Initial Program at the Advanced Level for Certification

Nebraska Certificate Core Test Requirement

In addition to completing the Doane College of Education graduate program, effective September 1, 2015, candidates applying for any initial endorsement(s) to be placed on a Nebraska certificate must provide evidence they have passed the required Praxis II content test for the endorsement.  Students can check the ETS website for the particular test required for each content area endorsement and the qualifying score.

Program Design

The Initial Program at the Advanced Level for Certification prepares candidates to teach in elementary grades (K-6), in secondary grades (7-12 in an area in which Doane endorses individuals) or in special education grades (K-12). Secondary endorsement areas include the sciences, mathematics, social sciences, English, language arts, foreign languages, and art.

Through a series of coursework, practicum, and internship experiences, candidates may complete the program in four or five terms (Summer I, Fall, Spring, Summer II, as well as the additional Fall II for elementary and special education students ONLY).

Thirty-seven credit hours of graduate coursework for secondary certification, 58 credit hours of graduate coursework for elementary and 72 credit hours of graduate coursework for special education are required for Initial Certification. Additional coursework may be required in the content area for 7-12 certification. Students begin the program in the summer term only. Upon completion of the coursework, students may apply for licensure in the state of Nebraska.

Students wishing to continue on to pursue their Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction must complete a minimum of 9 additional hours of coursework: EDU 601 , EDU 603  and EDU 604 . Students who complete any requirements at the undergraduate level or at other institutions may require additional coursework in order to fulfill degree requirements. These students should contact the Graduate Office to add the Master’s degree program upon completion of their initial certification.