Online graduate programs

Whether you’re earning your first teaching certificate, adding an endorsement, or renewing your existing credentials, Wayne State College offers flexible options to help you meet Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) requirements.

Initial teacher certification

If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-teaching field and want to become a certified teacher, you can complete coursework toward an endorsement for initial certification. WSC offers multiple endorsement pathways aligned with NDE standards. An advisor will help you determine the exact courses you need based on your background and intended teaching area.

Learn more about initial certification options

Certificate renewal

If you are seeking recertification or certificate renewal, you may take:

• 6 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in education or your content area, or
• Teaching Channel courses, which offer online, self-paced professional development options accepted by NDE.

All renewal coursework must be approved by the WSC Certification Officer before enrollment. The required Institutional Verification Form, needed by the Nebraska Department of Education for renewal, is processed through the WSC Education Services Office.

Learn more about certificate renewal

Getting started

Not sure which pathway you need? Our Education Services team can help. Contact Brook Jech, Director of Education Services at [email protected] or 402-375-7373 for more information.

Wayne State College offers options to complete a second bachelor’s degree, earn an additional major, or add a teaching endorsement to expand your qualifications.

Additional endorsement

If you already hold a valid teaching certificate, you may complete the coursework required for an additional endorsement.

Requirements:

• Complete all required courses for the endorsement.
• Complete at least 15 semester hours at WSC, approved by the appropriate dean.
• Supplemental endorsements only require completion of the coursework (no minimum credit hours).

If you graduated from WSC within the last two years, some endorsements may be earned through clinical practice only, provided all other course requirements are satisfied.

Endorsements are recorded on your official transcript; no new diploma is issued.

Second bachelor’s degree

A second bachelor’s degree is available to students who want to complete a different major than their first degree.

If your first degree is from another institution:

• Complete at least 30 credit hours at WSC (15 in the major + 15 upper-level).
• Meet all current major/endorsement requirements.

If your first degree is from WSC:

• Choose a different major.
• Complete an additional 30 credit hours at WSC (15 in the major + 15 upper-level).
• Meet all current major/endorsement requirements.

A second degree results in a new diploma and transcript notation.

Second major (without earning a new degree)

If you want an additional major under your existing degree:

• Complete 15 semester hours at WSC, approved by the dean.
• Complete all required courses for the major.

A second major is not a new degree; it is noted on your transcript.

Apply for admission Explore bachelor's degrees

Graduate certificates

Wayne State College has several options for graduate certificates, or Certificates of Advanced Studies, all offered online. Ranging from only 9 to 15 credit hours, these certificates provide you with an extra boost of skill to add to your resume. Available certificates are in the fields of business, counseling, and strength and conditioning. These certificates can be added to a degree program or achieved on their own.

Graduate certificate options

Non-degree coursework

If you want to take graduate-level courses without enrolling in a degree program, you can register as a Special Post-Graduate student. This option is ideal for professionals seeking skill development, or students exploring graduate study before committing to a full program.

Who can enroll?

Anyone holding an accredited bachelor’s or professional degree may register for individual graduate courses without applying to a graduate program.

• An official transcript is optional but recommended.
• You must meet course prerequisites as determined by the instructor or department.

If you pursue a graduate program later:

Courses taken as a Special Post-Graduate student may be applied toward a graduate degree with advisor and school approval. You will need to:

• Apply formally to a graduate program.
• Submit official undergraduate transcripts sent directly from your degree-granting institution.

This pathway gives you the flexibility to start learning now - and keep your future options open.

Apply for admission  View the course catalog