Program options

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

1. General Education (45 hours)

2. Professional Education Core (16 hours)

  • Educ 101 Teaching as a Profession (1)
  • Educ 201 Introduction to Education (3)
  • EDPS 210 Educational Psychology and General Methods (2)
  • Psy 324 Psychology of Exceptionality (3)
  • Educ 346 Instructional Technology (3)
  • +Educ 424 Teaching Diverse Learners (2)
  • +Theo 381 Christian Teacher’s Ministry (2)

     **see sections 6 and 7 for information on the Lutheran Teacher Diploma and Christian Teacher Diploma requirements

3. Elementary Education Endorsement (34 hours)

  • Psy 211 Child Development and Psychology (2)
  • Art 301 Methods in Art Education (2)
  • Math 301 Concepts of Mathematics II (3)
  • +Educ 461 Literacy Instruction, Assessment & Intervention (6)
  • +Educ 425A Foreign Language Instruction, Curriculum, Assessment (3)
  • +HHP 363 Health Methods in the Elementary School (1)
  • +HHP 364 PE Methods in the Elementary School (1)

Professional Semester: 

  • +Educ 363 Teacher Laboratory-Elementary Methods (6)
  • +Educ 381-384 Elementary Student Teaching (10)

+Students must be admitted to the teacher education program prior to enrolling in these courses.

4. Elementary School Subject Concentration

A maximum of six hours of required general education courses may be included in some subject concentrations. The Early Childhood Endorsement and the Special Education Endorsement fill the subject concentration requirement for students in that program.

5. Electives, if needed, to meet the minimum 128-hour requirement.

NOTE: Students desiring certification endorsement at the elementary level must earn a minimum of 15 hours in the professional sequence and must complete student teaching on Concordia’s campus.

6. Lutheran Teacher Diploma – required of all students in Lutheran education (11 hours)

 **must be an active member of a Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod congregation     

All students receiving the Lutheran Teacher Diploma must complete a minimum of six hours of upper-level theology (300 or 400 level) courses on Concordia’s campus.

7. Christian Teacher Diploma – available to any teacher education student   (9 hours)

**for non-LTD candidates interested in teaching in a Christian school setting             

Choose 9 hours from the following courses:

  • Theo 241 or 242 or 251 or 252 Biblical Interpretation course (choose only one) (3)
  • Phil 301 Concepts in Philosophy (3)
  • Theo 375 Christian Denominations, Movements, and Contemporary Cults (3)
  • Theo 390 World Religions: The Gospel in a Pluralistic World (3)
  • Theo 450 Understanding and Teaching the Bible (3)
    (Biblical Interpretation is a prerequisite for Theo 450)
  • Theo 465 Christian Ethics (3)
  • Theo 482 Nurturing Faith through Family, School and Congregation (3)
  • Theo 489 Ministry in a Changing World (3)

ELEMENTARY and SECONDARY DUAL CERTIFICATION

This option prepares a student to be certified on both the elementary and secondary levels. Normally, a student will follow the regular pattern of whatever program is chosen initially. In addition to this regular pattern, the following courses must be taken to be certified on both levels. The extra student teaching hours must be done in a full-time experience. Dual certification will usually require at least one extra semester. Students selecting this option should confer with the Dean of Education early in the planning process.

Elementary Education Students Desiring Secondary Certification – 25-30 hours

  • Subject endorsement (6-9 hours)
  • *Secondary Student Teaching (10 hours)
  • Secondary Methods (2-4 hours)
  • Educ 301 (2 hours)
  • Educ 470 (3 hours)
  • Psy 421 (2 hours)

It is desirable that a second subject endorsement of 30 hours be completed.

Secondary Education Students Desiring Elementary Certification – 34 hours

*A minimum of ten hours in elementary student teaching and ten hours in secondary student teaching is required for dual certification. Some programs may require additional hours.

Elementary School Subject concentrations

Art – 26 hours
Art 103, 203, 205, 243, 301 (2 hours), 325, 345, two courses from Art 271, 272, 273.

Director of Christian Education (DCE) – 30 hours
Educ 229, 329, 388, 480, 483, 484, 485, Psy 341, 442, Theo 450, 487. (Additional requirements required for Director of Christian Education Program.)

English – 24 hours
Eng 221, 231, 391, 326 or 327 or 328 or 329, 341 or 342 or 343, 362 or 363 or 364, 366 or 381 or 382 or 384, 383 or 385 or 387. (Eng 324 The Nebraska Story or The New England Study Tour may be substituted for any English course, preferably American Literature. Eng 361 The London Literary Tour may be substituted for any English course, preferably British Literature or Shakespeare.)

English as a Second Language – 24 hours
Eng 231, 391, Educ 425a, 425b, CTA 333, also six semester hours of Modern Foreign Language. Educ 399, Student Teaching in English as a Second Language, is required. It is offered in January or May each academic year.

General Science – 24 hours
Courses approved by department chair. Concentrations must include at least six hours of upper-level course work.

Geography – 25 hours
Geog 101 and/or 202, 281, and 15–18 hours of geography electives. Students can supplement on-campus courses with Summer Term study tours (three hours). Some hours may have to be taken by independent study. See the department chair.

Health Education – 25-26 hours
HHP 181, 182, 366, 389, 481, Bio 243. Three to five hours of health topics classes (min. of 3 classes): HHP 281, 283, 284, 285, 286 or 287, 288, 289, 489; Select four to six hours from the following to bring hours to 25: HHP 480, 482, 484, 486, Bio/HHP 465.

History – 24 hours
Hist 115, 131, 132; and upper-level electives from U.S. and non-U.S. history, including at least nine hours of U.S. history.

Life Science (Biology) – 24 hours
Bio 110, 224 and/or 225, 317, 243, and 7-10 hours of electives in biology. Note: students may choose to take Bio 343 and 344 in place of Bio 243, with only 3-6 additional hours of biology electives needed.

Mathematics – 18 hours
A minimum of 18 hours of coursework with MATH or CS prefixes. Courses approved by department chair.

Music – 28-30 hours (fewer if ensembles are audited)
Mu 102, 103, 104, 105, 331; one of Mu 211, 212, or 213; one of Mu 332 or 333; MuAp 171 (students with previous piano experience may schedule a placement exam with the Music Department);

Applied Music: 4 hours
Ensembles: 4 hours from Mu 232, 233, 236, 241, 242 (ensembles may be audited, reducing the hours required by up to 4). ScMu 328

Physical Education – 25-26 hours
One dance class (153, 155)
One aquatics class (171-177)
One individual/dual activity class (135, 152, 154, 156, 157, 158)
One team activity class (111, 112, 116, 117, 118, 132)
One fitness activity (161, 162, 164, 166, 168)
One leisure activity (142, 144, 146, 147, 148, 149)
HHP 182, 238, 273, 291, 365, 399, 471, Bio 243, one of the following: HHP 228 or 248. If HHP 248 is taken (instead of HHP 228), also select one elective from the following: HHP 321, 322, 323, 325, 326, 327, 385, 395, 463, 491, 492, 494.

Physical Science – 24 hours
Eight hours of general chemistry, Phys 111, 112, Chem 231 and Phys 381, and one hour elective.

Self-Directed Concentration (S.D.C.) – 24 hours

  • Elementary education candidates select courses for their concentration
  • Candidates must provide a written rationale for their course selections
  • 24 hours of coursework is required for any S.D.C.
  • 12 hours of credit must be in upper-level courses (300 and 400 level)
  • A maximum of 6 hours can be used from general education or professional education courses
  • A maximum of 9 hours of upper-level coursework can be transferred from another four-year approved institution.
  • The S.D.C. must be approved by the candidate’s advisor, the department chair, and the Dean
  • A copy of the S.D.C. will be filed with the Registrar’s office for the purpose of graduation degree evaluation
  • A self-directed concentration will not lead to an endorsement or certification for any program not currently offered at Concordia University, Nebraska as an endorsement or certification

Social Science (Geography Emphasis) – 25 hours
Geog 101 or 202, 281, and nine hours of geography electives; three courses from the following, representing at least two disciplines: Hist 131, 132, 421, and 455; Soc 201 and 331; and PS 111.

Social Science (History Emphasis) – 24 hours
Hist 115, 132 and nine hours of history electives, including at least one upper-level U.S. history and one upper-level non-U.S. history courses; and three courses selected from the following, representing at least two disciplines: Geog 311, 331, 341; Soc 201; PS 111.

Social Science (Sociology Emphasis) – 24 hours
Soc 101, 331, and nine hours of sociology electives; and three courses selected from the following, representing at least two disciplines: Geog 202, 315, and 391; Hist 132, 309, 410, 417, 421, and 455; and PS 111.

Social Science (Multicultural Studies Emphasis) – 24 hours
Geog 202, Hist 131 and 132, Soc 201, and four courses selected from the following, representing at least two disciplines: Geog 331 and 341; Hist 417, 421, and 455; Soc 221 and 361.

Spanish – 24 hours
Please contact the Spanish instructor or the Dean of Arts and Sciences to construct a specific sequence of courses.

Speech/Drama – 21 hours
Eng 102, CTA 211, 231, 151, 154 and six hours of communication and theatre arts electives.

English as a Second Language–Supplemental Endorsement – 15 hours
Eng 231, Educ 425a, Educ 425b, CTA 333, Educ 399; students must also present competence in a foreign language equivalent to two semesters of post-secondary foreign language coursework or two years of high school foreign language.

Instrumental Music Endorsement – 68–73 hours
The number of hours is reduced by up to 7 if ensembles are audited.
Mu 102, 103, 104, 105, 202, 203, 204, 205, 211, 212, 213, 303, 331, 332, 493 (1 hour); ChMu 313 or 411; ScMu 262, 263, 264, 265, 317, 328

  • Principal Instrument: 10 hours
  • Keyboard Proficiency: 0-4 hours; pass keyboard proficiency exam
  • Voice Proficiency: 0-1 hour; satisfy level of MuAp 151
  • Instrumental Ensembles: 7 hours in Symphonic Band or Concert Band; may audit; required in each of 7 semesters.
  • Small ensemble requirement: see the Music Student Handbook
  • Recital Attendance: see the Music Student Handbook

This leads to an endorsement in the State of Nebraska.

All students who wish to receive a teaching endorsement in music make formal application for admittance as a music major during their first year at Concordia. See the Music Student Handbook for admission and retention procedures.

Vocal Music Endorsement – 59-64 hours
The number of hours is reduced by up to 7 if ensembles are audited.
Mu 102, 103, 104, 105, 202, 203, 204, 205, 211, 212, 213, 303, 331, 333, 334, 493 (1 hour); ChMu 313 or 411; ScMu 328

  • Principal Instrument: 10 hours
  • Keyboard Proficiency: 0-4 hours; pass keyboard proficiency exam
  • Voice Proficiency: 1-2 hours; satisfy level of MuAp 251
  • Choral Ensembles: 7 hours; may audit; required in each of 7 semesters
  • Small ensemble requirement: see the Music Student Handbook
  • Recital Attendance: see the Music Student Handbook

This leads to an endorsement in the State of Nebraska.

All students who wish to receive a teaching endorsement in music make formal application for admittance as a music major during their first year at Concordia. See the Music Student Handbook for admission and retention procedures.

The Lutheran Teacher Diploma

The Lutheran Teacher Diploma is available to students who are currently members in good standing of a congregation of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. This diploma is granted to students who have met all requirements for the teacher education program, have completed the Lutheran Teacher Diploma coursework, are eligible for a teaching license in the State of Nebraska, and have been certified by the faculty as qualified to begin service as called members of the Lutheran teaching ministry. Students wishing to receive the LTD must apply to the program and complete its requirements as a part of the baccalaureate degree. This diploma qualifies the student for minister of religion status in The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

All students receiving the Lutheran Teachers Diploma are required to take a minimum of six hours of upper-level (300 or 400 level) theology courses on campus. (See specific course requirements under Bachelor of Science in Education Programs.)

The Christian Teacher Diploma

The Christian Teacher Diploma is granted to students who have met all requirements for the teacher education program, have a teaching degree, and are eligible for a teaching license in the State of Nebraska. Students seeking this diploma have indicated an interest in serving as teachers in Christian schools that are not associated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  Students wishing to receive the CTD must apply to the program and complete its requirements as a part of the baccalaureate degree.  All students receiving the Christian Teachers Diploma are required to take a minimum of six hours of upper-level (300 or 400 level) theology or philosophy courses on campus. (See specific course requirements in the Christian Teacher Diploma section of each program.)

Teaching Ministry Colloquy Program

The university offers a program for teachers who are not commissioned by The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and who wish to be commissioned and listed on the LCMS roster. Candidates for this program must complete eight religion and Christian teacher courses after which a comprehensive written exam is taken followed by an oral interview. Courses can be taken on campus any time the courses are offered, or the candidate may transfer up to three courses from any other Concordia University or the CUNEnet online system.

Candidates who 1) are a member of an LCMS congregation, 2) have a B.S./B.A. in education, 3) are at least 25 years old, and 4) have taught in a Lutheran school for at least one year may apply to Concordia University’s Office of Colloquy Program for entrance into the program.

The application process requires the applicant to 1) complete an application to Concordia University, Nebraska, 2) complete an application to the Colloquy Program, 3) submit the names for five recommendations, and 4) send Concordia an official transcript of their higher education history.

The courses required for completion are:

  • Rel 121 History and Literature of the Old Testament
  • Rel 131 History and Literature of the New Testament
  • Theo 251 Interpretation of Pauline Epistles
  • Theo 361 Christian Doctrine I
  • Theo 362 Christian Doctrine II
  • Educ 362 Teaching the Christian Faith
  • Theo 381 The Christian Teacher’s Ministry

Teacher Certification

Concordia maintains an office to assist graduates in securing a teaching certificate. The Dean of Education is authorized to recommend qualified candidates for any of the teaching certificates for which they are eligible. That office provides applications, institutional recommendations and transcripts, and initiates the transactions with the various state education departments.

All teacher graduates who apply for certification on or after August 1, 1989, must satisfactorily complete a prescribed admission and exit examination. Information regarding the test is available in the office of the Dean of Education.

A bachelor of science in education degree must be completed, with at least 30 semester hours in residence, to be eligible for a teaching certificate. The teaching certificate authorizes the graduates to teach in specific states in whatever teacher education program areas they have completed. Certification is not automatic. Each graduate must apply to receive a teaching certificate. Certification by the State of Nebraska requires completion of courses in human relations and special education.

Non-degree Certification and Endorsement Programs

There is a non-degree certification program and a non-degree added endorsement program for persons who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Concordia’s alternative certification program follows the principles and regulations established by the State of Nebraska. College or university graduates with B.A. or B.S. degrees who are interested in becoming teachers may complete a teacher certification program that does not include the complete earning of another degree. This is best described as an added program to the existing college or university credits. Likewise, teachers who are already certified (and already have a license) and wish to add additional endorsements to increase their placement possibilities and/or job acquisitions may add endorsements without completing an additional degree. Persons desiring further information should contact the Dean of Education, Concordia’s teacher certification officer.

See also: Please check the course catalog for other information about programs in which you are interested.