Dyslexia Specialist Certificate

Vision Statement

This graduate certificate program aims to provide advanced training on dyslexia. The scope of this certificate program will provide students with a combination of advanced content and pedagogical knowledge about dyslexia and the science of reading, as well as supervised application opportunities during a practicum experience. This program will also support interested participants in preparing their application for national certification from the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI).

Program Contact Information

402.554.2201
unosecd@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Program-Specific Requirements

Application Deadlines (Fall 2025)

  • Fall: May 1

Other Requirements

  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.
    • Internet-based TOEFL: 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110 
  • Statement of Purpose: Include a formal written statement, at least one page in length, explaining why you want to obtain the dyslexia specialist certificate. Provide information regarding your current job/position, career goals and additional experiences with individuals with disabilities.

This certificate program is a 15-credit hour program with a set course sequence. There will be an option for a subset of students interested in applying for national certification to take one additional 3 credit hour practicum course to fulfill national certification standards. Students will take all courses in a prescribed sequence designed to introduce, scaffold, and reinforce content knowledge across courses. The scope and sequence of the program, and all course objectives, have been designed to align with the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading published by the International Dyslexia Association.  

Degree Requirements

SPED 8260DYSLEXIA: FOUNDATIONS & SCIENCE OF READING3
SPED 8360DYSLEXIA: LANGUAGE ESSENTIALS3
SPED 8660DYSLEXIA: ASSESSMENT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING3
SPED 8690DYSLEXIA: STRUCTURED LITERACY INSTRUCTION3
SPED 8760DYSLEXIA: PRACTICUM3
Optional Course
DYSLEXIA: ADVANCED PRACTICUM
Total Credits15