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Behavior Intervention Specialist Endorsement
This program may be completed as a standalone endorsement or through the Master of Special Education program.
Why Earn Your BIS Endorsement?
Candidates in the Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) endorsement program will obtain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to teach, consult, and provide services related to behavioral needs for children with disabilities, birth through age 21.
Standalone BIS Endorsement
18-30
Credit
Hours*
14
Months
(Average)
Next Start Date:
June 2, 2025
Application Deadline:
May 15, 2025
MSpEd Program + BIS Endorsement
36
Credit
Hours
2
Years
(Average)
Next Start Date:
January 13, 2025
Application Deadline:
January 1, 2025
Class Type: 100% Online, 8-week courses | Transfer Credits: Transfer up to 40% of the degree total
*18 credits for students who hold a special education endorsement; 30 credits for students who hold a regular teaching certificate (if no special education endorsement on the certificate).
Connect With Us
Meghan Christensen
Enrollment Specialist
Email Address: christensenm@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-941-6079
Taylor McLaughlin
Academic Advisor
Email Address: mclaughlin@midlandu.edu
Phone Number: 402-719-9545
Program Outcomes
The Behavior Intervention Specialist endorsement is a rigorous program focused on the following topics: 1) Characteristics, identification, and assessment methods for students with behavioral and emotional disorders; 2) Supports, interventions, and instructional strategies for students with behavioral and emotional needs; 3) Classroom behavior management strategies to support all learners; and 4) Policy, principles, and evidence-based practices to support individuals with disabilities across multiple settings.
Students in the BIS Endorsement will:
- Analyze policies, principles, and theories that promote the continuous improvement of special education programs, supports, and services at the classroom, school, and system level (NDE Rule 24 Guidelines Standard 3 and 4).
- Evaluate best practices related to identification and assessment of students with behavioral and emotional disorders (NDE Rule 24 Guidelines Standard 1 and 6).
- Select intervention and instruction strategies to support diverse learners with behavioral and emotional needs (NDE Rule 24 Guidelines Standard 2 and 4).
- Collaborate with stakeholders of the school community to advocate for effective policies and evidence-based practices that support the success of individuals with disabilities and their families (NDE Rule 24 Guidelines Standard 5, 6, and 7).
Curriculum & Learning Environment
Designed around a teacher’s demanding schedule, the BIS endorsement program can be completed 100% online with asynchronous coursework throughout. With the help of this program, students can immediately apply what they are learning to their profession each day because of our flexible online class structure.
Throughout the 14-month, program, students with a special education endorsement will complete six courses (18 credits). For students who hold a regular teaching certificate without a special education endorsement, a minimum of an additional 12 graduate semester hours in special education coursework is required (30 credits total). Classes start every summer and our program modules run from Monday through Sunday, with the bulk of assignments due on Sunday to allow teachers to plan around their demanding work schedules.
Coursework
A full list of Midland University Behavior Intervention Specialist Endorsement course descriptions and credit information can be found in the Academic Catalog.
View the Academic CatalogExperienced Faculty
With multiple years of combined teaching and leadership experience, our BIS faculty challenge student thinking and allow students to share authentic experiences to enrich learning.
Meet Our FacultyPlease note: Endorsements offered at the graduate level are based on the Rule 24 Standards for the State of Nebraska. Nebraska endorsements may or may not be eligible to be added to out-of-state teaching certificates. Teachers seeking to add an endorsement to their out-of-state teaching certificate must consult with their state’s Department of Education to confirm endorsement and certification requirements in their state.
Admissions
To apply to our BIS endorsement program, students begin the process by filling out our online application and creating an account on our admissions portal.
Please, note: If you are seeking just an endorsement, please fill out a non-degree seeking application. If you are a Master of Special Education applicant, please complete the graduate application.
For more admissions information, visit our admissions page.
Learn More About AdmissionsCost & Aid
We understand that the decision to earn a graduate-level endorsement represents a serious investment of time and money. The program offers an invaluable experience for practicing educators, and it is an investment that will provide significant returns for the rest of your teaching career. That said, there are plenty of ways to fund your higher education!
Not sure if you can afford to get your endorsement, right now? See what Midland University has to offer! You may qualify for one of our educational scholarships, sponsorships, or grants.
Learn More About Cost & Aid