College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

Mission/Vision

The College of Education, Health, and Human Science’s philosophy and purpose are grounded in the central principles identified by the faculty for preparing graduates who are dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens. The outcomes/goals related to the principles focus on the knowledge, skills, and disposition espoused by the faculty and are built on the fundamental belief that all children can learn. The full text of the conceptual framework may be found here

Please note the information contained in this portion of the catalog is general information for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. For more specific details please consult information specific to your intended department.

General Information

Overview of degree programs

The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is comprised of six academic units; the Departments of Counseling; Educational Leadership; Special Education and Communication Disorders; Teacher Education; Biomechanics, and Health and Kinesiology. Through its departments and school, the college seeks to prepare individuals for careers in a variety of fields including teaching, educational administration, counseling, public health, athletic training, exercise science, library science, special education, sign language interpreting, biomechanics, early childhood inclusive education and communication disorders. The college offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This catalog describes only those programs at the undergraduate level.

The college offers the following undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Science in Education, Bachelor of Science in Biomechanics, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and Bachelor of Science in Public Health. Some programs must be completed in conjunction with one (or more) other programs. Educator preparation programs lead to state certification.  Additionally, the college offers a number of special course sequences which do not result in a degree but which result in added teaching endorsements.

All students in a degree program in the college must meet the university general education requirements. Additional information on these requirements can be found at the University General Education website. Please contact an academic advisor for recommended choices for the major.

Certain majors/programs in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences require specifically related content coursework. For further information, and to view the requirements for specific majors/programs, visit the college website or contact an academic advisor.

Accreditation Information

The following programs in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences are accredited by:

Major Degree Accreditation Body
Athletic Training MA Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE)
Counseling: Concentration in Community Counseling MA MS Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Counseling: Concentration in School Counseling K-12 MA MS - Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) - Nebraska Department of Education
Educational Leadership MS Ed.S. Ed.D Nebraska Department of Education
Early Childhood Inclusive BSED - Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) - Nebraska Department of Education
Elementary Education BSED - Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) - Nebraska Department of Education
Public Health BS Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
School Library MS/Endorsement - Nebraska Department of Education and National Recognition by the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
Secondary Education BSED - Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) - Nebraska Department of Education
Special Education BSED - Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) - Nebraska Department of Education
Speech-Language Pathology MS - Council of Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) - Nebraska Department of Education

All preparation programs within the college adhere to the national standards promulgated by their respective professional organizations.

Choice of Catalog Policy

Students maintaining continuous enrollment follow the requirements outlined by the Catalog in effect when they first enroll in the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The Catalog of the term of admission prescribes, at minimum, the General Education curriculum and the set of academic policies that govern progress toward completion of a degree. The Catalog of the term of admission also describes the program requirements of the student's major(s), minors, endorsements, and concentrations.  Alternatively, a student may choose to follow all of the program and policy requirements outlined by any single Catalog in effect during subsequent terms of continuous enrollment.  If a student elects to move to another catalog, the change of catalog must be noted in MavTrack and Degreeworks by the advisor. Each student is responsible for knowing and abiding by the policies described in the Catalog chosen. 

For interruptions in enrollment of more than one semester, individuals will be held to the requirements of the catalog of the year when they re-enter the College.

Contact Information

College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Roskens Hall
6001 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE  68182

Dean’s Office RH – 402.554.2719
Office of Academic Advising and Field Experiences- 402.554.2717
Teacher Certification – 402.554.2718
Health and Kinesiology – 402.554.2670
Special Education and Communication Disorders – 402.554.3355
Teacher Education – 402.554.3666

Program Website
 

Admission Requirements

Prospective students may apply for admission to the college by indicating their preference on the University Application for Admission.

Deadlines for UNO undergraduate admission to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences are:

  • August 1 for fall semester
  • December 1 for spring semester
  • June 1 for summer sessions

Admission to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences does not guarantee admission to a specific program. Certain programs, such as educator preparation, require a separate application and admission process.  Specific admission requirements for programs within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences are noted in the departments'/school's section of this catalog or on the college website. 

Academic Requirements for the College Degrees

Number of Hours to Graduate

The bachelor’s degrees (BS in Education, BS in Biomechanics, BS in Kinesiology, and BS in Public Health) require a minimum of 120 credit hours; 30 of the last 36 hours must be taken in residence. University General Education requirements apply to all programs. The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences will accept toward a degree program those courses for which credit by examination is given (up to 30 hours) and recommended by the respective departments within the college of the university. Up to eight credit hours of elective credit may be allowed for military service.

Program specifications and expectations are noted in the departments’/school’s sections of this catalog or on the college website. Candidates in educator preparation programs must also complete all requirements in the professional education sequence, and the requirements for their teaching certification and endorsements/emphasis area(s). Students in non-educator preparation programs must complete all the requirements of the particular program. 

Minimum GPA/Additional Requirements

Students in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. This GPA is calculated based on all courses taken in the University of Nebraska system (UNL, UNO, UNK). The cumulative GPA determines eligibility for professional coursework.

Individual major programs within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences can require students to maintain higher GPA standards to remain in good standing. In addition, course prerequisites may require higher GPA to enter upper-level coursework.

College Requirements, BA/BS Requirements

For specific program requirements, see the department/school section of this catalog or the college website.

Transfer Credit Policy

Students may transfer into the college from other institutions by completing the application process and meeting the minimum cumulative grade point average GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).

Transfer credit from outside the NU system can be applied to course requirements, but outside credit does not affect the NU system GPA or a student's good standing in the college.  Transfer GPA is only considered before a student has earned 12 or more hours in the NU system.  In this time period, students may be permitted into courses or accepted to professional programs based on their transfer cumulative GPA.  Once students complete 12 credits or more in the NU system, the NU system GPA will be used to measure quality of work.  

Official transcripts must be sent to the UNO Office of Admissions from each previous college or university attended whether credit was earned or not. Hand-carried or student- submitted transcripts are not acceptable. Only 64 credit hours can be transferred from an approved 2 - year institution.

Only credits earned at accredited institutions will be accepted by the college. In accordance with University policies, the college will accept, for transfer, grades of “C- or better for University General Education courses. Credits earned at an institution which is part of the Nebraska Network of Community Colleges will be accepted by the college provided the grades are the equivalent of a “C-" or better for University General Education courses. Credits from institutions seeking regional accreditation (but not yet accredited) may be accepted after 30 hours of work are satisfactorily completed at UNO. Acceptance of any transfer credits by the college does not ensure application to a particular program or endorsement. 

Determination of applicability is the responsibility of the specific department/school. Departments within the college and programs will determine applicability of transfer credits and of grades to meet specific requirements. The University accepts "C-" grades, but programs may have a higher standard of applicability of transfer credits. For specific program requirements, see the department/school section of this catalog or the college website.

Individuals with degrees in education, transferring to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences for teacher certification only, must successfully complete all program requirements prior to clinical practice. (The program coursework for any endorsement must total a minimum of 12 hours, six of which are in the major area.)

Special Note: Transfer Admission from Colleges within UNO

Students transferring from another college on the UNO campus to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences must meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 2.5.

Unacceptable Credits

Professional education courses will be accepted only from institutions which are accredited for teacher education by the national, state and/or regional accrediting agency and those classes are good for a 10 year period. Education courses will not be accepted from two-year institutions or other institutions unless the college has a specific articulation agreement with that institution or the course has received departmental approval.

Retroactive Credit Policy >>

Advanced Placement Credits >>

Military Credit >>

IB Credit >>

Placement Exams and Credit by Examinations Policies/Practices >>

Residency Requirement

The bachelor’s degrees (BS in Education, BS in Biomechanics, BS in Kinesiology, and BS in Public Health) require a minimum of 120 credit hours; 30 of the last 36 hours must be taken in residence.

Quality of Work

The following quality of work standards apply to all individuals in the college.

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for admission to the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. For specific program requirements, see the department/school section of this catalog or the college website. 
  • Maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to remain in good standing with the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.  This GPA is calculated based on all courses taken in the University of Nebraska system (UNL, UNO, UNK).  The cumulative GPA determines eligibility for professional coursework. 
  • Individual major programs within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences can require students to maintain higher GPA standards to remain in good standing.  In addition, course prerequisites may require a higher GPA to enter upper-level coursework. For specific program requirements, see the department/school section of this catalog or the college website.
  • Individuals are expected to progress steadily toward the degree. Majors will complete work for the degree according to the requirements of the catalog of the year in which they entered the college. For interruptions in enrollment of more than one semester, individuals will be held to the requirements of the catalog of the year when they re-enter the college.

NOTE: Please see departments’/school’s sections for information on programs, lists of courses, and additional academic performance requirements

General Education courses

Per General Education policy, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences general education courses meeting Humanities/ Fine Arts, Social Science or Natural Science requirements are exempt from the repeat policy and students do not need to meet the minimum CEHHS 2.5 NU GPA requirement to take courses filling these distribution requirements.

Courses that meet only U.S. or Global Diversity requirements may enforce prerequisites of the program or department. 

For undergraduate CEHHS courses that have no listed pre-requisite, any UNO student is eligible to enroll.

A minimum grade of "C-" must be earned in all coursework in the university general education requirements to be applied to a College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences degree.

Good Academic Standing Policy >>

Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) Grades >>

Completion of Incomplete Grade

Under certain circumstances, a student may be eligible for an "I" grade in a course. Please see information in the grades information section of the catalog.

Questions about the procedures to follow in the college should be directed to the respective department chair or school director.

Students who do receive a grade of “I” in a course with a department prefix of BMCH, CDIS, COUN, HEKI, KINS, PHHB, SPED, or TED may not enroll in any course for which the “I” course is a prerequisite until the “I” grade has been removed and replaced with a passing grade.

Repeatable Grades/Courses

For a general education course offered by the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, any student may repeat this course.

A College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences student in an educator preparation program, non-certification concentration, Library Science, Communication Disorders or Sign Language Interpreting concentration who receives a grade below “C“ or a “W” (Withdraw) in any undergraduate course with a department prefix of BMCH, CDIS, COUN, HEKI, KINS, PHHB, SPED, or TED may re-enroll in that course for one additional time for a total of two attempts. For exceptions to this rule, please review program-specific requirements.

A College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences student in Biomechanics, Kinesiology, or Public Health who receives a grade below “C-“ or a “W” (Withdraw) in any undergraduate course with a department prefix of BMCH, CDIS, COUN, HEKI, KINS, PHHB, SPED, or TED may re-enroll in that course for one additional time for a total of two attempts. For exceptions to this rule, please review program-specific requirements.

A candidate who is removed from, withdraws from, or receives a grade of "I" in field, internship, clinical, practicum, or clinical practice experience, regardless of reason, must appeal to the Academic Review Committee (ARC) to be allowed to repeat the experience. If the appeal is granted, the candidate must reapply for a placement. A candidate may repeat such experiences only once

See also “Completion of Incomplete Grade” for additional information.

Overload Appeal Guidelines

Student appeals to take overload hours in any semester must be directed to the Associate Dean of the college. An overload is defined as anything above 18 credit hours in the fall or spring semester.  The appeal request may be submitted in writing or via UNO e-mail address. The appeal request must contain the following information.

  • Student name.
  • Semester for which the overload is requested.
  • List of all courses (arranged by course number, title, and number of credit hours) to be taken in that semester.
  • Current, cumulative GPA.
  • Reasons for requesting the overload.

Please note:

This is a formal process. Appropriate language and “business letter” format should be used in the appeal.

Failure to provide the required information will delay the process and may jeopardize your ability to enroll in desired courses.

All responses will be sent through your UNO e-mail address.

Appeal Process >>

Grade Appeal Policy

Individuals who believe that their grade in a particular course does not properly reflect their performance, or that the instructor acted in an arbitrary or capricious manner in determining the grade, should first contact the instructor to determine the rationale for the grade or if there was an error in reporting. Consultation with the instructor should take place before taking any formal action in regard to a grade appeal.

After the instructor has provided the rationale for the grade in question and has indicated that no error in reporting was made, the individual may then wish to petition the department/school for reconsideration. In such instances, the student should contact the department chair/school director to obtain information on the procedures to follow in requesting an appeal at the department/school level.

If an individual believes that the department/school action did not comply with the due process procedures or did not provide legitimate relief, he/she may petition the Student Affairs Committee of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. This committee is the appellate body for grade appeals after a student has received a decision at the department/school level. Students wishing to appeal a grade to the Student Affairs Committee should contact the Dean’s Office (Roskens Hall 211) to obtain the procedures to follow in filing an appeal.

Academic Amnesty

Academic Amnesty provides relief from a poor academic record acquired within the University of Nebraska system by excluding substandard coursework with a final grade of “D” or “F” from a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) calculation. Academic Amnesty will not remove course(s) or grade(s) from the transcript but once granted, will not count as part of the overall GPA.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for Academic Amnesty, students must:  

  • Have been out of the Nebraska system for at least one calendar year (12-month period).
  • Have substandard coursework (“F” or “D” grades) earned within the University of Nebraska system (UNO, UNL, UNK, UNMC) prior to the year out (substandard grades earned after the year out will not be included in the Academic Amnesty contract).
  • Be admitted as a degree-seeking student at the University of Nebraska.

Amnesty Requirements:

  • Academic Amnesty will begin with the first course(s) taken upon return to UNO.
  • Students may apply for Academic Amnesty at any time after taking the one-year break.
  • After returning from the one-year break, demonstrate academic success in new UNO coursework.
    Academic success may be demonstrated by one of the following:
    • Completing at least 12 semester hours (simultaneous or sequential) with a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA,
    • Completing at least 24 semester hours (simultaneous or sequential) with a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA.
  • Students must maintain continuous enrollment (at least six (6) semester hours completed within any 12-month period).
  • Students will work with their academic advisor to select the coursework to be amnestied.
  • Students must inform an academic advisor when the Academic Amnesty requirements are met.

Notes:

  • All amnestied coursework will remain on the student’s academic record (transcript); however, the courses will not be included in calculation of the student’s grade point average. Courses will be annotated “Academic Amnesty Excluded from GPA” on the transcript.
  • Once Academic Amnesty is granted, students will not be eligible for honors at graduation. Students are still eligible for Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List honors.
  • While demonstrating academic success, no changes are made to the student’s academic record. If a student’s cumulative GPA is still below standard, the students will continue to be reported as “continued on probation.” Should the student revert to substandard academic performance while working on Academic Amnesty, the student can still be suspended. Academic Amnesty is intended to provide relief from the past without providing immunity from future substandard academic performance.
  • Students must still meet all university and college requirements to graduate.

Academic Probation and Suspension

Students whose GPA fall below 2.5 on a 4.0 scale will be placed on academic probation with the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences for one semester. During the probationary semester, students may enroll in a voluntary support program and make efforts to raise the cumulative GPA.

During a probation semester, CEHHS students are allowed to repeat College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences courses in which they did not earn a passing grade (see program requirements for minimum passing grade).  Students who want to repeat a course with field or practicum requirements must appeal and/or seek permission in accordance with departmental guidelines to be allowed to repeat the experience.

Students are encouraged to repeat courses in which they earned below the minimum passing grade to return to good standing in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.  Per Office of the University Registrar policy, when an undergraduate course is repeated, only the most recent grade will be calculated into the GPA.

Students whose cumulative GPA remains below the 2.5 minimum for the second consecutive semester are ineligible to remain in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and must change their major and college. Such students may re-enter the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences should they repair their cumulative GPA to the standard required for their program.

Students whose GPAs fall below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be subject to suspension based on the Office of the University Registrar’s posted guidelines.

Reinstatement Policy Following Academic Suspension >>

Academic Advising

Working in partnership with academic advisors is key to student success. Programs in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences are carefully sequenced. To move through these programs in a timely manner, students must plan carefully and regularly consult their advisors. In addition to program requirements, academic advisors assist students in exploring and defining an academic career, life goals, and pathways for success. Advisors will assist in developing problem-solving and decision-making skills through a collaborative and process-oriented advising approach. Advisors provide information about university requirements; discuss career goals, graduate or professional programs, or licensure requirements; and refer to campus resources that improve students’ academic experiences. Students are expected to meet with their advising partners every semester.

  • The Roskens Hall 204 academic advising office serves Elementary, Secondary, Early Childhood Inclusive, Special Education, Library Science, and Communication Disorders majors.
  • The Health and Kinesiology advising office is located in 207 in the H&K building and serves pre-Athletic Training, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, and Public Health majors as well as students in exploratory Health & Kinesiology.

Mission of College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Academic Advising

Our mission is to empower students to explore and achieve their educational goals through intentional partnerships.

Vision of College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Academic Advising

College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences advisors help students make the most of their education.  We support the personal and professional growth of the whole student with the goal of promoting persistence and success.

Values of College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Academic Advising

As advisors, we value engaged student learning.  We believe high expectations and consistent support are key to helping emerging professionals navigate the university curriculum.  We work in our college and on our campus to advocate for student success.

Advising Holds >>

Student Holds >>

Senior Check

Senior checks are completed in conjunction with academic advisors. For specific program requirements, see the department/school section of this catalog or the college website. 

Application for Degree

All students graduating from UNO must file an “Application for Degree” with the Records and Registration Office and pay the required fee at the beginning of the semester in which they will graduate and not later than the date listed in the university calendar. Failure to file for the degree by this deadline may postpone a student’s graduation date. Applications are available online via MavLink. After applying for the degree, students should visit the UNO Bookstore as soon as possible to order the cap and gown and graduation announcements. For more information click here.