Concordia University – Nebraska – Top Education Degrees

Concordia University – Nebraska actually began as a small religious seminary back in 1894 when it was founded by German Lutherans in Seward, Nebraska. It grew to become a small community college through the years and in 1995, it became one of the ten schools that makes up the innovative Concordia University System. The small campus of 85 acres is located in Seward, Nebraska, which is east of the nearby capital Lincoln. Today, Concordia University – Nebraska is still associated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. This is demonstrated through the unique Christian-based degree programs, such as the Christian Teacher and Lutheran Teacher Diplomas and the Director of Christian Education and Parish Music certificates. Concordia University – Nebraska also offers degrees in church music ecclesiastical arts and Christian education leadership.

Concordia University – Nebraska offers over 50 undergraduate degree programs through their three schools. These include the Colleges Education, Arts and Sciences and Graduate Studies. Undergraduate and graduate programs are both available online. Some of the most popular undergraduate degrees in include marketing, journalism, psychology, sports studies and music education. Concordia University – Nebraska sets itself apart by offering affordable master’s degrees in various subjects. These include online master’s degrees in gerontology, human services, public health and family life. The most popular online graduate degrees are the Masters of Education in literacy, administration, special education, curriculum and instruction and early childhood education.

Concordia University – Nebraska has over 30 student clubs and organizations for students. There is the Campus Red Cross program that hosts on-campus health and safety activities and the Concordia Association of Students in Education (CASE) that promotes student service and learning opportunities. The cheer leading program focuses on football and basketball games, but there are also men’s and women’s golf, soccer, tennis, baseball and cross country teams. Concordia University – Nebraska athletics’ team, known as the Bulldogs, are active members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They also compete in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Religious-based organizations include the Concordia Youth Ministry (CYM), the Community Restoration Committee (CRC) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) programs.

Accreditation Details

Concordia University – Nebraska is accredited by North Central Association’s Higher Learning Commission. The teaching degree programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Application Requirements

Undergraduates will need to submit an online application for admission with copies of their high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Admission to Concordia University – Nebraska is primarily based on school and score transcripts. It takes seven to ten days for the admission’s committee to notify students of their decision. Once accepted, students will receive an official acceptance letter, admission process checklist and a bank deposit request. Students must then complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for state, federal and institutional-funded loans and grants.

Graduate students will need to complete an online application. Concordia University – Nebraska generously covers the fees and labor of requesting official undergraduate transcripts. Graduate students must also submit an admission essay of 500 to 750 words in which they present their motivations for studying, their degree interests and their academic goals. This is an opportunity for graduate students to leverage their personal and professional backgrounds to justify their acceptance into the program. Graduate students must also submit their one-page resume that includes their education, contact information and work experience.

Concordia University – Nebraska Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate students of the Master of Education program will pay $425 per credit hour for the hybrid on-campus program and $697 per credit hour for the 100 percent online program. Although there are no institutional scholarships available, Concordia encourages students to apply for outside scholarships to help cover tuition costs. External financing sources include military payments and employer-based tuition reimbursements. Students of the online master of education program can apply for a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant. This program awards up to $4,000 per year to students who contractually agree to become full-time teachers for four years in public or private elementary schools, secondary schools or educational organizations that specifically serve students from low-income families. The teachers must agree to specialize in a high-need field, such as various STEM disciplines. There are also Federal Pell Grants available that are determined through FAFSA applications and the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Online Degree(s) Available

Master of Education in Special Education

Concordia University – Nebraska’s Master of Education in Special Education is a 36-credit program that includes 12 core classes that last eight weeks each. Degree participants are allowed to take additional coursework in order to meet the state requirements for a K-6, 7-12 or K-12 subject endorsements. This program trains teachers to create inclusive educational experiences. The program is accredited through the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), so students can be assured that the program will offer teachers a broad knowledge base and practical skills to successfully manage inclusive classrooms. The program trains participants how to create inclusive educational activities and settings that will help students with special needs thrive and succeed. In order to gain these skills, the program requires an intense study of inclusive behavior management, instructional methods and assessment tools and techniques.

Students take classes in special education program goals, so they know how to create safe and individually responsive learning environments for students with various disabilities. Some of the most common goals include self-confidence, positive social interactions and emotional well-being. Students take classes in human development to learn how disabilities impede and interact with learning and development. They learn how to create specialized curricula in order to meet individual learning needs. Students are taught how to use multiple assessment tools and data sources to make key educational decisions. There are classes that show students how to choose, adapt and use evidence-based instructional strategies to help students with disabilities academically grow. The program helps students gain the tools and knowledge needed to create differentiated instructional strategies for their students. The faculty is made up of experienced special education teachers who know how to incorporate proven methods directly in classroom instruction and management.

Concordia University – Nebraska offers affordable online master’s degrees for educators who want to teach literacy, design curriculum and become school administrators.