighboring communities, in Chicago’s urban schools, or abroad. A minimum of 14 semester hours of supervised teaching is required for graduation.

Supervised Teaching Abroad

Nebraska Wesleyan’s supervised teaching program allows students to complete eight weeks of their student teaching requirement in Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Germany, Spain, England, Ireland, Costa Rica, Scotland, Wales, or India. Students interested in teaching abroad should apply to the department one year in advance. Students should contact the department chair for details.

Supervised Teaching through the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture

Student teaching in an urban environment in Chicago may be available as part of the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture. Along with student teaching, students attend seminars that introduce them to the city. Students should contact the department chair for details.

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Education Department

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Lincoln, NE 68504-2794
800.541.3818
info@nebrwesleyan.edu
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    Nebraska Wesleyan University provides equal educational opportunities to all qualified persons in all areas of university operation, including education and decisions regarding faculty appointment, promotion or tenure, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, creed, color, disability, marital status, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.