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Educational Studies, Ed D (Educational Leadership & Higher Education)

Doctor of Education Degree with a Specialization in Educational Leadership and Higher Education

The blended Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Studies with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Higher Education degree program is designed to prepare scholars whose work will influence educational change in local, regional, national and global settings.

Total Credits

Cost Per Credit

Students choose this program to:

• Develop leadership and analytical skills needed to lead higher education, community colleges and other educational institutions.
• Join a diverse, doctoral learning community that engages in intense, graduate study of contemporary issues from multiple perspectives.
• Learn from internationally renowned graduate faculty who craft rigorous opportunities for advanced study, mentor students and engage in funded research.
• Gain knowledge through in-depth learning, practicum and scholarly experiences which prepare students for leadership positions as professors and scholars in the field of higher education.

Who should choose this program?

• Individuals with a master’s degree who aspire to hold an administrative position other than P-12 administration.
• Individuals who intend to pursue or continue a career as a practicing administrator in education or a related field.
• Practitioners working in P-20 educational settings, higher education, community college and other education-related organizations throughout the world.

Note: A minimum of 45 semester hours must be completed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after admission to this program. Six credit hours of coursework must be in-residence, on-campus, as approved by the student’s adviser. These are typically completed as one-week in-residence sessions during the summer. These courses focus on special topics of major interest and allow for extensive interaction with experts in the field.

More about the Educational Studies (Educational Leadership & Higher Education Specialization) program:

The University of Nebraska—Lincoln offers two nationally recognized Doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership and Higher Education, the Ph.D. and the Ed.D. The programs are offered to individuals interested in any level (P-20) of education. The program is described as an online program; however, all students are encouraged or required to travel to campus. Normally, all doctoral students will be on campus to present the dissertation proposal and for the final defense of the dissertation study.

Additional Program Information

For up-to-date application, course and licensure information, visit the campus program page.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln, chartered as a land-grant university on February 15, 1869, creates opportunities for the state of Nebraska. It ranks consistently in the top tier of national research universities.

Students learn from faculty who create new knowledge, develop one-to-one connections with students and foster a sense of community. UNL is a proud member of the Big Ten Conference, the Big Ten Academic Alliance, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).

Career Outlook

Educational administrators oversee student services, academics and curriculum in schools and colleges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Educational Administrators in Postsecondary settings is projected to grow 8% by 2030 in the U.S., about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Career paths include:

• Academic advisers
• Administrative positions
• Admissions counselors
• Athletics staff
• Residence or greek life
• Student affairs

Finance Your Education

The University of Nebraska offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in the region, particularly for our online programs. Explore the array of funding options to finance your education in a way that makes sense for you.

Online tuition rates are calculated by credit hour and college offering the course and, because the University of Nebraska is a public institution supported by Nebraska taxpayers, Nebraska residents may receive a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students.

If you are a college student considering transferring courses, an adult returning to college or a high school student with college credit, Transfer Nebraska is for you.

Verify this program is permitted in your state.

Distance Education State Authorization Dashboard

Similar Programs

Educational Studies, Ph.D. (Educational Leadership & Higher Education)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Educational Administration, EdD (P-12 School Superintendent)

Educational Administration, M Ed (P-12 School Principal)

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EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Programs in Nebraska

Use our practical guide to Nebraska doctorates in education to speed your degree search. Browse through detailed program listings. Discover what kind of online doctorates are available. Explore each school's unique Ed.D. funding opportunities. Learn more about Nebraska's administrative certification process. Or just visit the job section to plan your next career & networking steps!

Earning a Doctor of Education Degree in Nebraska

You won’t have much trouble finding a Nebraska doctoral program in education to suit your career goals. Our school listings contain multi-purpose degrees from both public and private universities. UNL is probably the top dog—it comes with an excellent national ranking , it’s adept in distance learning, and it’s taking part in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) .

But there are plenty of other Nebraska schools that offer online Ed.D. degrees , doctorates with no dissertation requirement , and programs that lead to superintendent endorsement . And almost all of them have tuition breaks and/or Ed.D. awards . Use our links to curricula and costs to decide which course of action is right for you.

Wondering if the doctorate is worth the trouble? Our career section contains hard data on PreK-20 administrative jobs & wages in Nebraska. You can view the salaries of current Nebraska educational leaders and examine local job boards to see where opportunities lie. We’ve also provided an annotated list of helpful educational leadership organizations (e.g. NCSA) and ideas for relevant conferences & training programs .

Online Doctor of Education Programs in Nebraska

Online ed.d. providers in nebraska, clarkson college, college of saint mary.

• Creighton University (CAEP-accredited)

Nebraska Methodist College

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln (CAEP-accredited)

What to Know About Nebraska Online Ed.D. Programs

Nebraska online doctoral programs in education fall into three broad categories: well-regarded public options from UNL, interdisciplinary “all-rounders” from Catholic universities, and dedicated online doctorates in healthcare education & leadership. We profile each one below.

UNL’s tuition is almost always going to be the most affordable option, but pay attention to the financial aid offerings from private universities. Some of them have specific deals for employees of partner organizations and schools.

Note: Our overview of online doctoral programs in education has a complete listing of distance Ed.D. degrees in every state.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Public Nebraska Universities

UNL’s online Ed.D. programs are backed by the College of Education’s solid U.S. News & World Report ranking and a highly active Department of Educational Administration (EDAD) . Plus—as far as we can determine—there are highly affordable tuition rates for in-state students.

• If you want a degree that’s almost 100% online, UNL’s 96-credit Online Ed.D. in Educational Studies – Educational Leadership and Higher Education comes in three concentrations—you can customize those further with electives. PhD students in this subject have to complete residencies, but Ed.D. students do not. However, you will have to present your dissertation proposal and defend it in person.
• If you need an administrative certification program, UNL/UNO/UNK have also developed a joint 96-credit Online/Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-12 School Leadership , which contains an internship and requires one-week campus residencies during the first, second, and third semesters of enrollment. This program is designed to lead to the Superintendent Endorsement.

We also want to flag that the 96-credit number that you’re seeing includes all post-bachelor’s work (e.g. master’s)—that means you’ll only need to complete a minimum of 45-48 semester hours at UNL.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Private Nebraska Universities

The College of Saint Mary—a Catholic university—offers a cohort-based Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership . The degree is 87 credits but you can transfer up to 36 credits from your master’s degree. This is a wide-ranging, 3-year, 100% online program that includes an educational leadership practicum. With the exception of credits involving dissertation research work, courses are 8 weeks in length.

CSM’s program tends to attract folks from all kinds of realms—admission is open to students with a master’s degree in a healthcare discipline, education, business, or leadership. Per credit tuition is a) reasonable for a private school; b) involves no extra fees; and c) includes discounts for Catholic educators .

You may want to match this against Creighton’s 51-credit Online Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership . It’s another cohort-based, three year program with courses that are 8 weeks in length. This online Ed.D. includes two short residencies—an orientation and the dissertation defense. If you don’t mind the commute, you also have the option to complete your dissertation research on campus.

Creighton is a Jesuit university, and the Ed.D. curriculum has been shaped by school values. For example, there are a variety of electives in Jesuit & Ignatian traditions, servant leadership, and the like. Per credit tuition is pricey, so we’d recommend you explore as many funding options as possible.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Nebraska Healthcare Colleges

And then there are the health science options. For instance, Clarkson College has developed a 44-credit Online Doctor of Education in Healthcare Education & Leadership for educators, administrators, researchers, and practitioners pursuing healthcare careers. You can choose to study on a full-time or part-time schedule and you’ll have the chance to complete a leadership service course (e.g. civic service activities).

We especially like the fact that Clarkson has an educational partnership with Nebraska Medicine, which means discounts are available for the Ed.D. Be sure to check out the tuition breaks and loan opportunities in our funding section .

Or you could consider Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health’s 44-credit Online Ed.D. in Education & Leadership in Healthcare . This is a super-short program (i.e. 24 months for full-time; 36 months for part-time) with no dissertation requirement. You’ll complete a capstone project instead. However, it’s not 100% online—there are two mandatory 3-day summer intensives.

NMC has a relatively open admissions policy—a master’s degree in a healthcare-related field is preferred, but not required. Tuition is comparable to Clarkson and MHS employees may be eligible for scholarships & benefits. See our funding section .

No Dissertation Ed.D. Programs in Nebraska

Doctoral research projects & capstones.

Part of the reason Nebraska Methodist College’s Online Ed.D. in Education & Leadership in Healthcare is so short is because you won’t have to spend your third year working on a dissertation. Instead, the capstone project is integrated into the coursework from year one.

If you go down this route, you’ll be expected to develop a clinical project that demonstrates an effective real-world application of Ed.D. theories and concepts. It’s important to note that the capstone process still includes a scholarly literature review, research, and translation and dissemination of your project findings.

Doctoral Education Funding in Nebraska

Internal scholarships, fellowships & awards.

For this section, we’ve highlighted institutional aid (e.g. university Ed.D. scholarships, payment plans, tuition discounts, etc.). The Office of Financial Aid and the Graduate School will be able to assist with federal aid applications and advice on loans. As you might expect, UNL and UNO have solid doctoral funding opportunities. But we’re pleased to report that Nebraska’s private colleges & universities have stepped up to the plate with Ed.D. tuition discounts.

Clarkson has a separate section devoted to Tuition & Financial Aid . Ed.D. in Health Care Education & Leadership students at Clarkson qualify for the:

• Nebraska Medicine Partnership Rate : This substantial tuition break is open to employees, spouses, and dependents of Clarkson partners & affiliates.
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) . This loan is for registered nurses who are studying to become qualified nursing faculty. Recipients are required to teach for at least four consecutive years post-graduation.

There’s also a sub-section Scholarships . Academic Scholarships are only awarded to incoming undergraduates, but you may want to ask the program coordinator if currently enrolled Ed.D. students are eligible to apply for any Endowed Scholarships for graduate students. Clarkson offers Other Funding Options , including Payment Plans .

CSM has a general section on Graduate Financial Aid , though it’s primarily about loans and federal resources. Having said, it looks like full-time educators working in K-12 Catholic schools are eligible for a great tuition break on the Online Doctor of Education—half of the program’s tuition rate.

Creighton University

The Graduate School has advice on Financial Aid and info on Tuition & Scholarships . Check out the list of Graduate Scholarships/Awards and stipulations for Doctoral Fellowships (you’ll need to ask if Ed.D. students can apply). Creighton also offers a monthly MET Payment Plan .

NMC’s section on Financial Aid has a sub-section devoted to Scholarships . You can also ask the Ed.D. program coordinator if you’re eligible for any of the NMC Scholarships . In addition, Methodist Health System (MHS) employees are eligible for MHS Scholarships & Benefits .

University of Nebraska at Omaha

The Graduate School has a comprehensive section on Financing Your Degree , with sub-sections on Scholarships, Fellowships, Awards and Waivers and Graduate Assistantships . There are a number of UNO awards for doctoral students.

Live out-of-state? You can ask the Ed.D. program coordinator if doctoral students qualify for the Metropolitan Advantage Program (MAP) and/or the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) .

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• If you’re interested in the doctorates in educational administration or leadership, see the the Department of Educational Administration (EDAD)’s section on Student Resources , which has links to the graduate handbook and info on financial assistance (primarily assistantships).
• If you’re interested in the Ed.D. – Scholars of Educational Practice, check out the Department of Teaching, Learning & Teacher Education (TLTE)’s section on Graduate Funding & Fellowships . There are some awards for doctoral students, but you’ll need to ask if the Ed.D. qualifies.

In addition, the Office of Graduate Studies has more info on Funding , including general Graduate Fellowships for master’s and doctoral students (be sure to check out the Othmer Fellowship) and Graduate Student Travel Awards . UNL does not participate in the MSEP.

Note: If a university name is missing from the list, we didn’t find specific examples of Ed.D. funding beyond private & federal loans and external aid.

School Administration Certification Requirements in Nebraska

Administrative certificate & endorsements.

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) handles certification for Nebraska public school educators & administrators. The primary certification for school leaders is the Administrative Certificate . There are three major levels of Administrative Certificate:

• Provisional Permit
• Professional

We’ve provided a brief outline of the Standard and Professional requirements below; the NDE has a lot of more info in the section on Educator Certification . The Provisional Administrative Permit can be issued while you are still completing all the requirements for the Standard certificate.

Standard Administrative Certificate

To earn a Standard Administrative Certificate in Nebraska, you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a master’s degree and an education administrative program at a state-approved college or university .
• Have completed a teacher education program at a state-approved college or university.
• Have two years of teaching experience.
• Complete a Human Relations training requirement.
• Complete a Special Education training requirement.
• Receive a passing score on the Praxis CORE Academic Skills (Basic Skills) .
• Receive a passing score on the Praxis Subject Assessments (Content Test) .
• Have completed six recent college credits in education or have worked as a teacher in a state-approved school within the past immediate 5 years.

Professional Administrative Certificate

You can advance to the Professional Administrative Certificate once you:

• Hold—or qualify to hold—a Nebraska Standard Administrative Certificate or a comparable out-of-state equivalent.
• Complete a six-year specialist’s certificate or a doctorate in educational administration from a standard institution of higher education.
• Have completed six graduate semester hours in educational administration within the immediate past 5 years or have 1 year of administrative experience within the immediate past 5 years (half-time or more) in a legally operated school system.

Administrative Certificate Endorsements

The NDE allows you to add specific endorsements to the Administrative Certificate, including:

• Principal (PK-12; PK-8; or 7-12)
• Superintendent (PK-12)
• Curriculum Supervisor (PK-12)
• Special Education Supervisor (Birth through Grade 12)

Specific requirements for all of these Administrative Endorsements are listed in the NDE’s Title 92, Chapter 24: Rule 24 Guidelines . Principals don’t need to earn a doctorate for their endorsement, but you’ll notice that one of the stipulations for a superintendent endorsement and the Professional Administrative Certificate is the completion of an Ed.S. or Ed.D. (or the equivalent).

There are at least two programs in our school listings that lead to the superintendent endorsement (e.g. UNL’s Ed.D. in Educational Administration – P-12 School Leadership and UNO’s Ed.D. in Educational Administration). When in doubt, ask the Ed.D. program coordinator.

Educational Leadership Jobs in Nebraska

Educational leadership career outlook.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks employment & salary data for elementary & secondary school education administrators and postsecondary education administrators . We particularly like the employment maps on these pages, which will allow you to compare Nebraska to neighboring states. You’ll also find administrative job data in the BLS’s section on State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Nebraska .

As you might expect from a state with moderate population numbers, there aren’t a great deal of K-12 administrators in Nebraska; the state is often on par with Kansas. If you want to dig deeper, NDE’s Office of Data, Research, and Evaluation contains a wealth of information. For example, the annual report on Statistics & Facts About Nebraska Schools has school headcounts for teachers & staff. The NDE’s Nebraska Education Profile (i.e. report cards) is another critical resource.

It’s a similar employment story for Nebraska postsecondary education administrators —Nebraska just doesn’t have that many colleges & universities to generate leadership jobs. If you’re prepping for a job interview or interested in career prospects for this field:

• Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) has a list of Nebraska postsecondary institutions . But it also issues Reports , posts useful Fact Sheets , and maintains data-driven Dashboards .
• The University of Nebraska System posts administrative headcounts in its Factbook , along with budget data, enrollment numbers, and more. UNL is always the top employer for educational administrators, with UNMC in a distant second.

Educational Leadership Salaries

According to the BLS, mean wages for Nebraska K-12 administrators are remarkably healthy—the state often beats out Kansas and South Dakota, and the Northeast Nebraska area can be one of the top paying non-metropolitan areas in the nation. The NSEA posts annual Salary Schedules for Nebraska educators.

Wage data for Nebraska postsecondary education administrators are a bit less exciting. Like Kansas, Nebraska is frequently in the third wage bracket for this job category when compared to all states. Having said that, the cost of living in Nebraska is relatively affordable.

• You’ll find exact salary numbers for University of Nebraska System employees (listed by name and rank) in the section on Budget & Salary Information .
• The Nebraska Library Commission posts recommendations for Nebraska State College System Salaries (listed by name and rank) each year.

Educational Leadership Job Boards

Standard job sites (e.g. Indeed, LinkedIn, SchoolSpring, HigherEdJobs, etc.) will contain postings for Nebraska educational leaders & administrators. Plus there are specific local job boards:

• NCSA lists Employment Postings for PreK-12 educational administrators in Nebraska.
• NDE maintains an NDE Teach in Nebraska job board. You can filter jobs by administrative categories.
• NASB conducts Education Leadership Search Services (e.g. superintendent searches) and posts superintendent searches in other states.
• The University of Nebraska System provides advice for Prospective Employees and links to campus employment sites.
• The Nebraska State College System posts links to Employment Opportunities in Chardon State College, Peru State College, and Wayne State College.

Educational Leadership Organizations in Nebraska

Educational leadership associations.

• Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) : NASB is a private, non-profit organization that serves the needs of Nebraska’s public schools and school board members. It often works with NASA and Nebraska superintendents on joint leadership issues.
• Nebraska Association of School Personnel Administrators (NASPA) : NASPA represents 50+ school personnel leaders, district administrators, and HR professionals across Nebraska’s 27 school districts and ESUs.
• Nebraska Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NeASFAA) : NeASFAA members include university, college, and institutional financial aid administrators, and associated organizations involved in providing student financial aid. It’s a state affiliate of NASFAA.
• Nebraska Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NASCD) : NASCD provides programs and services to support new images of teaching, learning, and leadership. It’s a state affiliate of ASCD.
• Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) : NCSA is an umbrella organization that represents six different affiliate associations (see below). It has 1,300+ members.
• Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) : The NSEA is the state’s teachers’ union. It represents 28,000 public school teachers, higher education faculty, and other educational professionals across Nebraska. It’s an affiliate of the NEA.

NCSA Affiliates

• Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) : NAESP is the voice of Nebraska’s elementary and middle level principals. It’s a state affiliate of NAESP (i.e. the National Association).
• Nebraska Association of Retired School Administrators (NARSA) : NARSA is the largest of the NCSA affiliates, with ~730 members. It organizes a number of events for retired educational administrators.
• Nebraska Association of School Administrators (NASA) : NASA promotes the welfare of Nebraska educational administrators, supervisors, and superintendents and provides professional activities to its membership. It’s a state affiliate of AASA.
• Nebraska Association of School Business Officials (NASBO) : NASBO’s members are active in all areas pertaining to school business management. It’s a state affiliate of ASBO International.
• Nebraska Association of Special Education Supervisors (NASES) : NASES serves the needs of Nebraska special education leaders and advocates for the lives of individuals with special needs & disabilities within the educational system and the community.
• Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) : NSASSP represents the concerns and welfare of Nebraska secondary school principals. It’s a state affiliate of NASSP.

Note: State & national educator organizations often have funds and scholarships available for continuing education (e.g. Ed.D.). Check the website and ask about opportunities.

Educational Leadership Events in Nebraska

Educational leadership conferences.

• NASA/NASB Labor Relations Conference : This two-day event in September brings together Nebraska school administrators and board members to learn about negotiations, legal updates, and best practices for labor relations.
• NASBO State Convention : NASBO’s flagship two-day event for Nebraska school business officials tackles matters related to school finance, human relations, and more. It takes place in April.
• NASES Legislative Conference : This two-day event in February provides NASES members with legislative and NDE updates before they meet with senators to advocate for education in Nebraska.
• NCSA Events & Conferences : All of NCSA’s affiliate events are posted here; we’ve listed some of them separately so you can focus on your area of interest.
• NCSA Government Relations Information Teams (GRIT) Conference : The GRIT conference is a long-standing event that addresses topics of pending education-related issues before the Nebraska Legislature. It takes place over one day in March.
• NCSA Legislative Preview Conference : This one-day event in December provides an insight into issues of importance that may be coming up in the latest session of the Nebraska Legislature.
• NCSA State Principals Conference : This two-day event in December brings together Nebraska elementary, middle, and secondary principals for professional development and networking.
• NeASFAA Spring Conference : This annual event for higher education financial aid administrators is held over three days in March.
• State Education Conference : NASB’s three-day conference for Nebraska school leaders is presented each year in the week prior to Thanksgiving. It includes 50+ breakout sessions, keynotes, pre-conference workshops, and more.

Educational Leadership Training

• NASB Workshops : Some of NASB’s professional development programs have direct relevance to Nebraska superintendents, ESU administrators, and district/ESU administrative assistants, including the Budget & Finance Workshops .
• NCSA Training Programs : NCSA promotes and manages 40+ professional growth workshops, seminars, and conferences for Nebraska school administrators, including the Emerging Administrator Program , the New Superintendents’ Program , the Special Education Supervisor Mentorship , the School Law Workshop , and more.
• UNO Midlands Superintendents’ Academy : This cohort-based program lasts for nine months. It provides current and aspiring Nebraska school superintendents with skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage school districts.

School Listings

8 Schools Found

Bryan College of Health Sciences

College of Health Sciences

Lincoln, Nebraska

Online Education Doctorate (EdD) in Nursing Education

Offered Online

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

Department of Educational Leadership

Omaha, Nebraska

Online Doctor of Education in Healthcare Education and Leadership

Online doctor of education in healthcare education and leadership - part time.

Department of Education

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership

Doane university.

College of Education

Crete, Nebraska

Doctorate of Education

Nebraska methodist college of nursing & allied health.

Healthcare Management Department

EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

Doctorate in educational administration.

Department of Educational Administration

Doctor of Education in Educational Administration - P-12 School Leadership

Doctor of education in educational studies - innovative learning technologies, doctor of education in educational studies - teaching, curriculum and learning, online doctor of education in educational studies- educational leadership and higher education - community college leadership, online doctor of education in educational studies- educational leadership and higher education - educational leadership, online doctor of education in educational studies- educational leadership and higher education - higher education administration.

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Graduate and Master's Degrees Programs

Wayne State offers several graduate and master's degree programs. We offer many graduate programs online for your convenience, while some are a combination of online and face-to-face classes. We also offer other post-graduate options, even if you aren't seeking a degree.

Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A. or M.S.)

The interdisciplinary studies master's degree program allows you to create your own path and direct your studies toward a specific career goal. You'll combine courses from two or more programs to earn the master's degree of your choice. By customizing your studies to meet industry needs, you’ll acquire diverse skills that can be applied to a rapidly changing 21st century.

Earn your MBA online from the convenience of your home!

Earn an online master's degree in the areas of human resource management, information technology, sport and recreation, public affairs, or criminal justice.

For teaching and counseling professions, we offer a variety of online and hybrid programs to help you advance your career.

Beyond the master's degree level, this 30-hour program is designed for careers in school administration or as a school superintendent.

View All Post-Graduate Options

Explore our Graduate Programs

Top Ranked Online Master's Programs

Our nationally ranked master's degree programs are continually recognized for incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.

No. 1 in Nebraska; 1 of 33 Colleges in the U.S.

Best Online MBA Programs with Accreditation

OnlineMBAPage.com is in the business of identifying the very best online MBA programs across the country to recommend to future business students. Wayne State College was ranked among "The Very Best Online MBA Programs with Accreditation" and for 2021-22. Wayne State College offers an online MBA that stands head and shoulders above other programs available at business schools in the region and easily earned a place on the list of the Very Best IACBE-Accredited Online MBA Programs. This alone is something that Wayne State College can be proud of. But to offer a top quality MBA that is also priced low enough to make it on to the list of the Best Value MBA Programs is truly exceptional.

Learn more about our online MBA program

No. 11 in the U.S.

Best Online Master's in Education Administration, 2023

Intelligent.com

Intelligent.com ranked Wayne State College as No.11 in the U.S. for the best master's degree in education administration for 2023. Intelligent.com researched over 2,900 colleges and universities, evaluating each program on the basis of academic quality, graduation rate, cost and ROI, and student resources. All of the programs examined were also regionally accredited, with most having National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation, which means they meet the highest quality standards for educator training.

Learn more about our online master's in school administration .

No. 3 in the U.S.

Most Affordable Online Master's Programs, 2023

EDsmart's ranking of most affordable online master's programs is the most comprehensive and well-rounded to date.The ranking includes only fully accredited schools that offer a master's program online. Rankings are based solely on average in-state graduate student tuition as published in the National Center for Education Statistics database.

Learn more about our online master's degrees

No. 5 in the U.S.

Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Great Value Colleges

A master’s degree can mean as much as $400,000 in extra earnings over the course of a career compared to holders of bachelor’s degrees. Being able to earn that degree on a budget and at your own schedule while continuing to meet personal and professional responsibilities is a marvel of the modern era. These rankings were based on tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, and national recognition. View our online master's degrees .

No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 9 in the U.S.

Most Affordable Online College for MBA, 2020

OnlineU.org

For the online master’s degree in business administration , OnlineU researched the tuition of every college offering fully online degrees to determine and rank the most affordable choices, and Wayne State College made the rankings at 9th in the U.S. for 2020. To be considered for these subject rankings, schools needed to be regionally or nationally accredited and offer at least one fully online degree in a given subject for the degree level of the list.

Learn more about our online MBA

No. 22 in the U.S.

Best Online Master's in Special Education

OnlineSchoolsReport.com

OnlineSchoolsReport.com (OCR) ranked Wayne State's online master's in special education at No. 22 in the U.S. To calculate which degree programs are the best, OSR uses six data points. Three of these are school-wide, and three are program-specific.

The school-wide criteria are student satisfaction, admission rates, and the total number of programs the school offers online. In terms of program-specific data points, OSR looks at median debt of program graduates, how many degrees are offered within the program’s department, and the percentage of the school’s enrolled students who graduate from that department.

Best Online Master's in Sport Management, 2022 - Intelligent.com

Intelligent.com ranked Wayne State College as No. 11 in the U.S. for the best online master's degree in sport management for 2022. For their 2022 online degree report, Intelligent.com researched over 2,900 colleges and universities, evaluating each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Schools on the list are also regionally accredited.

Learn more about our online master's in sport management .

Most Affordable Online Master's in Human Resources, 2020

For the online master's degree in human resources management , OnlineU manually researched the tuition of every college offering fully online degrees to determine and rank the most affordable choices. Wayne State College made the rankings at No. 1 in Nebraska and No. 9 overall in the U.S. for 2020.

No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 14 in the U.S.

Most Affordable Online Sports Management Master's, 2020

OnlineU.org unveiled their 2020 rankings for the best online colleges. For the online master’s degree in sport management , Wayne State College made the rankings at No. 1 in Nebraska and No. 14 overall in the U.S.  To be considered for these subject rankings, schools need to be regionally or nationally accredited and need to offer at least one fully online degree in a given subject for the degree level of the list. Tuitions were manually researched and reflect the degree level of the list.

"I decided to pursue my lifelong goal of earning my MBA at 52 years of age. As a working professional, I knew that I didn't have the time for the conventional brick and mortar experience of driving to a campus for class at night. I had the opportunity to attend many other graduate schools, but I chose Wayne State College because they had exactly what I required of an online graduate program. I literally researched 75 - 100 MBA programs, but none offered the right combination of affordability, regional accreditation, and faculty support that was offered at WSC. As a proud alumnus of Wayne State College, I can tell you that the advanced business foundation that I attained with my MBA was my springboard to earning my Doctorate of Business Administration!"  

Dr. Hugh E. Scott Atlanta, Georgia

Admission Criteria

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Accountancy, actuarial science, additive manufacturing, administrative certification, advanced horticulture, agricultural & biological systems engineering, specializations: animal health, welfare, and precision management | ecological engineering | environmental studies | irrigation and agricultural water management | water resources planning and management, agricultural economics, specializations: agricultural meteorology | crop physiology and production | environmental studies | great plains studies | plant breeding and genetics | plant pathology | range and forage science | soil and water sciences | weed science | water resources planning and management, agronomy and horticulture, specializations: applied ecology | agricultural meteorology | crop physiology and production | environmental studies | great plains studies | plant breeding and genetics | plant pathology | range and forage science | soil and water sciences | weed science, animal science, specializations: animal breeding and genetics | animal health, welfare, and precision management | extension and education | meat science and muscle biology | nonruminant nutrition | physiology | ruminant nutrition, anthropology, specializations: environmental studies | ethnic studies | great plains studies | professional archaeology | women's & gender studies, applied science, specializations: beef cattle production | conservation agriculture | environmental education | environmental studies | science for educators | community development, architectural engineering, architecture, specializations: interior design, specializations: ceramics | drawing and painting | graphic design | photography | sculpture | printmaking, art history, specializations: ethnic studies | great plains studies | nineteenth century studies | women's & gender studies, athletic training, audiology and hearing science, bioanalytical chemistry, biochemistry, specializations: molecular mechanisms of disease, biological engineering, biological 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construction engineering and management, digital humanities, early childhood and family policy, early childhood special education, early literacy, earth and atmospheric sciences, specializations: environmental studies | geology | geoscience education | great plains studies | hydrogeology | meteorology/climatology | water resources planning and management, specializations: environmental studies | geology | great plains studies | geoscience education | hydrogeology | meteorology/climatology, educational administration, specializations: community colleges | p-12 system-level educational leadership | higher education, specializations: community colleges | higher education | student affairs administration, educational neuroscience, educational psychology, specializations: counseling psychology | developmental and learning sciences | quantitative, qualitative and psychometric methods | school psychology, specializations: counseling psychology | developmental and learning sciences | 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specializations: french | spanish, specializations: french | german | spanish, museum studies, specializations: bassoon performance | cello performance | choral conducting | clarinet performance | double bass performance | euphonium performance | flute performance | french horn performance | guitar performance | jazz studies composition | jazz studies performance | music composition | oboe performance | orchestral conducting | percussion performance | piano performance | saxophone performance | trombone performance | trumpet performance | tuba performance | viola performance | violin performance | voice performance | wind band conducting, specializations: bassoon performance | cello performance | choral conducting | clarinet performance | double bass performance | euphonium performance | flute performance | french horn performance | guitar performance | jazz studies composition | jazz studies performance | music composition | music education | music history | music theory | oboe performance | orchestral conducting | percussion performance | piano pedagogy and performance | piano performance | saxophone performance | trombone performance | trumpet performance | tuba performance | viola performance | violin performance | voice performance | wind band conducting | woodwind specialties, specializations: music education | piano pedagogy | vocal pedagogy, natural resource sciences, specializations: adaptive management | applied ecology | bio-atmospheric interactions | climate assessment and impacts | geographic information systems | human dimensions | hydrological sciences | remote sensing, specializations: adaptive management | applied ecology | bio-atmospheric interactions | climate assessment and impacts | human dimensions | hydrological sciences, nutrition and health sciences, specializations: biochemical and molecular nutrition | community nutrition & health promotion | dietetics (online) | hospitality management | nutrition and exercise | professional studies in dietetics, nutrition, non-coding rnas and extracellular vesicles, ornamentals, landscape and turf, personal leadership, specializations: human rights and humanitarian affairs, physics and astronomy, plant health, plant pathology, political science, specializations: environmental studies | ethnic studies | human rights and humanitarian affairs | water resources planning and management | women's & gender studies, specializations: environmental studies | ethnic studies | human rights and humanitarian affairs | media | women's & gender studies, post-baccalaureate, specializations: clinical | developmental | ethnic studies | neuroscience and behavior | social and cognitive, public relations and social media, quilt studies, response to intervention: reading, rural economic and community vitality, sales excellence, sensory disabilities, social justice and diversity education, specializations: environmental studies | ethnic studies | women's & gender studies, special education, specializations: early childhood special education | education of the deaf and hard of hearing | visual impairments, specializations: early childhood special education | education of the deaf and hard of hearing | orientation and mobility | visual impairments, speech-language pathology & audiology, strategic innovation and entrepreneurship, strategic marketing, supply chain analytics, supply chain management, teacher certification (adding endorsements), teacher certification (initial), teaching english to speakers of other languages, teaching of writing, teaching, learning and teacher education, specializations: elementary teaching | innovative learning technologies | world language teaching, telecommunications engineering, textiles, merchandising and fashion design, specializations: apparel design (on-campus) | material culture and textile studies (on-campus) | material culture and textile studies (online), specializations: merchandising (on-campus) | textile science (on-campus), theatre arts, urban design, veterinary medicine, visiting students, world language teaching: german, world language teaching: spanish, youth development.

Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs in Nebraska

The state of Nebraska is home to six schools that offer Doctor of Education programs online. Bryan College of Health Sciences, Clarkson College, College of Saint Mary, Creighton University, Nebraska Methodist College, and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln all have EdD degrees students can pursue either entirely online or through predominantly online study with minimal campus visits. A total of eight online programs are available through these institutions, in specializations such as Educational Leadership, Higher Education, P-12 School Leadership, Nursing Education, and Healthcare Education.

All of the schools listed on this page are nonprofit institutions, with regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Creighton University and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). To learn more about online EdD options from schools in Nebraska, continue reading below.

Schools in Nebraska with Online EdD Programs

Bryan College of Health Sciences , based in Lincoln, offers an online EdD with an Emphasis in Nursing Education that is designed for registered nurses and other licensed health professionals who hold a master’s degree in their field of health care from an accredited institution. This program features a curriculum that enables nurses and other clinical professionals to lead education-based solutions in healthcare settings, enact organizational improvements, teach in health care higher education, develop nursing and health care curricula, and craft policies and practices that support patient care and the efficacy of healthcare teams. Students take courses such as Educational Administration, Health Systems Policy, Leadership, The Professoriate, Teaching and Learning Theories, Legal Issues in Healthcare Education, and Writing for Grants and Publication. They also take several dissertation-focused courses such as Dissertation Literature Review and two Doctoral Practice Seminars. In addition, students are required to complete an Education Practicum, where they work with a nursing or health care educator or administrator and engage in education program development and administration. Students’ culminating experience in the program is their dissertation, which is their opportunity to examine a challenge or problem of practice in nursing and/or health care education.

Located in Omaha, Clarkson College has an online Doctor in Healthcare Education and Leadership program, designed for experienced healthcare professionals who want to develop and manage educational processes in both academic and practice settings. This EdD requires a total of 44 semester hours, and can be completed in either eight semesters of full-time study or 14 semesters on a part-time schedule. This program’s curriculum takes a broad-based, interdisciplinary approach, focusing in particular on outcomes assessment, learning theories, curriculum and program development, transformational leadership, and applied research. Students take core courses in areas such as Organizational Systems and Behavior, Healthcare and Education Policy and Law, Interprofessional Education, Leadership, Healthcare Economics and Financial Management, Trends and Issues in Health Care Education, Curriculum and Program Development and Assessment, Strategic Leadership, Learning Theories and Adult Education Methods, and Managing Organizational Conflict. In addition, students take courses in qualitative, quantitative, and applied research in preparation for their dissertation work. This program’s Leadership course requires students to complete a service experience, where they will have the chance to apply their lessons in the field while demonstrating the Clarkson College Values of Learning, Caring, Commitment, Integrity, and Excellence.

At College of Saint Mary in Omaha, students can pursue a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership through entirely online study, without any in-person requirements. The cohort-based program explores a range of topics related to leadership, instruction, learning, curriculum, assessment, and more, helping prepare students to teach or lead at any level of education, as well as in business or corporate settings. A total of 87 credits are required to earn the doctorate, but up to 36 of those credits can be transferred from a related master’s or EdS degree. Most full-time students can complete their EdD in around three years. There is also a part-time track available, for those who want to continue working full-time while pursuing their degree. Coursework in the program covers areas such as Leadership in Educational Organizations; Adult Learning Theory; Advanced Statistics; Quantitative Research Methods; Qualitative Research; Technology Leadership; Ethics in Educational Leadership; and Curriculum, Assessment, and Quality Improvement. Courses are delivered through the Canvas Learning Management System using primarily asynchronous instruction. However, students can also expect to occasionally participate in live virtual meetings, utilizing Cisco WebEx to communicate with classmates and faculty face-to-face.

Also in Omaha, Creighton University offers a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership online through its Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. Founded upon Jesuit ideals, with a strong emphasis on social justice and organizational change, this EdD is designed for all types of current or aspiring leaders, from school administrators to chief executives and marketing managers. The program consists of 60 credit hours and takes approximately three to four years to complete. Along with a number of courses related to doctoral research and dissertation development, students take core courses in areas such as Leadership Styles and Reflective Practice, Leadership and Applied Ethics, Administrative and Policy Leadership Issues, Organizational Theory and Behavior, Social Justice and Leadership, Systems Thinking in Leadership, Interdisciplinary Leadership, and Change Theory and Practice. In addition, students take six research courses that guide them through the process of designing a research question, constructing a research proposal, implementing qualitative and quantitative research methods, and analyzing research data to arrive at actionable conclusions. Students have the chance to customize their course of study according to their interests by choosing from a wide range of electives. Examples of potential elective topics include Human Resources Leadership and Management; Planning Programs for Adult Learners; Women and Leadership; Catholic Social Teaching and Learning; Introduction to Servant Leadership; Sustainability Leadership: An Interdisciplinary Approach; Financial and Legal Leadership Issues; Military Leadership; and Policies, Politics, and School Board. While the majority of coursework can be completed online, students must attend two on-campus residencies (at the beginning and end of the program) to participate in an orientation and defend their final dissertation.

The Department of Healthcare Management at Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha has a Doctor of Education in Education and Leadership in Healthcare that students can pursue online with only two required three-day on-campus sessions. Designed for working professionals, the degree requires just 24 months of full-time study, or three years on a part-time schedule. Students must complete a total of 44 credits, including Doctoral Core courses in Biostatistics, Research, Healthcare Finance, Healthcare Policy, and Population Based Healthcare. The remaining EdD Curriculum covers more specialized topics, with courses in Organizational Change and Accountability; Leadership in Organizations, Curriculum Planning and Evaluation, Information Technology in Healthcare and Education; Legal and Ethical Issues in Organizations; and Teaching, Learning, and Instructional Methods. Instead of a traditional dissertation, students take part in a capstone practice project, where they apply the program’s theories and concepts to a real-world issue facing healthcare education or leadership.

Nebraska Methodist College also offers an online Doctor of Education in Public Health Policy, which prepares students to apply organizational leadership strategies and instructional methods to improving health policy and public health outcomes. Students in this program complete some of the same core courses as their peers in the Doctor of Education in Education and Leadership in Healthcare; however, they also have public health policy-specific courses such as Civic Health and Public Health Ethics. Students of this program do not complete a dissertation, but rather engage in an intensive capstone project that seeks to address a challenge in public health policy and programming using research methodologies taught in the program.

Finally, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) offers an online EdD in Educational Administration (P-20 Education) with specialization options in Community Colleges, Higher Education, and P-12 System Level School Leadership through its College of Education and Health Sciences’ Department of Educational Administration. This program is intended for educators looking to obtain credentials in primary or secondary school administration, and requires a minimum of 45 semester hours and includes three required one-week summer residencies on campus; during their first residency, students engage in a Superintendent Academy experience, and in their second and third residencies, respectively, they complete their doctoral dissertation proposal defense and final dissertation defense on the Lincoln campus. Topics covered in the curriculum for this program include issues of governance for educational institutions, cross-cultural leadership, educational and organizational leadership, system-level school improvement, and business management of schools.

Note: UNL also has an EdD in Educational Studies with Specializations in Innovative Learning Technologies; and Teaching, Curriculum and Learning that is offered in a hybrid format that requires students to live closer to UNL’s campus in Lincoln.

Prospective students who are interested in EdD specializations that are different from the ones described above, such as Special Education, Organizational Leadership, or Education Policy Leadership, may want to consider an online program based out of state. Many colleges and universities around the country offer online EdD programs that accept students who reside in Nebraska. Some of these programs can be completed entirely online, while others require one or more on-campus residencies or in-person events. To learn more about EdD specialization options and browse available programs, check out our Online EdD Program Specializations page.

Online EdD Programs in Nebraska

The following is a comprehensive list of schools in Nebraska that offer Doctor of Education programs online. For further information about any of the EdDs discussed on this page, such as current admission requirements or tuition rates, click the corresponding link below to visit the program’s website.

Bryan College of Health Sciences

Online Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) with Emphasis in Nursing Education (Masters to Doctorate (MSN Required))

Clarkson College

Online Doctor in Healthcare Education & Leadership (Ed.D.) (Masters to Doctorate)

College of Saint Mary

Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership (Masters to Doctorate)

Creighton University

Online Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership (Masters to Doctorate)

Nebraska Methodist College

Online Doctor of Education in Education & Leadership in Healthcare (Masters to Doctorate)

Online Doctor of Education in Public Health Policy (Masters to Doctorate)

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration (P-20 Education) - Specializations in Community Colleges, Higher Education, and P-12 System Level School Leadership (Masters to Doctorate)

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Doctoral Programs

Doctoral program committee and course plan, comprehensive examination, residency requirement, dissertation committee, leave of absence, time limit for completion of degree, final examination, dissertation submission procedures.

A Doctoral Program Committee and Course Plan must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies no later than the end of your second semester in the doctoral program.  This must include any language or research tool requirements (if applicable).

Generally, courses taken before admission to the doctoral program cannot be included in the Doctoral Requirements section of the program of study form. Please note that foundation courses and courses taken outside of the University of Nebraska Graduate College cannot be used to fulfill doctoral requirements. The program committee must include at least two members of graduate faculty from the student's program; this typically consists of the doctoral program chair and advisor. Any subsequent change in the program must be approved by the committee and the dean for Graduate Studies.

The minimum amount of graduate credit for the PhD is 90 semester hours, including a dissertation. Some programs require more hours. Please refer to the degree requirements for your individual degree.

The minimum amount of graduate credit for the EdD is 96 semester hours, including a dissertation. Please refer to the degree requirements for your individual degree.

Admission to Candidacy

When the doctoral student has passed the comprehensive examination and established residency, according to the established policies of the doctoral program, the examination committee will recommend to the Office of Graduate Studies their admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree, noting in that recommendation the date(s) upon which the comprehensive examination was completed. As soon as possible after passing the examination, the examination committee convenes and reports to the Office of Graduate Studies the results of the examination by submitting the Application for Admission to Candidacy  form. This form must be filed with the Office of Graduate Studies at least seven months prior to the final oral examination. If the term of candidacy is extended beyond three years (excluding summer terms), the candidate must pass another comprehensive examination. Following admission to candidacy, the student must register during each academic year semester (fall and spring) until they receive the PhD or EdD degree. Students not in residence may register for a minimum of one semester credit in dissertation. Failure to register during each academic year semester will result in termination of candidacy.

When a student has substantially completed studies in the program, they must pass a written comprehensive examination. The written comprehensive examination is not a repetition of course examinations; rather, it is an investigation of the student’s breadth of understanding in the field of knowledge of which their special subject is a part. The student will also be required to pass an oral comprehensive examination.

The examination committee arranges for written or oral examinations. Should the student fail the comprehensive examination or a part thereof, they may be allowed to re-take it during the following academic term upon specific recommendation by the graduate program committee.

When the applicant’s program of study is substantially completed, comprehensive examinations that cover the appropriate field of study and related subjects will be administered. These examinations will thoroughly test for an understanding of the field of knowledge designated by the student. If an applicant fails the comprehensive examination, another attempt to pass such examination may not be made in the same academic term.

A residency requirement has been established for the purpose of ensuring that the doctoral program be reasonably compact, continuous, and coherent; and that a substantial portion be done at and under the close supervision of the university. The residency requirement is part of the student’s approved program.

In exceptional circumstances, where it is clear that the purpose of residency is being fulfilled but the formal conditions are not met, the student’s examination committee and/or doctoral program chair may, with the approval of the dean for Graduate Studies, designate an alternative procedure for satisfying the residency requirement.

Requirements for the PhD in Biomechanics and Kinesiology, PhD in Biomedical Informatics, PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice, PhD in Gerontology, PhD in Computing & Information Science, and PhD in Psychology

• For a student beginning a doctoral program in the University of Nebraska system with a bachelor’s degree, the residency requirement for the PhD is 27 hours of graduate work within a consecutive 18-month period or less, with the further provision that 15 of these hours must be taken after receiving the master’s degree or equivalent.
• For a student who transfers to the University of Nebraska system with a master’s degree from another institution, or who takes a break in their graduate work between the time the master’s degree is awarded and the time they start work on a doctoral program, the residency requirement for the PhD is 27 hours of graduate work in a consecutive 18-month period or less.
• For a member of the university staff who is engaged at least half-time in instruction or research in their major area, or a person employed in their major field, the residency requirement is 24 hours of graduate work within a consecutive two-year period with the further provision they take at least 12 of these hours after receiving the master’s degree or its equivalent.
• Not more than one-third of the work for residency, or nine credit hours, may be taken during the summer sessions.

Requirements for the PhD in Public Administration and EdD degree

• The residency requirement for doctoral students in Educational Administration and Public Administration is 24 hours in 24 consecutive months. The student’s examination committee and/or doctoral program chair may determine how many of the required residency hours may be taken during the summer sessions.

In order to assure that students are under careful advisement and mentoring, a dissertation committee must be established no later than the end of the semester that a student has completed their comprehensive examination.

The student must submit the Appointment of Dissertation Committee form consisting of at least four University of Nebraska graduate faculty members, one of whom must be from outside the student’s academic department/school in which the doctorate is to be granted. The chair of the dissertation committee must be a member of the graduate faculty. The outside representative must hold graduate faculty status within the NU system. In addition to the minimum requirement of four University of Nebraska graduate faculty members, other eligible persons may be recommended by the graduate program committee for appointment by the dean to the dissertation committee, provided at least two-thirds of the membership of each committee is graduate faculty. The establishment of a dissertation committee is based on the student’s demonstrated ability in the fundamental subject matter of the student's major field and professional promise.

Changes to the Dissertation Committee

Any changes to the dissertation committee after initial approval must be submitted via a new Appointment of Dissertation Committee form to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval by the dean for Graduate Studies.

If the chair of a dissertation committee leaves the employ of the university, or retires, the Office of Graduate Studies must be notified immediately and a change in the committee must be made as follows:

• If the student has already achieved candidacy, the former chair who has left the employ of the university may be permitted to continue as co-chair of the dissertation committee, with the agreement of the departmental/school graduate program committee and the dean for Graduate Studies. A second co-chair must be appointed who is a resident graduate faculty member.
• If the student has not yet achieved candidacy, a new chair of the dissertation committee who is a resident graduate faculty member must be appointed immediately, with the agreement of the departmental/school graduate program committee and the dean for Graduate Studies.
• If a member of the dissertation committee, other than the chair, leaves the employ of the university, or retires, a replacement should normally be appointed who is a resident graduate faculty member. In certain circumstances where a special and needed continuing expertise is involved and the staff member is willing to continue serving, they may continue as a member of the dissertation committee, with the approval of the departmental/school graduate program committee and the dean for Graduate Studies.

Doctoral students who are forced to interrupt their studies may request a leave of absence from the University for up to one year. In consultation with their department/school and their doctoral program chair, students should define the program modifications the leave of absence requires. Requests should indicate a reason for leaving and the expected date of return to the University. If approval is granted, the time limits on the granting of the doctoral degree will be frozen for the time specified (up to one year). Students should file a request with their chair who will forward it to the dean for Graduate Studies. Approval of the dean for Graduate Studies is required prior to taking the leave of absence.

A minimum of three full years of graduate study is normally required to complete a program for the degrees Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education. The time limit on granting the PhD or EdD degree is 10 years from the beginning of the doctoral coursework. Individual programs may have other deadlines for completion. Neither the courses taken nor the time spent in study determines the granting of the degree.

The final examination is oral. It is given by the dissertation committee after the candidate’s studies have been completed and the dissertation has been accepted for examination. The committee also determines its character and length. The examination may be devoted to the special field of the dissertation or to the candidate’s general knowledge, or it may be designed to test judgment and critical powers.

The final oral examination will not be scheduled unless the chair of the dissertation committee and at least two other members of the committee are available for the examination. Exceptions may be made only by permission of the dean for Graduate Studies. In any event, the chair/co-chair and readers of the dissertation must have seen and approved the completed dissertation before the final oral examination will be scheduled. The first and second readers are two dissertation committee members, excluding the committee chair/co-chair.  Upon approval by the chair/co-chair and readers, the Application for Final Examination must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to your examination date.

The final oral examination over the dissertation may be waived only with the unanimous consent of the dissertation committee and only in extremely unusual circumstances. The committee reports the results of the final oral examination or the reason for its waiver to the Office of Graduate Studies by using the Report on Completion of Degree .

In the event that members of an oral examining committee are not unanimous regarding the passing of a candidate, the student is to be approved for the degree only if one examiner dissents. However, in each case, the dissenting member of the committee will be expected to file a letter of explanation to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Exit Requirement

The doctoral dissertation should make a creative contribution to knowledge in your field while also demonstrating mastery of relevant resources and methods. It is expected the dissertation will have a single topic, however broadly defined, and all parts of the dissertation will be interrelated. This, however, does not prevent sections of the dissertation from being discrete units.

The dissertation should also demonstrate your potential to make future, original contributions to knowledge, understanding, or methodologies in your discipline. For example, the originality of a dissertation may involve the discovery of significant new information or principles of organization, the achievement of a new synthesis, the development of new methods or theories, or the application of established methods to new materials or procedures.

Given the diverse nature of the fields in which dissertations are written and the wide variety of topics that are explored, it is impossible to designate an ideal length for the dissertation. A long dissertation is not necessarily better than a shorter one since the value and scale of the dissertation topic ultimately depends on the quality of its thought and the clarity of its exposition. Your dissertation committee will determine the appropriateness of these and other issues.

Grades for a doctoral dissertation are recorded on the permanent record after completion and approval by the department/school and the Office of Graduate Studies. Grades will be either "S" for Satisfactory or "U" for Unsatisfactory.

The dissertation is not considered to be a publication; thus it may be published, in whole or in part, and either quoted or paraphrased by giving appropriate credit to the relevant department/school, the Graduate College, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

NOTE: The doctoral dissertation committee guides your progress toward the completion of the dissertation, but it is your responsibility to follow instructions on the preparation of the document and to observe filing deadlines.

The doctoral dissertation committee guides the student in the conduct and development of the dissertation and approves the final product. Typically, final recommendations from the dissertation committee, or dissertation committee chair, are provided to the student at the time of the final oral examination, although details vary among department/schools and individual faculty. Final approval of the dissertation is contingent upon approval by the dissertation committee and the Office of Graduate Studies.

Procedures:

At least three weeks prior to the last published date for holding oral exams, submit the Application for Final  Examination  form to the Office of Graduate Studies. If the final examination is waived, the dissertation committee must attach a statement of justification to the Application for Final Oral Examination or Waiver of Examination form; all members of the dissertation committee must indicate their approval of the waiver. 

When the final dissertation has been approved by the dissertation committee, the student must submit the following to the Office of Graduate Studies for the final administrative steps in the approval process: Report on Completion of Degree   form signed by the dissertation committee, upload your document to ProQuest , and complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates if you are a PhD student.

NOTE : If the dissertation is to be held pending patent issuance, etc., the student must specify this at the time the PDF file is submitted to ProQuest (UMI).

An electronic version of the dissertation (collectively referred to as ETDs) is required. An ETD is a document expressed in a format simultaneously suitable for machine archives and worldwide retrieval. Preparation of the ETD may be done using most word processor or document preparation systems that incorporate relevant multimedia objects.

As part of the ETD submission, students’ abstracts are published in UMI’s Dissertations Abstracts publications. Upon submission, the student authorizes ProQuest to produce copies of their work on demand for a fee. However, the student may request that UMI not distribute (or embargo) their ETD until further notice (up to two years). Some reasons for this include patent pending, the student’s employer requires a review of the work, or a publishing agreement requires initial publication. 

PLEASE NOTE:  There may be a fee to submit the ETD through ProQuest; the amounts are noted on their website.

After successfully uploading the dissertation, the Office of Graduate Studies will be notified electronically by ProQuest of the submission and asked to provide final approval. Final approval of the dissertation will not be granted if the Report on Completion of Degree form is not on file with the Office of Graduate Studies.

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Education & Leadership in Healthcare Online Doctorate (EdD)

Quick links, accreditation & licensure, costs & financial aid, meet the faculty.

• Written Statement
• Criteria & Requirements
• Additional information
• Arts & Sciences

Our Education & Leadership in Healthcare online doctorate (EdD) allows you to accelerate your career quickly while balancing your personal and professional life. 

The doctorate's focus on Education and Leadership in Healthcare allows you to develop expertise in transforming organizational culture through concepts such as relationship building, reflection, education, organizational awareness and accountability. 

Your educational coursework will help prepare you for your Doctoral Scholarly Project . The scholarly project experience allows you to develop a project that aligns with your career passions , and prepares you to be a leader and innovator in healthcare.

Salaries for healthcare education administrators vary widely in the U.S. and are based on many factors including geography, job description, specialty and experience. According to the   Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median salary for Postsecondary Education Administrators is $99,940 per year, with an average projected job growth of 4% through 2032.

Want to learn more? Watch our most recent Virtual Information Session .

Program Perks

• No dissertation required.   Gain real-world experience through our Doctoral practice project.
• No Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) required .
• Complete the program in 24 months   with full-time participation, or 36 months with part-time study. 
• Institutional focus provides expertise to work as leaders in academic and healthcare settings.
• Rigorous coursework is interdisciplinary.
• A dedicated writing coach to assist doctoral students in the design, structure, language, and flow of their writing needs.
• An on-staff statistician is available to assist students in planning and evaluation of their scholarly doctoral project.
• The Director of Student Counseling who engages our online graduate students with resources to promote health, work-life-school balance, and provides individualized support.
• Flexible, online format allows you to balance work, school and life.
• Students participate in two intensive learning sessions over two days on campus during program.
• Download the Inquiry Packet for more details

Nebraska Methodist College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Admissions Information

In order to be eligible for admission into our EdD program, you must meet all of the following criteria.

• Master's degree required, preferably in a healthcare-related field, from a regionally accredited institution.
• Master's degree GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Admissions essay rubric score.
• Interview rubric score.
• Meet   State Authorization   requirements, if not a Nebraska resident.

Requirements

To be considered for admission, the following items must be submitted to the Admissions Office:

• NMC online application form
• Official college transcripts from graduating institutions and/or official transcripts containing completed doctoral or in-progress coursework
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Admissions essay
• Select qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a phone interview with two NMC faculty members using a standardized interview process and scoring method

Application to the Doctor of Education program at Nebraska Methodist College is a competitive process.   In order to be considered, applicants must have all application materials submitted by the posted application deadline.

Starting Term - Spring 2025

Priority deadline - 9/4/2024.

NMC is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the  Tuition by Program & Degree  page for a comprehensive list of all fees.

Cost Per Credit Hour

Student grants or loans.

Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about what's available and how to apply.

Employee Education Benefits

Employees of Methodist Health System can find details on the MHS Intranet.

External Scholarships

Visit our Scholarships page to learn more.

Nurse Faculty Loan Program

Aimed at increasing the number of qualified nurse faculty,   NFLP loans   cover the cost of tuition, fees and books for part-time or full-time enrollment.

Following completion of the advanced education program,   up to 85% of the loan may be cancelled if the borrower works as a full-time nurse faculty for a prescribed period of time.

Calculate Your Net Price

Nebraska Methodist College Net Price Calculator.

NMC’s doctorate in education online program provides students with access to faculty with years of teaching and clinical experience. Our institutional focus provides the expertise that allows graduates to work as leaders in both academic and healthcare settings. Online students will receive the same support and attention as students who attend courses on campus. 

All students are required to complete specific coursework. Please use this course list as a curriculum guide only. Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change.

Read our   doctoral program transfer policy   to learn more.

Program Specific

Prerequisites: Admission to EdD Program.

Organizational Leadership

Healthcare leadership.

This course provides the theoretical foundation for role development and skills required to identify health needs at a population level and strategies to improve population outcomes. The course focus is on translational research and the application of evidence-based concepts essential to the advancement of population-based health. Analysis of the impact of social, cultural, and ecological systems across various populations will be emphasized throughout the course.

Corequisite: EDD 880

This is the first of a four-course series that provides an opportunity for the doctoral student to participate in the completion of a scholarly project. This course will focus on identifying a practice problem and appropriate intervention within a specific population upon which to focus a doctoral scholarly project.

Prerequisites: SSC 730, SSC 734, IDS 742. Corequisite: EDD 880

This is the second of a four-course series that provides an opportunity for the student to participate in the completion of a scholarly project. The student will incorporate the essentials of scientific writing in the completion of a Doctoral Scholarly Project proposal.

Prerequisite: EDD 880

This is the third of a four-course series that provides an opportunity for the doctoral student to participate in the completion of a scholarly project. The student will refine, implement, analyze data, and evaluate results of the Doctoral Scholarly Project.

Prerequisite: EDD 882

Prerequisite: EDD 886

Prerequisites: Graduate statistics course

Our EdD faculty are highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use. While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal and professional experiences. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.

Additional Information

Example plans of study.

August Start

• August Start — Full Time (2 Yrs)
• August Start — Part Time (3 Yrs)

January Start

• January Start — Full Time (2 Yrs)
• January Start — Part Time (3 Yrs)

Program Outcomes

• Display leadership skills as an effective communicator, collaborator, educator, and change agent.
• Demonstrate professional skills to develop and sustain systematic change in health care, academic, and community settings.
• Navigate emerging information technology in health care, academic, and community settings.
• Serve as an active and effective interdisciplinary team member in health care, academic, and community settings.

Testimonials

"Nebraska Methodist College is one of the nation's best kept secrets. It is the place where you can breathe the rare air of academic excellence with the grace and compassion of the human heart. Since I have been a doctoral student at Nebraska Methodist College, I have endured five unexpected life crises. But the spirit of grace and compassion that I found here as a student has held me tight and kept me warm. This school has been a treasure to find, complete with a world-class faculty and staff that exhibits the consistent thread of grace and compassion with professionalism that I have come to appreciate. I am proud to be a graduate Nebraska Methodist College."

- Derrick T., 2021 NMC Graduate

"I don't even know where to begin - I feel so fortunate to have had so many wonderful staff and faculty members help me along my educational journey. From the incredibly helpful staff members in admissions that were there to assist me with registering for classes, to the incredible people in the IT department that got me connected when I was in Mexico because I had an assignment that had to be submitted or even helped me sign back in after I failed to change my password by the required time, to the wonderful lady at the front desk that answered my frantic call after my husband ended up in the hospital and I was going to be late for the required intensive weekend, to the absolutely incredible faculty member who virtually dried my tears when I wanted to give up (you know who you are Dr. Jeannie), to the extremely understanding and patient faculty member that did not give up on me when I just could not figure out my data analysis (that's you Dr. Kindschuh), and lastly to the incredible Dr. Wade whom I admit scared the daylights out of me when interviewing for the cohort (such that I threw up afterwards) - everyone has been amazing! I would be proud to call everyone at NMC a friend for life!"

- Kimberly S., 2021 NMC Graduate

Program Handbook

• 2024-25 Doctor of Education Handbook

Doctor of Education Written Statement

Please develop a thoughtful and organized response to the questions below. The admissions committee is looking for responses that are not only well supported but that also use appropriate style and grammar.

Each question response should be approximately 250-400 words using APA format and citations where applicable. Also know that instances of plagiarism within an applicant’s personal statement will disqualify them for acceptance to Nebraska Methodist College due to the College’s commitment to academic integrity and stringent plagiarism policies. Be sure to include your name and program on the document itself.

• Describe your role aspirations and what you expect to derive from your doctoral studies at Nebraska Methodist College.
• What impact should graduates of the EdD program have on the delivery and scope of healthcare in your community and in the United States?

Please submit your completed Admissions Essay to  [email protected] .

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Masters in Education Online

Nebraska Masters in Education Programs

If you live in the Cornhusker State and are considering a Master’s degree in Education then our list of Nebraska colleges and universities offering nationally accredited graduate programs in Education should save you time. We hope you find our listings useful when searching for the program and specialty area the best suits your needs and career goals.

Chadron State University School of Education, Human Performance, Counseling, Psychology, and Social Work

The college offers the Master of Arts in Education in the following content areas:

• Mathematics
• Community Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Education degree is offered in several specialty areas. They include Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, and School Counseling.

The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program offers options in Elementary Education and Secondary Education. Students may choose a subject area in which to concentrate. Those concentration areas are as follows

• Business Education (Secondary)
• General Education (Elementary)
• Career and Technical Education (Secondary)
• Language Arts (Elementary)
• Mathematics (Elementary and Secondary)
• Music (Elementary and Secondary)
• Physical Education (Elementary and Secondary)
• Reading (Elementary and Secondary)
• Science (Elementary and Secondary)
• Social Science (Secondary)
• Special Education (Elementary, Secondary, and K-12)

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Miller #218 1000 Main Street Chadron, NE 69337 (308) 432-6330

Concordia University, Nebraska College of Graduate Studies

• Educational Administration
• Curriculum and Instruction (with optional Mild/Moderate Special Education Endorsement)
• Early Childhood Education
• Literacy (Reading Specialist and/or English as a Second Language Specialist)

Concordia also offers a Master of Science in Family Life program.

570 Fallbrook Boulevard, Suite 203 Lincoln, NE 68521 (402) 327-5601

Creighton University Graduate School

It also offers a Master of Education in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Secondary Education.

2500 California Plaza Omaha, NE 68178 (402) 280-2700

Doane College Graduate School

• Special Education
• English as a Second Language
• Early Childhood
• Reading Specialist

303 North 52nd Street Lincoln, NE 68504 (402) 466-4774

Peru State College School of Education

PO Box 10 Peru, NE 68521 (402) 872-2413

University of Nebraska at Kearney College of Education

The school offers a Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration with concentrations in School Principalship PK-8, School Principalship 7-12, Curriculum Supervisor of Academic Area, and Supervisor of Special Education. They also offer a Master of Arts in Education – Physical Education Master Teacher program.

905 West 25th Street Kearney, NE 68849 (800) 717-7881

University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Education

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling K-12
• Student Affairs in Higher Education
• Elementary Education K-6
• Secondary Education 7-12
• Health Education
• Physical Education (Concentrations available in Pedagogy and Coaching)
• Exercise Science
• Physical Activity in Health Promotion
• Recreation Administration
• Elementary Education (Concentrations available in Behavior Disorders, Bilingual Education, Early Childhood Education, English as a Second Language, Improvement in Instruction, Learning Disabilities, School Library, Literacy, Math and Science, Technology, and Urban Schools)
• Secondary Education (Concentrations available in Art, Bilingual Education, Educational Administration, English, English as a Second Language, Foreign Languages, Improvement of Instruction, School Library, Mathematics, Middle Level, Music, Science, Social Studies, Technology, and Urban Schools)
• Special Education (Concentrations in Behavior Disorders and Mild/Moderate Disabilities)

They offer a Master of Science in the following specializations:

• School Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Additionally, they offer a Master of Arts in the following specialties:

• Health Studies
• Athletic Training

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Eppley Administration Building (EAB) Omaha, NE 68182 (402) 554-2341

Wayne State University School of Education and Counseling

The follow MSE programs are offered:

• Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education Counseling
• School Counseling (K-6, 7-12, K-12)
• Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Leadership (Concentrations available in Alternative Education, Business and Information Technology Education, Communication Arts Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English Education, English as a Second Language, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Community of Learning, Mathematics Education, Music Education, Science Education, and Social Sciences Education)
• Special Education – Mildly/Moderately Handicapped (Concentrations in Instructional Manager and Special Educator)
• Physical Education – Exercise Science

1111 Main Street Wayne, NE 68787 (800) 228-9972

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Program specialties.

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M.s. in leadership education.

Application Deadline for Fall 2024 is December 15, 2023

The priority deadline is December 15, 2023; applications submitted after that date may be considered if space is available.

Today's organizations and communities require dynamic and inclusive leadership ready to address complex challenges. Learn to develop, train, teach, and evaluate leadership for modern society.

An M.S. degree in Leadership Education immerses students in three specific areas, 1) leadership scholarship, 2) teaching & outreach, and 3) research methods & program evaluation.

• Leadership scholarship refers to understanding the field of leadership from an evidence-based perspective, which includes leadership models & theories, leadership development & training, and leadership from several perspectives (e.g. motivation, power & influence, cultural diversity, etc.)
• Teaching & outreach refers to developing skills necessary to effectively convey information to others about leadership. For many of our students, this means that they develop skills in teaching because they will be teaching leadership or will be engaged in providing professional development. This may also include developing skills for developing programming, effective writing, teaching online, facilitation, etc.
• Research methods & program evaluation refers to developing the skills necessary to conduct research or evaluate programs related to leadership. This aspect of our program explores how we know what we know about leadership, and how we effectively contribute to that knowledge through evidence-based processes.

Candidates for the degree must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The degree may be earned by successfully completing a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree.

The program welcomes applicants from a variety of disciplines and fields. Programs are planned to meet individual student background experiences and desired graduate program goals. Students may choose a specialization within the M.S. program (though it is not required or expected).

Depending on your interests, the master's program will give you the opportunity to:

• Investigate the foundations and application in Leadership, teaching and learning
• Specialize in a specific area of leadership education
• Use methods of research and scholarship to examine one topic closely (either in a thesis or individual project)
• Build skills in your chosen area of leadership, teaching and extension
• Apply leadership knowledge gained in a variety of settings, such as education, agribusiness, non-profit, community and government organizations, and agencies

Career Pathways

A variety of career pathways exist for this degree program, including training and development, talent development, leadership development, extension education, postsecondary teaching, and community development.

Teaching and Extension Education Specialization

The Teaching and Extension Education specialization prepares students for careers in community college or university teaching, public school teaching (additional certifications and courses may be required), outreach programs and Extension. The specialization is valuable for students planning teaching careers, as well as for individuals providing educational services. Teaching and extension courses focus on teaching strategies, program planning, adult education, innovation, and use of technology in learning.

To complete the specialization, students must complete ALEC 805:  Advanced Teaching Strategies and two elective courses from the following list:

• ALEC 800:  Overview of Program Planning
• ALEC 802:  Developing Leadership Capacity in Organizations and Communities (prerequisite of ALEC 801:  Theoretical Foundations of Leadership)
• ALEC 809:  Diffusion of Innovations:  Through and Extension Context
• ALEC 811:  Principles of Adult Education
• ALEC 830:  Introduction to the Development of Distance Education Courses

Dr. Lindsay Hastings ALEC Graduate Chair Clifton Professor in Mentoring Research Research Director, NHRI Leadership Research  (402) 472-8739 [email protected]

ALEC Graduate Support Staff:

Jennifer Greenlee Office Associate, CEOE (402) 472-2808 [email protected]

Start Your Future Now

• Visit the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Apply to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Give to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln

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Educational studies, educational studies doctor of philosophy (ph.d.).

Back to Graduate Programs

Specialization Options

Innovative Learning Technologies

Teaching, Curriculum and Learning

We seek to prepare scholars whose work will influence educational change in local, regional, national, and global settings. Graduate faculty are keen to develop a diverse, doctoral learning community that engages in intensive, graduate study of contemporary issues from multiple perspectives. Prospective Ph.D. students must be intellectually prepared and committed to the ethical, relational, and scholarly examinations of education across a wide array of settings.

Our graduate faculty includes outstanding, internationally renowned scholars who craft rigorous opportunities for advanced study, mentor students, and engage in funded research. We offer innovative approaches to today’s education problems that utilize research tools of inquiry such as quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, meta-analyses, hermeneutics, ethnographic research methods, (classroom) discourse analysis, phenomenological study, narrative inquiry, policy analysis, historical analysis, geo-spatial analysis, philosophical analysis, teacher self-study research, and/or multimodal analyses. The graduate faculty inform their fields of inquiry and the discourses within those fields through books, articles, conference presentations, and creative works.

Our Ph.D. program is invested in preparing researchers and educational leaders to serve and work in a variety of professional positions, including universities, private industry, non-profit organizations, research agencies, policy agencies, and school systems. We view Ph.D. students as essential partners in developing new knowledge and preparing the next generation of educators and scholars.

We promote excellence in doctoral study by providing Ph.D. students with constructive experiences that enhance their academic and professional success by:

• Committing to being part of and fostering a diverse community of scholars known for its collaborative efforts, especially across disciplinary boundaries;
• Demonstrating a commitment to the study of problems of practice and contributing to policy development and analysis;
• Providing mentored opportunities for teaching in higher education;
• Working with faculty who offer opportunities to participate in international research initiatives, overseas conferences, and comparative travel-study;
• Assisting individuals to tailor programs of study to their scholarly and professional interests;
• Preparing students to conduct and share educational research;
• Encouraging and promoting academic writing for different audiences and stakeholders.

Program of Study

• Minimum of 90 credit hours total
• Must take a minimum of 18 credit hours in a specialization
• Required course for all doctoral programs: TEAC 995A Doctoral Seminar: Professional Seminar
• Students will work closely with the faculty advisor and supervisory committee to select graduate level courses.
• Innovative Learning Technologies: This specialization prepares educators to use technology to support teaching and learning. This may occur in an array of settings, including classroom instruction, instructional design and development, and digital learning. Upon completion, participants will be cognizant of theory and research related to best practices, take part in creating effective use of technology in instruction, and assist others in using technology effectively for teaching and learning. To choose this specialization, you must take 18 credits from the approved specialization courses. For your remaining advanced graduate courses, please consult the TLTE graduate catalog .
• Teaching, Curriculum and Learning: This specialization focuses on advancing research about teacher preparation and teacher professional development in connection to curriculum theory, philosophy and ethics of education, mentoring and teacher induction, teacher identities, professional learning communities, teaching and learning, and education across all settings. Consult TLTE graduate catalog to choose your advanced graduate courses.

APPLY BY JANUARY 15 for Fall Semester

• APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
• DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
• FACULTY CONTACT

Application Requirements

Application deadline of January 15th, for a Fall semester starting term

Students seeking admission in the Ph.D. program should meet the following criteria:

• Resumé or Curriculum Vitae (required)
• Scholarly Statement (required): This autobiographical statement of 4-6 pages should briefly describe your professional career to date and highlight experiences, philosophies, goals, and service work. Please discuss past research productivity, leadership, and/or contributions to your profession. Address in particular the role of research in your areas of scholarly interest and explain your reasons for pursuing a doctorate in TLTE. Finally, describe what would be important to you in being mentored as a doctoral student. (TLTE graduate faculty member profiles are available at  https://cehs.unl.edu/tlte/tlte-faculty-and-staff .)
• Writing Sample (required):  Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your scholarly writing ability. For example, you may submit a term paper, a thesis, or published research article.
• Three professional or academic Recommenders, who will submit reference letters for you.
• Undergraduate GPA: minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Graduate GPA: minimum of 3.75 on a 4.0 scale;
• Professional experience: a minimum of two years as an educator in school or non-school settings;
• Fit between the applicant's goals/interests and the department's ability to address those goals/interests;
• Evidence of strong writing ability.

No one criterion is more important than another. The application file is reviewed holistically.

Degree Requirements

View the doctoral degree overview and milestones on the Graduate Studies website.

Faculty Contact

Loukia Sarroub Henzlik Hall 216D 402-472-5166 [email protected]

Jenelle Reeves Graduate Chair 402-472-2231 [email protected]

JOELLE TANGEN Graduate Project Associate 402-472-2231 [email protected]

March 04, 2024

Graduate Scholars Program Funds UNMC Research Into Impact of Agrichemicals on Children's Health

By Duane Retzlaff  About 1 billion pounds of pesticides are used each year in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. These agrichemicals have increased food production and reduced insect-borne diseases. But what are the environmental and health impacts for people who live in or near agricultural areas? 

A doctoral student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is delving into that very question. Jabeen Taiba will identify the counties in Nebraska and across the nation where the heaviest application of pesticides took place over the past 28 years, and then evaluate their association with pediatric cancer and birth defects, adjusting for factors such as income, race, and education.  Taiba said previous research in Nebraska has examined exposure to waterborne agrichemicals such as atrazine and nitrates and its possible impact on pediatric cancer rates. Her study will expand on that by exploring the association between the most-used agrichemical mixtures and health outcomes.  Her research is supported by the Graduate Scholars program at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska. Doctoral students within the NU System can now apply for the next round of Graduate Scholars funding. Applications are due March 31. The one-year fellowship, worth up to $25,000, supports research that touches on the development, education, and well-being of young children, prenatal to 8 years old.  Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements    Past scholars have used the funding to examine a wide range of topics related to early childhood, including health disparities, the early math skills of preschoolers, neuroscience research on primates, and the stress and anxiety felt by mothers of premature babies.  Taiba, of Vijayawada, India, first trained in dentistry and worked as a dentist for a few years, but she wanted to have a wider health impact and gravitated toward research. She earned a Master of Public Health in epidemiology at the University of Cincinnati, and in 2020 came to UNMC, where she is studying environmental health.  Taiba said her research project is focusing on agricultural chemical mixtures because “as individuals, you’re not just exposed to one chemical, but you are exposed to so many types of chemicals. Even in the food you eat, it’s not just grown using one chemical, they’re using so many things together.”  Her project focuses on the 32 chemicals that were most commonly applied in Nebraska during the study period.  “I would say there is a giant effect— association—between exposure to these chemical mixtures and pediatric health outcomes in Nebraska,” she said.  Taiba said the Graduate Scholars program is a great opportunity for international students like herself, who are often barred from other funding sources.  “I really appreciate how much they support the graduate students,” she said. “It makes me feel good and confident, and this motivates me to do bigger things. So, I am very much appreciative of the opportunity.”  She hopes to defend her dissertation this summer. After that, Taiba would like to pursue a post-doctorate fellowship and continue doing research in environmental epidemiology. 

Duane Retzlaff is a communications associate at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska, helping share the Institute’s work with educators, child care providers, parents, policymakers, researchers, and the general public.    Have a comment, a question, or a story idea? Reach Duane at [email protected] . 

For the latest news from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, follow us on social media

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Register for non-credit, professional development options

• Written by UNMC strategic communications
• Published Jul 22, 2024

The University of Nebraska System has partnered with Google to make nine career certificates accessible to Nebraskans statewide. NU is delivering Google’s industry-validated content, with live support and in coordination with local partners, via NU Advance, the NU System’s home for industry-aligned non-credit offerings .

The Google programs – developed and taught by Google experts and vetted by leading employers – are open to NU students, alumni of any University of Nebraska campus and Nebraska residents for a special first-year rate of $20 per enrollment.

The program consists of three, four-month long cycles (starting in August, December and April 2025) with cohorts of up to 2,500 learners statewide. The first courses begin Aug. 1.

Under the partnership, students and Nebraskans can enroll in the following Google Career Certificates . The programs prepare learners for entry-level roles, with no experience required, in three to six months of part-time study:

• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
• Project Management
• User Experience (UX) Design

The following advanced certificates also are available, designed for learners with several years of experience or who have completed foundational Google Career Certificates in a related field:

• IT Automation with Python
• Advanced Data Analytics
• Business Intelligence

Signups for courses are first-come, first-served. Learners can take one course and if there are additional licenses remaining during a cycle, they will be made available.

In partnering with Google to offer career certificates, the University of Nebraska joins a list of leading institutions, including Syracuse University, UCLA, Rutgers and the University of Texas System.

For frequently asked questions or more information about getting started in NU Advance, contact the NU Advance primary contact: Ana Lopez Shalla, lead for microcredentials, at 402-214-1308 or via email .

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USC launches Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy online program

Culturally competent and versatile therapists are more critical than ever in the ever-evolving mental health landscape.

USC Rossier School of Education announces the launch of its new Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy online (MFT online) program. The innovative program is designed to prepare therapists for both in-person and telehealth settings, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to positively impact their communities.

In today's rapidly evolving mental health landscape, the need for versatile and culturally competent therapists is more critical than ever. The MFT online program addresses the growing demand for mental health services in a digital age, ensuring that individuals and families receive the care and support they need, regardless of their circumstances or location. The online format offers students the flexibility of online learning, expert-led courses and a supportive community.

“We believe in a holistic approach to addressing mental health issues, blending scientific research with practical application,” said USC Rossier Part-Time Master Lecturer Linda Hoffman , who is taking the lead in building the MFT online. “I am honored to oversee the development of the online version of our esteemed Marriage and Family Therapy program. Our dedicated team is committed to faithfully translating our comprehensive on-ground curriculum to an accessible and engaging online format. Together, we are expanding our reach and preparing future therapists to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families.”

The MFT online’s faculty are experienced practitioners who are adept at navigating the complexities of delivering psychotherapy to clients from diverse sociocultural backgrounds in an online therapy setting. Faculty understand the importance of factors such as body language, facial expressions and community contexts in providing effective therapy, and the curriculum is meticulously designed to help students develop these skills.

Graduates of the MFT online program will have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, including public mental health agencies, school-based mental health, community mental health, residential treatment centers and private practice. The comprehensive curriculum ensures that students are prepared for success in a variety of mental health professional pathways. Some graduates even go on to pursue doctoral degrees.

In addition to providing a solid foundation in marriage and family therapy, the program also meets the requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Program coursework satisfies the academic requirements for licensure in California including pre-degree hours of supervised professional experience. Upon completing the program, graduates must complete additional supervised professional experience to obtain licensure in the state of California. While the MFT online program provides a pathway to licensure in California, students may need to fulfill additional requirements depending on the state in which they plan to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, so students interested in pursuing licensure in a state other than California should research the specific requirements for that state.

“The launch of the MFT online program marks a significant milestone in USC Rossier’s commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive education in the field of mental health care,” said  Pedro Noguera , dean of USC Rossier. “The new program reflects our dedication to excellence and our mission to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities. I know they will contribute to and make an impact in the field of marriage and family therapy."

Learn more at Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy online (MFT online) .

Pedro Noguera

• Distinguished Professor of Education
• Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean

Marriage and Family Therapy

Master of Science (MS)

Article Type

Article topics.

• Educational psychology

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