In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid for your Special Education endorsement.
Special Education Generalist (7-12)
Special Education Endorsement for Grade 7-12
Not all students learn in the same way. That’s why special education teachers are vital to schools. You’ll get to help kids who need a little extra attention and guidance. Adding a Special Education subject endorsement to your education degree will qualify you to teach students with exceptionalities in junior high and high school. With a long-standing, excellent reputation for our education program, Wayne State is the perfect place to begin your career in special education.
Note: The special education generalist (7-12) subject endorsement is not a standalone program. You must also select a second subject endorsement or field endorsement to receive your B.A. or B.S.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A., B.S.
Hours required: 27
At least 120 hours are required for graduation from Wayne State College.
Popular pairings: Special Education Generalist (K-6), Middle Level Education (5-9), English as a Second Language (PK-12)
School: Education and Behavioral Sciences
Department: Educational Foundations and Leadership
Accreditation: Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP), Nebraska Department of Education
Licensing and Certification: Wayne State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Authorization may be required from them prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Learn more.
Nationally Ranked Programs
Wayne State is nationally ranked and recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.
No. 1 in Nebraska
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
College Affordability Guide
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
No. 1 in Nebraska
College Affordability Guide
College Affordability Guide ranks Wayne State in the No.1 spot for 2022 as the Most Affordable College in Nebraska. College Affordability Guide focuses not only on the financial cost of colleges, but on the opportunity cost: what happens to students once they're enrolled. Do they graduate? Can they pay back their loans? Their analysis is designed to find schools that are affordable not only for the average student, but for lower-income students as well.
Ranking is based on the following factors:
- Institutional Fit – At least 500 students enrolled and the ability to earn non-standard credits, including at least 20% of students receiving Pell Grants.
- Getting In – Overall affordability and equitable use of financial aid, making the average net price of $15,000/year or less
- Getting Out – High graduation rate with more than 50% of students either debt-free or paying down student debt within three years of graduation
- Top Colleges - The combination of these "Institutional Fit," "Getting In," and "Getting Out" filters leaves a small group of schools that are serious about making sure that students of all backgrounds get their money's worth.
Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
No. 23 in the U.S.; Top 10%
Most Focused Special Education Degree Program, 2019
College Factual
Most Focused Special Education Degree Program, 2019
No. 23 in the U.S.; Top 10%
College Factual
In a recent ranking of the best special education degrees by College Factual, Wayne State College earned #23 of all colleges in the U.S., placing us in the top 10% nationwide for 2019. Three metrics measure how College Factual determines which colleges are the "Most Focused."
- Percentage of students studying a particular major - the higher the better. This is a signal from students at the college that they recognize the strength of the program, and also stands to reason that more resources are dedicated to departments with more students.
- Market share - We take it as a positive signal if a college is attracting a lot of students to a particular major. This usually means that a college has more income from tuition to further invest in the program.
- Post graduate resources - If a college has significant graduate and doctoral level programs, that indicates they are even more focused on a particular major. This can mean more resources available to all students.
College Factual, located in Troy, New York, is a leading source of college data analytics and insights, with a strong focus on student outcomes. Its mission is to help all types of students discover their best-fit college and major so they can enjoy their college experience and graduate with less debt. College Factual provides coverage for over 2,500 colleges and universities, 350 college majors, for students in over 160 countries.
Scholarships and Aid
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world.
Skills Learned
- Inclusive learning strategies
- Educational provisions for exceptional learners
- Understanding special education laws
- Engaging all learners in various classroom settings
- Monitoring and assessment
- Social, emotional, and behavior development 7-12
- Consulting and collaborating
- Human development and cognition
- Teaching and instruction methods
- Classroom management
- Lesson plan development
Possible Careers
- Middle school teacher
- High school teacher
- Special education teacher
- Learning coach
- After-school program manager
- Youth worker
- In-home tutor
- Behavioral specialist
- Guidance counselor
- Educational consultant
Employers
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Community programs
- Government programs
- Non-profit organizations
- Education / learning centers
- Special education centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Disability and behavioral health centers
- Distance learning centers
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Special Education degree program.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, internships, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.
Opportunities
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Develop your classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Clinical Practice
Before graduating with your degree to teach special education, you will complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you will work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help students find employment opportunities.