The Graduate School

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN ­EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Curriculum and Instruction
Revisions in the Master's program in Curriculum and Instruction have recently been approved to the Board of Regents in accordance with new regulations. The redesign initiative, collaboratively supported by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), is largely aligned with new federal and state regulations. These revisions became effective during the 2007-2008 academic year so It is critical that candidates meet with an academic advisor to remain aware of any changes to a particular program of study.

Requirements for the Master’s Degree
Admission: The prospective master’s student must meet the admission requirements established by the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must hold a standard teaching certificate, complete the General Test  of the Graduate Record Examination and be acceptable to the major department. Applicants who are not certified teachers may only  be admitted to a graduate certification program described in the Teacher Education section of this catalog.

All required records of the non-certified applicant must be on file in the office of the Associate Dean, College of Education, before any action will be taken on the application.

Unconditional admission to a master’s program in Education requires an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.50 and a minimum score on the Graduate Record Examination; as determined by the program. For those students who do not meet the standards for unconditional admission, probationary admission may be possible. For further information concerning probationary admission to the graduate Education programs, please contact the College of Education.

Programs of Study: The program of study in Curriculum and Instruction must include a minimum of 21 semester hours from professional education, including research methods and a minor or related fields.

The minimum requirement in curriculum and instruction is 36 semester hours, including research methods, and a minimum of six semester hours in a minor or related fields outside the major department. Students entering the department for secondary education master’s programs in English, science, social studies, and math are required to complete a minimum of nine semester hours from courses in cognate areas. Within the area of concentration, the student may select from a wide range of programs which are concerned with teaching or related instructional activities. These programs include curriculum, instruction, evaluation and appropriate specializations.

Students in a master’s program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction cannot count more than six hours of graduate coursework with a grade lower than a B toward their degree program. In addition, any master’s student receiving six hours of graduate coursework with a grade lower than a B in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction shall be dropped from the department’s program.
Each candidate is required to pass a written and/or oral comprehensive examination. The examination will concentrate on the application of educational practice and theory with emphasis on the major area of concentration, but may include the minor or related fields. Typically, the comprehensive examination is taken during the last semester of graduate study. Two failures of the examination necessitates dismissal from the master’s program. In addition, the candidate for the Master of Arts degree must submit and defend a thesis which demonstrates research competence in an accepted field of education.

Requirements for the Doctoral Degree
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered in Curriculum and Instruction in three major concentrations: General Curriculum, Literacy Studies and Language Education, and Teacher Development. The doctoral degree is conferred only for work of distinction in which the student displays power of original scholarship and only in recognition of achievement and marked ability. The standards of the quality for Doctor of Philosophy are high.

The general regulations and procedures governing programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy, as explained elsewhere in this catalog, will be followed. Specific application of these regulations and procedures to doctoral programs in Curriculum and Instruction are listed below.

Admission: In addition to the general requirements outlined in this catalog, the department has established these additional requirements for doctoral candidates:

1. Attainment of an acceptable score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination as determined by the program.
2. Provide documents which indicate potential for completing a doctoral program.
3. Demonstration of satisfactory competence in written and oral communication.
4. Presentation of at least three letters of reference.
5. Favorable screening for a doctor’s degree program by a graduate faculty committee of Curriculum and Instruction.

Screening takes place in the spring semester for admission in the fall. All paperwork should be on file in the office of the graduate coordinator of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction on or before the last working day of February. The student takes at least nine graduate hours in curriculum and instruction, including Curriculum and Instruction 6900, and then writes the Qualifying Examination. Passing the Qualifying Examination is required for full admission to the program.

Course Requirements:
While the degree of Doctor of Philosophy cannot be earned simply by passing courses, the program of study requires a minimum of 96 semester hours beyond the requirements for the baccalaureate degree, including 18 hours of research tools. A minimum of 33 semester hours is required in curriculum and instruction. At least 33 semester hours must be completed after passing the qualifying examination, and at least 18 of these hours must be in curriculum and instruction. A minimum of 45 semester hours must be completed by students who transfer from another accredited university. The student must complete an 18 semester hour minor in a single area of concentration outside the major area of concentration.

Students in a doctoral program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction cannot count more than six hours of graduate coursework with a grade lower than a B toward their doctoral degree. In addition, any doctoral student receiving six hours of graduate coursework with a grade lower than a B in the department FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE QUALIFYING EXAMINATION shall be dropped from the department’s doctoral program.

Research Tools:
Ph.D. candidates must demonstrate competence in research methodologies through taking 18 credit hours of research courses. Ph.D. candidates may substitute a reading proficiency in one foreign language for one of the research courses, if approved by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

General Examinations:
An applicant becomes eligible for the general examination demonstrating adequate academic and professional aptitude to the advisory committee. The general examination is ordinarily the most comprehensive evaluation in the entire doctoral program. The examination will be written and oral. The written examination covers both the major and minor fields. The oral examination concentrates on educational research, theory, and practice with emphasis on the major field. An applicant becomes eligible for candidacy after passing the general examination. However, two failures of the general examination will necessitate a dismissal from the doctoral program.

Time Limit: 
There will be a time limit of five years for completion of coursework from qualifying examination to general examination and a five year limit from completion of general examination to completion of the doctoral dissertation. Extension of time limits may be requested by petitioning the department which houses the Department of Curriculum and Instruction as long as the request does not exceed the Graduate School’s stated provisions.

Further information is contained in the department’s doctoral handbook.

Residence Requirement:
All doctoral students are required to adhere to the residency policy established by the Graduate School.

Financial Aid:
Several types of fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships are available to a limited number of qualified applicants. Those receiving such grants will normally carry a full load of graduate courses and will devote time to instructional or research duties with graduate faculty members.

Counselor Education
Requirements for the Master’s Degree
Three concentrations are available in the master’s degree programs in Counselor Education: College Counseling, Community Counseling, and School Counseling. The College Counseling concentration prepares graduates to serve as counselors in community colleges, four-year colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education. The Community Counseling concentration prepares graduates to serve as counselors in a variety of community mental health settings including counseling agencies, business and industry, employee assistance programs, substance abuse treatment programs, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, court systems, and other settings in which counseling or other mental health services are offered. The School Counseling concentration prepares graduates to serve as counselors in public, parochial, and private schools ( pre-K through 12th grade).

Admission:
Prospective master’s degree students must meet the admission requirements established by the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must present scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that were earned in the last five years. GRE scores are not required for applicants who hold a graduate degree. Master’s degree applicants are considered based on criteria developed and published by the faculty. To be considered for admission to the program without probation, an applicant must have an undergraduate grade-point average of at least 2.50. Presentation of the minimum undergraduate grade-point average does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are based on all criteria considered in relationship to the need of the program and number of students who can be reasonably accommodated. Applicants who present undergraduate grade-point averages that are lower than those listed above may be considered for admission on probation.

Programs of Study:
Students in Counselor Education complete the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program in Counselor Education.

The minimum total semester credits required for the M.Ed. program is 60. Master’s degree programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counselor Education and related Educational Programs (CACREP). Programs include 36 counseling core credits, six counseling emphasis area credits, six counseling elective credits, three credits in research, and nine credits in field work.

Retention Standards:
Students admitted to the master’s degree program in Counselor Education must complete each of the following courses with a grade of B or better before they may enroll in the next course for which that course is a prerequisite: Counselor Education 6430, 6440, and 6990. Master’s degree students will be dismissed for any of the following academic reasons: they accumulate six or more hours of grades lower than B in graduate coursework required in their programs of study; their cumulative UNO graduate grade-point average for two consecutive semesters (fall and spring or spring and fall) is below 3.0; or they fail the comprehensive examination twice.

Transfer of Credit:
A student, with approval from the major professor and the department, may transfer six semester credits of graduate credit in which grades of B or better were earned that were taken in residence at another university outside the LSU System or as many as 12 semester credits of graduate credit taken within the LSU System. These transfer hours may be included in the program of study. Transfer credits, as well as all credits earned toward the degree, must have been taken within the eight years prior to graduation. Credit for individual courses taken more than eight years before the completion of the degree, may be validated by the student’s major professor upon demonstration that the student has current knowledge covered in the course.

Comprehensive Examination:
Master’s degree students must pass a comprehensive examination, which must be taken near the end of the student’s degree program. The examination covers all of the core areas of the student’s field of study.

Requirements for the Doctoral Degree
The Counselor Education Ph.D. program prepares counselors for leadership roles in the counseling profession. Research competency, advanced counseling skills, and practice in the clinical supervision of other counselors are emphasized in the program. Graduates generally choose careers as university faculty members (counselor educators), administrators of counseling programs, private practitioners, and researchers.

Admission:
Prospective Ph.D. degree students must meet the admission requirements established by the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must complete the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination. Ph.D. degree applicants are considered based on criteria developed and published by the faculty. To be considered for admission to the program without probation, an applicant must have a graduate grade-point average of at least 3.50. Presentation of the minimum graduate grade-point average does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are based on all criteria considered in relationship to the needs of the program and number of students who can be reasonably accommodated. Applicants who present graduate grade-point averages that are lower than those listed above may be considered for admission on probation. In addition to the UNO Graduate School Application, applicants to the Ph.D. program in Counselor Education must also submit the following: transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended; Graduate Record Examination scores from the General Test taken within the last five years; a personal statement; a Counselor Education application for doctoral studies; a current resume; and three letters of reference. Finalists for admission who are invited must also interview with the program admissions committee. The interview process includes completion of a writing sample and a videotaped counseling interview.

Programs of Study:
The Ph.D. program goes well beyond the accumulation of graduate course credits. It includes coursework, supervised field experiences, completion of examinations, a research project, and a dissertation. The degree program includes a minimum of 114 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. There are 48 credits of entry-level core counseling courses (includes three credits in research), 12 credits of counseling courses in an area of concentration, 39 credits of doctoral-level core counseling courses (includes 12 credits in research), and 15 additional credits in research courses. Because of the number of credits completed in research (30 credits total), this area serves as the minor for doctoral students. The doctoral program includes a 100 hour practicum and a 600 hour internship. Concentration areas in counseling in the doctoral program are focused in a particular area of counseling such as college counseling, community counseling, or school counseling.  A Program of Study must be completed at the end of the student’s first year of enrollment in the doctoral program.

Research Tools:
Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in research, which includes coursework and dissertation research. Students develop competency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. They choose one primary method for their dissertation and complete advanced research courses in that area.

Retention Standards:
Ph.D. degree students will be dismissed for any of the following academic reasons: they accumulate six or more hours of grades lower than B in graduate coursework required in their programs of study; their cumulative UNO graduate grade-point average for two consecutive semesters (fall and spring or spring and fall) is below 3.0; they fail the general or final (dissertation defense) examination twice.

Residency:
A doctoral student must earn two consecutive semesters of a minimum of nine hours of  residence. The doctoral residence requirement may be met alternatively by three semesters of enrollment at six or more hours, which may be non-consecutive. 

Students who are in residence for the purpose of the above requirement are expected to devote all of their energies to graduate study under the direct supervision of a major professor and/or advisory committee. Transfer credit from other institutions may be accepted in partial fulfillment of the residency requirement if approved by the department and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Transfer of Credit:
A student, with approval from the major professor and the department, may transfer all credits earned toward one or more master’s degrees completed at other universities and up to 15 semester hours earned outside of a master’s degree program. Only graduate credits in which grades of B were earned that were taken in residence at another university may be transferred. These transfer hours may be included in the program of study.

Continuous Enrollment:
Doctoral students, after being admitted to the Ph.D. program, must enroll in graduate courses each fall and spring until being awarded the degree. A leave of absence must be formally requested from the faculty prior to any semester in which this requirement is not met. Students will be dismissed if they fail to meet this continuous enrollment ­requirement.

General Examination:
Students must successfully complete a general examination to continue in the Ph.D. program. Students may take the general examination when they have completed most of their coursework, as defined by the faculty.

Time Limit
Ph.D. students must complete their degree within a 13-year period of admission to the program.  

Educational Leadership
Requirements for the Master’s Degree
The master’s program in Educational Leadership  prepares graduates for leadership positions in K-12 school  settings. For the K-12 school setting, courses are offered for the “Teacher Leader Endorsement” and “Educational Leader Level 1”. Successful completion of EDAD 6800 and EDAD 6805 (6 graduate hours) allows a teacher candidate to apply to the Louisiana State Department of Education for the “Teacher Leader Endorsement” to be added to their teaching certificate. After the first 6 hours, teacher candidates are screened for admission into the 36 credit hour program of study which results in a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership . Completers of the Master’s Degree Program qualify to apply for certificate/license as an “Educational Leader Level 1”.

The Educational Leader Level 1 is an entry-level license for individuals seeking to qualify for school and/or district leadership positions (e.g., assistant principals, principals, parish or city supervisors of instruction, supervisors of child welfare and attendance, special education supervisors, or comparable school/district leader positions). An individual can move from an Educational Leaders Level 1 to a Level 2 license upon completion of the Educational Leader Induction Program and the required years of experience. A Level 3 license qualifies an individual for employment as a district superintendent.

Admission:
Prospective master’s degree students must meet the admission requirements established by the Educational Leadership  Program. Applicants must have an undergraduate grade-point average of at least 2.5 and must present scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination that were earned in the last five years. A minimum GRE score is determined by the program. Master’s degree applicants are considered based on criteria developed and published by the faculty. Presentation of the GRE scores and undergraduate grade-point average does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission to the program includes an application procedure as determined by the program. Admission decisions are based on all criteria considered in relationship to the need of the program and number of students who can be reasonably accommodated.

Program of Study:
Students in Educational Leadership   complete the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program in K-12 Educational Leadership which includes  36 credit hours including three hours of research.. The Master of Education in K-12 Educational Leadership is an approved Educational Leader Level 1 certification program by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.  A Program of Study must be completed at the end of the student’s first year of enrollment in the doctoral program.

Retention and Graduation Standards:
To remain in the master’s program, students must not accumulate more than two grades lower than a B and must meet all requirements of the Educational Leadership program. M.Ed. students must pass the Comprehensive Examination. The comprehensive exam cannot be taken more than twice.

Candidacy:
Once students have completed at least 12 semester hours of work with a B average or better and a B average or better overall, they complete an Application for Candidacy for the master’s degree.

Transfer Credit:
A student, with approval from the major professor and the department, may transfer six semester hours of graduate credit in which grades of B or better were earned that were taken in residence at another university outside the LSU System or as many as 12 semester hours of graduate credit taken within the LSU System. These transfer hours may be included in the program of study. Transfer credits, as well as all credits earned toward the degree, must have been taken within the eight years prior to graduation. Credit for individual courses taken more than eight years before the completion of the degree, may be validated by the student’s major professor upon demonstration that the student has current knowledge covered in the course.

Comprehensive Examination and Thesis:
M.Ed. degree students must pass a comprehensive examination, which must be taken near the end of the student’s degree program. The examination covers all of the core areas of the students field of study. M.A. degree students must successfully defend a thesis in lieu of the comprehensive examination. The student must be enrolled at the University during the semester in which the Comprehensive Exam is taken and during the semester of graduation.

Requirements for the Doctoral Degree
The Educational Administration Ph.D. program is intended for those who plan an inquiry into the issues of educational administration through a theoretical framework. The Ph.D. studies in educational administration emphasize research methodology, both quantitative and qualitative. Courses are available in school and higher education administration. Study for the Ph.D. is suited for those who plan careers in school and university administration, university teaching, research departments of large school systems or state agencies, or any education-related leadership profession.

The general regulations and procedures governing programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy, as explained elsewhere in this catalog, will be followed. Specific application of these regulations and procedures to doctoral programs in education, as well as fundamental differences in the programs, are listed below.

Admission:
Prospective Ph.D. degree students must meet the admission requirements established by the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must complete the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination. Ph.D. degree applicants are considered based on criteria developed and published by the faculty. To be considered for admission to the program without probation, an applicant must present a minimum score on the GRE as determined by the program, and must have a graduate grade-point average of at least 3.50. Presentation of the minimum test scores and graduate grade-point averages does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are based on all criteria considered in relationship to the needs of the program and number of students who can be reasonably accommodated. Applicants who present test scores or graduate grade-point averages that are lower than those listed above may be considered for admission on probation. In addition to the UNO Graduate School Application, applicants to the Ph.D. program in Educational Administration must also submit the following: transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended; Graduate Record Examination scores from the General Test taken within the last five years; a UNO College of Education application for doctoral studies; a personal statement; a current resume; and three letters of reference. It is recommended that applicants consult at least one program faculty member early in the process of preparing the application. Students who submit complete applications prior to the date published in the current Doctoral Bulletin in Educational Administration are considered for admission in the subsequent fall semester.

Programs of Study:
The Ph.D. program goes well beyond the accumulation of graduate course credits. It includes coursework, completion of examinations, a research project, and a dissertation. The degree program includes a minimum of 93 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students take a group of core doctoral courses, research methods courses, and concentration courses either in K-12 or higher education administration, and electives. Students should consult the Doctoral Bulletin in Educational Administration for specific requirements.

Research Tools:
Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of 21 credits in educational research methods. Students develop competency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Retention Standards:
Ph.D. degree students will be dismissed for any of the following reasons: they accumulate six or more hours of grades lower than B in graduate coursework required in their programs of study; their cumulative UNO graduate grade-point average for two consecutive semesters (fall and spring or spring and fall) is below 3.0; they fail the qualifying, general, or final (dissertation defense) examination twice; or they fail to maintain continuous enrollment in all fall and spring semesters until successful completion of the dissertation and graduation.

Residency:
A doctoral student must earn two consecutive semesters of a minimum of nine hours of residence. The doctoral residence requirement may be met alternatively by three semesters of enrollment at six or more hours, which may be non-consecutive. 

Students who are in residence for the purpose of the above requirement are expected to devote all of their energies to graduate study under the direct supervision of a major professor and/or advisory committee.

Transfer of Credit:
A student, with approval from the major professor and the department, may transfer all credits earned toward one or more master’s degrees completed at other universities and up to 15 semester hours earned outside of a master’s degree program. Only graduate credits in which grades of B were earned that were taken in residence at another university may be transferred. These transfer hours may be included in the program of study. A minimum of 54 credits must be earned at UNO.

Research Project:
Doctoral students complete a research project as defined by the faculty prior to taking their general examination.

Continuous Enrollment:
Doctoral students, after being admitted to the Ph.D. program, must enroll in graduate courses each fall and spring until being awarded the degree. A leave of absence must be formally requested from the faculty prior to any semester in which this requirement is not met. Students will be dismissed if they fail to meet this continuous enrollment requirement.

General Examination:
Students must successfully complete a general examination to continue in the Ph.D. program. Students may take the general examination when they have completed the pre-dissertation research project and most of their coursework, as defined by the faculty.

Time Limit:
New doctoral students must complete their degree within a 13-year period of admission to the program.

Special Education and Habilitative Services
Revisions in the Master's program in Special Education have been approved by  the Board of Regents in accordance with new regulations developed by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Teacher Quality. The redesign initiative, collaboratively supported by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), is largely aligned with new federal and state regulations. Upon approval, these revisions became effective during the 2007-2008 academic year. It is critical that candidates meet with an academic advisor to remain aware of any changes to a particular program of study.

Programs in Special Education
Graduate study is offered in special education which may lead to the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Education (M.Ed.), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The candidate for the M.A. degree must submit and defend a thesis which demonstrates research competence in an accepted field of special education. The program of study for each degree provides maximum flexibility for each graduate student in designing a program which will meet professional objectives. Upon acceptance into an advanced degree program, each student is assigned a major professor to assist in designing an appropriate program of study.

Master’s Degree
The Department of Special Education has a general master’s degree program which provides an opportunity for the student to pursue many certifications representative of the field. The certifications which are offered are indicative of the broad range of exceptionalities in the field are:

1. Mild/Moderate Disabilities
2. Significant Disabilities
3. Educational Diagnostician
4. Early Intervention
5. Deaf/Hard of Hearing
6. Blind/Visually Impaired
7. Gifted/Talented Education

Requirements for the Master’s Degree
Admission:
The prospective master’s student must meet the admission requirements established by the Graduate School. In addition, applicants must complete the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination and be acceptable to the major department.

All required records of the applicant must be on file in the office of the Graduate Program Coordinator of the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services, before any action will be taken on the application.

Admission to a master’s program in Special Education and Habilitative Services requires a grade-point average of at least 2.5 for undergraduate work and 3.0 for graduate work, if applicable, and completion of the Graduate Record Examination. Students who do not meet the above GPA or GRE requirements may petition for probationary admittance to the master’s-level program in the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services with two letters of support addressed to the Graduate Coordinator.  These must be from members of the Graduate Faculty  in the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services.

Programs of Study
The master’s program in Special Education (M.Ed.) includes a minimum requirement of 36 semester hours including a minimum of three hours in research methods and a minimum of six semester hours in a minor or related fields outside of major department. The graduate student may select a concentration of study from the array of different program areas in Special Education.
A student in a master’s program in the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services may not count toward degree requirements more than six hours of graduate coursework with a grade below a B.

Each master’s candidate is required to pass a written comprehensive examination. The examination concentrates on the application of educational practice and theory with emphasis on the major area of concentration, but may include the minor or related fields. Typically, the comprehensive examination is taken during the last semester of graduate study. Two failures of the examination necessitates dismissal from the master’s program.

Requirements for the Doctoral Degree
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree offered in Special Education and Habilitative Services incorporates innovative approaches to leadership training. The general regulations and procedures governing programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree, as explained elsewhere in the catalog, will be followed.

Program Description:
Students enrolled in the program address critical issues through coursework and field experiences. Primarily, courses are divided among the following areas:

1. special education,
2. research, and
3. the minor area of study.

In addition to completing formal coursework, students address identified competencies through participation in a variety of professional activities which take in both university and field settings. The competencies are addressed across the three leadership areas: research, personnel preparation, and systems intervention.

In addition to the selection of a specific role focus for the individual doctoral program, students are offered concentrated areas of study within Special Education and Habilitative Services. Areas of study include mild/moderate disabilities, significant disabilities, educational diagnostician (assessment), early intervention, deaf/hard of hearing education, visual impairments, and gifted/talented education. The doctoral student selects a major area of emphasis (usually based on prior educational and professional experiences) and one additional area to broaden his/her experience in special education. A broader program of study creates flexibility and strengthens the training of future leaders in the field of Special Education and Habilitative Services.

As each student progresses through the coursework and field experiences, the program of study is further individualized. Students are expected to:

1. specialize in one of the role areas,
2. focus on issues and content targeted for a particular exceptionality group(s), and
3. focus on particular activities which allow the student to build professional skills and capacity.

Throughout the program of study, each student maintains a professional portfolio of the various products resulting from the activities selected via coursework, field experiences, and committee input. The portfolio is used as a primary component of the student evaluation process throughout the program of student.

Admission:
To be considered for provisional admission to the doctoral program in Special Education and Habilitative Services, a student must meet all Graduate School admission criteria listed in the UNO Catalog but must first meet the following required criteria:

1. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of the exam. The GRE must have been taken within five years of the date of applying for admission to the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services.
2. At least three letters of recommendation from outside the UNO community. Letters are to be addressed to the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services.
3. Current Vita detailing education, experience, honors and awards, and other accomplishments of the applicant.
4. Documentation of three years of professional experience in special education or a closely related field.
5. Ability to communicate effectively in written form as demonstrated by writing a personal essay.
6. Ability to articulate professional and personal goals through an oral interview conducted by the Screening Committee.

Acceptance:
Applicants who are favorably screened into the doctoral program are accepted provisionally. Screening takes place in the spring semester for admission in the fall. All paperwork should be on file in the office of the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Department of Special Education and Habilitative Services on or before the first day of April. Applicants who are favorably screened into the doctoral program are accepted provisionally. The student takes at least 12 graduate credit hours with a passing grade of "B" or higher in each course and then completes the Qualifying Examination. Courses to be counted are specified by the doctoral committee. In addition to the courses required, the qualifying examination is taken no earlier than one year after entering the program with approval of the major professor and doctoral committee. The examination itself focuses on activities related to the three leadership roles and will be portfolio-based.

Required Hours:
All doctoral students must have a minimum of 90 graduate credit hours past the baccalaureate degree. Required hours include a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in research tools. A minimum of 36 credit hours in Special Education and Habilitative Services is required for the Ph.D., including five core doctoral seminars focusing on professional skills and leadership roles, a minimum of nine hours of dissertation study, a minimum of three credit hours of internship and a minimum of six credit hours in one of the leadership role areas of research, systems intervention, or personnel preparation. Also, minimum of 18 credit hours is required in a minor area of study. Students also complete a minimum of three hours in educational foundations which may not include research courses. A minimum of 30 graduate credit hours is to be completed after provisional admission. Any student in the doctoral program who accumulates six semester credit hours of graduate coursework with a grade of C or lower will be dropped from the program.

Internship:
Doctoral students must complete an internship as part of the program of study. The internship activities are individualized and determined by the student, the major advisor, and doctoral committee. Typically, the internship is used to build the students' skills in one or more of the areas of research, personnel preparation, and systems intervention.

Residency:
All doctoral students are required to adhere to the residency policy established by the Graduate School.

General Examinations and Doctoral Candidacy:
To be admitted to doctoral candidacy status, a student must pass a portfolio-based general examination. A doctoral student becomes eligible to take the general examination after demonstrating adequate academic and professional growth to his or her advisory committee through on-going portfolio evaluation. In addition to passing the general examination, a doctoral student must demonstrate research competence by participating in all phases of a pre-dissertation project prior to applying for candidacy to the doctoral program and beginning work on the dissertation. If a student fails the general examination twice, he/she will be dismissed from the doctoral program.