University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers the Master of Special Education as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Lincoln , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for special education and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 21, 2027.

About Master of Special Education

Learning to assist individuals with special education needs or those with communication disorders of speech, language, balance, or hearing is central to programs in the department.

Students can take many classes in special education online.

Disciplines

Special Education and Communication Disorders

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Special Education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Entry Requirements

While the application process is mostly the same for everyone, applicants from outside the U.S. have a few additional requirements, described here.

These additional requirements relate to international students' wide range of linguistic and educational backgrounds and their need to follow U.S. immigration regulations.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or you have been educated outside the U.S. you may be asking yourself these questions:

Degrees: Is my degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree?
Transcripts: What academic records will I need to provide?
Financial Resources and Visa Forms: Will I have enough money to support myself and my family? Will I need a form from Nebraska for a visa interview?
English Proficiency: Am I prepared for graduate coursework taught in English?
Deadlines: Am I allowing enough time to meet deadlines and to schedule my visa appointment?
Arriving in the United States: How should I prepare?

These resources will help you answer your questions.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Special Education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Application Fee 50

How to Apply for Master of Special Education at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Review the materials you'll need before starting an application. Complete the application online. You can also apply through the Common App.

Check Your Application Status

Check MyRED to check your application status and verify all documents have been submitted to complete your application.

Pay Enrollment Deposit

Once you're admitted, pay the $250 enrollment deposit to reserve your place at Nebraska.

Enrollment Deposit

All First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students in the Intensive English Program, who have received notification of their admission to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pay the $250 Enrollment Deposit.

What is the Enrollment Deposit?

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln requires a $250 Enrollment Deposit to be paid by the deadlines below to finalize your admission and secure your space in the incoming class.

Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

The Enrollment Deposit is not a new fee. The $250 deposit applies directly toward students' first expenses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, such as orientation programs and more.

Who is Required to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit is required for all new First-Year, Transfer and International students, including students enrolling in the Intensive English Program, who are admitted.

Why Do I Need to Pay the Enrollment Deposit?

The Enrollment Deposit :

Allows the University to more effectively plan for class offerings and student resources in preparation for your arrival.
Provides an incentive for students to actively consider their college choice on an appropriate timeline, which increases their selection in housing, New Student Enrollment dates and classes.
Allows the University to more accurately report new student class data as part of the budgeting process.

Refund

The Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable prior to the deposit deadlines below:

Spring Deposit Deadline: December 1
Fall/Summer Deposit Deadline: May 1

If a student chooses not to attend the University and did not request a refund on or before the deadline, the student forfeit's the full amount of their Enrollment Deposit.

To request a refund, please email the Office of Admissions.

Requesting Reinstatement

Admitted students who do not pay the deposit prior to the deadline forfeit their admission and aid. Students may request reinstatement by sending a letter to the admissions committee at:

University of Nebraska–Lincoln Admissions Committee
1410 Q St
Lincoln, NE 68588-0417

OR email the committee at: [email protected]

Reinstatement of admission cannot be guaranteed.
Reinstatement of federal, state, and university aid is not guaranteed.
Please indicate in the circumstances surrounding your late payment in your reinstatement request.

NOTE: The Enrollment Deposit is not waived under any circumstance. The Enrollment Deposit is Non-Transferable.

Obtain I-20

After you are notified of your admission status, we will email instructions about obtaining your I-20 or visa.

Obtain I-20

If you need an I-20 and F-1 student visa to study at Nebraska, submit the following:

A bank statement showing the support that is greater than or equal to the cost of attendance for the program. In addition, be sure:

It includes the name of the account holder in English.
Is printed on official bank letterhead.
You write your NU ID # on the top of the bank statement.
It is signed and stamped as official by a bank representative.
Statement must be dated and be no older than 1 year old.
Statement must include a currency type.

You may also submit a scholarship letter that indicates support from a government or private scholarship. This letter must include:

Your name.
An outline of expenses the scholarship will cover.

Submit the bank statement and scholarship letter to your MyRED account.

SEVIS Transfer

If you are currently studying at a high school or university in the United States you may transfer your SEVIS record to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Transferring your SEVIS record allows you to maintain your current record and obtain a University of Nebraska–Lincoln I-20 which can be used to obtain a new student visa if traveling overseas prior to your enrollment at Nebraska.

When you have been admitted to Nebraska and are ready to transfer, contact the international advisor at your previous institution and ask to have your SEVIS record released to Nebraska. Our institution code is: OMA214F00217000.

Sign Housing Contract

After you pay your enrollment deposit, you can sign up for on-campus housing through MyRED.

Complete New Student Enrollment

NSE is a required student orientation program.

Submit English Proficiency Scores

If you're conditionally-admitted, you may submit English proficiency scores up until your term's deadline to become fully-admitted.

Prepare for Arrival

There are a few health requirements to complete and prepare for before you arrive on campus.

Pre-Enrollment Health Requirements & Information

All incoming students must submit the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement Form through MyRED.

In addition, all international students must complete the following health requirements at the University Health Center:

Provide proof of two rubeola/measles MMR immunizations or positive rubeola lab result
Undergo a tuberculosis test

For students who have the University of Nebraska's StudentBlue Insurance Plan, the cost of the Pre-Enrollment Health Requirement is covered 100%.

Health Insurance

The University will automatically enroll all international students (F1 and J1) in StudentBlue Health Insurance.
You may waive the insurance plan if you show documentation of a comparable medical insurance plan. Proof consists of a plan in your name and the document must be in English.
Deadline to waive the health insurance is the 14th day of class each semester.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is a rare infection with potentially devastating results. The vaccine is recommended for first year students living in university residences but is not required by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Once you get to Lincoln...

International Orientation is a required event for all new international students when you arrive on campus.