GRADUATE STUDENT VIEWBOOK | 2020-2021
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR A SK A AT OM AH A
ACCESS TO EXCEP TIONAL
GRAD SCHOOL
AT UNO, YOU H AV E
ACCESS TO E XCEP TIONAL LE ARNING, LIV ING, AND LOC AT ION
As you think about applying to graduate school, ask yourself these three questions: 1. What is the value of a graduate degree regarding additional knowledge, skills, and income? 2. What advantages does graduate school at UNO offer? 3. How will I finance my degree?
I applaud you for considering the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) wide array of awardwinning graduate programs. Whether you hope to stand out in today’s competitive marketplace, develop your potential as a leader, or master the skills necessary to conduct life-changing research—you have come to the right place. UNO has helped professionals advance in their careers through access to exceptional graduate programs for more than 100 years.
As you consider your next step, I invite you to turn the page, read about our programs, and learn how a graduate degree from UNO will give you an edge in the workforce, lead to higher earnings throughout your career, and prepare you to lead in your organization and community. With over 90 graduate programs at all levels, UNO has numerous opportunities. Our Graduate Studies office and the faculty in all of our programs are here to assist you as you explore graduate school, and we’re here to support you when you choose UNO.
Deborah Smith-Howell, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs & Dean for Graduate Studies
CONTENTS
4 VALUE 6 CONNEC TIONS 8 ACHIEVEMENT
10 FINANCING & TUITION 12 SUPPORT SERVICES 14 ENROLLMENT & PROGR AMS
ACCESS TO EXCEP TIONAL
VALUE
We believe education isn’t a compromise. We focus our attention, expertise, and resources on our most important responsibility—you, our student. We develop, enhance, and promote outstanding graduate education; ensure a rich environment for learning, creative activity, and discovery; are recognized regionally, nationally, and globally; and have some of the best facilities in the nation.
KNOW THE “O” UNO is a premier metropolitan university that combines the resources of a doctoral research institution with a thriving community in the heart of Omaha, Nebraska. With a global reach and vision, UNO is large enough to provide the educational endeavors you seek, yet personal enough to include the mentorship you need to achieve academic excellence. Whether you’re a full-time or part-time student, or taking a course for professional development, you have full access to a traditional university experience on a metropolitan campus with nationally recognized faculty and accredited curriculum. A graduate degree or certificate from UNO provides you with the highly sought-after knowledge and skills that will give you an edge in a competitive marketplace, command higher earnings throughout your career, and prepare you to be a leader in your community. This is the “O” we want you to know—forward-thinking, studentcentered, and devoted to the city we call home.
[
K NO W.UNOM A H A .E DU
]
FLEXIBILITY OF CLASSES UNO offers a comprehensive selection of programs and classes that are offered in the traditional weekday time frame, as well as in the evenings, on weekends, and online to offer graduate students numerous education options. Online education options offer graduate students additional choices and flexibility.
Programs that can be completed entirely online
10 10
Master’s programs Certificate programs
FACULTY AND CLASS SIZE The graduate faculty at UNO is world-class and nationally recognized through professional academic associations. Our faculty members are dedicated to individual student instruction and mentoring to help guide students through their courses of study. The average graduate studentto-faculty ratio is 13:1.
DIVERSITY The graduate student body includes one in five students who are racially and ethnically diverse. UNO has an exceptional International Programs department that recruits worldwide. Currently, there are more than 250 students from 55 different countries in a Graduate Studies program at UNO.
4
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR ASK A AT OMAHA | GR ADSTUDIES.UNOMAHA .EDU
ACCREDITATION UNO is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC is one of six regional accrediting organizations for degree-granting post-secondary institutions in the United States, and serves as the accrediting body for higher education in 19 states. UNO has been accredited continuously by HLC (and its forerunner, the North Central Association) since 1939. In addition to institutional accreditation, many academic programs have sought and been awarded accreditation specific to their degree offerings. Accredited programs meet rigorous standards of academic quality. As a result, students can be assured their educational experiences at UNO will be of the highest caliber.
CUTTING-EDGE FACILITIES An exceptional education requires a superior learning environment. Students at UNO have access to the most cutting-edge technology in the region and we are continually adding more options.
Some of our top facilities include: • Aviation Advanced Simulation Facility • Bioinformatics Computing Lab • Biomechanics Research Building • Creative Production Lab • Koraleski Commerce and Applied Behavior Lab • Mallory Kountze Planetarium • Strauss Performing Arts Center
Standards of quality include: • Faculty credentials • Assessment processes • Library holdings • Physical facilities • Funding support for institution and its programs
180+
High tech classrooms, labs, and auditoriums across campus
VALUE
5
ACCESS TO EXCEP TIONAL
CONNECTIONS The shared goal of Omaha and UNO has always been to empower students and residents through access to exceptional education and shared resources, while enriching the global community. Internships, service learning, applied research, and other collaborative activities between the city and our campus prepare you to graduate ready and able to navigate your career.
3 Top U.S. Cities Where Millennials Are Moving and Staying Financial Advisor, 2019
6
5 Omaha is home to four Fortune 500 company headquarters
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR ASK A AT OMAHA | GR ADSTUDIES.UNOMAHA .EDU
Top 10 U.S. Cities Where Employees are the Happiest Fortune, 2019
Omaha is a key economic hub of the central states
CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT
GRADUATE STUDIES AND OMAHA UNO Graduate Studies programs take full advantage of the opportunities Omaha has to offer. All graduate programs have strong connections and partnerships with corporations and nonprofit organizations that value and recruit professionals with a UNO graduate degree. These close ties to businesses offer a multitude of opportunities for internships, mentoring, networking, and jobs in a variety of fields including: • Education • Government
• News • Nonprofit
• Business • Technology
The Omaha metropolitan area provides excellent opportunities for personal growth and enrichment. Omaha is home to numerous performing arts venues, leading technology centers, national sporting events, and exciting urban nightlife. Affordable housing options are available near campus and in a variety of dynamic neighborhoods.
ALUMNI COMMUNITY You’ll find Mavericks around the world and close to home. With more than 56,000 UNO alumni in the Omaha area, the UNO Alumni Association and faculty in your area of study are valuable resources in helping to provide networking opportunities. All UNO graduates automatically become a part of the alumni association upon graduation.
UNO is committed to and engaged with the city surrounding it, allowing students unique hands-on opportunities, internships, service learning, applied research, and other collaborative activities that enhance time in the classroom. We provide students with many opportunities to engage with our local, national, and global communities.
[
E NG A GE ME N T.UNOM A H A .E D U
]
673
Classes with a community engagement component
500+
University partner organizations focused on community issues
[ UNO A L UMNI. OR G ]
OMAHA CONNEC TIONS
7
HAVING HAD THE EXPERIENCE TO EXPLORE THE THINGS I WAS INTERESTED IN HERE AT UNO AND THEN PRESENTING AT A CONFERENCE LED TO MY DREAM JOB. Anthony Starke began looking for Ph.D. programs while pursuing his master’s degree in Virginia when he learned that UNO was among the top nationally-ranked Ph.D. programs in Public Affairs. At UNO, Anthony found that the faculty was extremely supportive. He was able to take courses in the Black Studies program and explore different facets of his interests to build on his Public Administration degree. He attributes this experience with giving him a competitive edge as he moved into the next phase of life as faculty member at the University of Colorado Denver.
A N T HON Y S TA R K E PH.D. IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
ACCESS TO EXCEP TIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT
Academic achievement is the foundation of your professional career. We hold the prestigious classification of being a Carnegie Doctoral Research University—which means we offer specialized master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, certificates, and research opportunities.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE
MASTER’S DEGREE Master’s education is the fastest-growing and largest segment of graduate education. Many students and professionals recognize that in order to be competitive in the marketplace—and to keep moving ahead—additional skills and education are necessary. On average, employers will pay 15 percent more to those who hold a master’s degree than those with a bachelor’s degree.
A graduate certificate offers professional development opportunities to gain mastery in targeted career learning and develop a career competency in a single subject. With careful planning, certificate credits can be counted toward completion of a master’s degree.
Benefits:
• Develop new professional skills • Achieve graduate education • Earn a higher salary • Increase leadership abilities • Fifteen credit hours or 4-5 courses • Earn a credential in a specialized area
• Advance your career • Gain credentials • Hone professional skills • Change careers • Explore a new field • Increase leadership abilities
DOCTORAL DEGREE A doctoral degree is the pinnacle of graduate education, attracting the best and the brightest domestic and international students. A doctoral recipient is in an elite category, with less than two percent of the U.S. population earning a Ph.D. Students who relish intellectual challenges and have a thirst for knowledge through research will enjoy and thrive in doctoral study.
Benefits: • Advance your career • Advance the knowledge of your discipline • Maximize your earning power
Benefits:
RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY An essential part of every graduate program is for students to learn to use the tools of research, both scholarly and applied. The Office of Research and Creative Activity (ORCA) provides leadership in the development of that research by securing grants and other funding opportunities, as well as partnerships with expert faculty mentors to help advance knowledge. During the Fall 2019 semester, the Office of Graduate Studies awarded a total of over $20,000 to 51 graduate students presenting at conferences around the country.
ACCESS TO EXCEP TIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES UNO’s premier graduate school education is offered at the most affordable tuition rates in the region and provides a multitude of funding sources for graduate students to help finance their education.
FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form the U.S. Department of Education requires to determine your financial aid eligibility. Students with financial need may be eligible for loans or work-study funding.
[
F A F S A . GO V
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS Graduate Assistantships are intended to award students who have demonstrated high academic performance and potential at the graduate level. Graduate Assistants, or “GAs,” work 20 hours each week and carry a minimum of six graduate hours each semester. In addition to tuition remission, GAs receive a monthly stipend and are eligible for medical benefits.
]
SCHOLARSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS, AWARDS, AND WAIVERS
The duties of a GA could be teaching; instructing and supervising undergraduate level labs; grading or evaluating performance of undergraduate students; collecting and processing research data for faculty; or preparing presentation materials.
ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
Graduate Scholarships Graduate Studies offers several scholarships for both residents and non-residents and encourages all students to apply.
UNO depends on student employees to augment its employment ranks and offers both federal work study and student worker opportunities.
Fellowships
For a current list of job postings, visit
UNO offers fellowships that are used to recruit outstanding prospects for UNO graduate programs.
[
Awards
Each year, the Regents of the University of Nebraska make funds available in the form of the Regents Tuition Waiver (RTW) to recruit highly qualified students who are also Nebraska residents.
UNO offers benefits and federal assistance to service members, veterans, and their dependents and helps students maximize their tuition assistance and veteran benefits.
[
[
Regents Tuition Waiver
GR A D S T UDIE S .UNOM A H A .E D U/F IN A NC I A L A ID
]
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR ASK A AT OMAHA | GR ADSTUDIES.UNOMAHA .EDU
]
MILITARY & VETERANS BENEFITS
Gift assistance is available for graduate students and awarded on the basis of academic excellence and professional performance.
10
HUM A NR E S O UR C E S .UNOM A H A .E D U
MIL I TA R Y.UNOM A H A .E D U
]
GRADUATE STUDIES TUITION RATES The information below is estimated per credit hour and based on the nine-month academic year (2020-21).*
TUITION-REDUCTION PROGRAMS Metropolitan Advantage Program The Metropolitan Advantage Program (MAP) offers residents or high school graduates of 11 Iowa counties the opportunity to attend UNO graduate programs at significantly reduced tuition rates that are lower than or competitive with four-year institutions in Iowa. Counties include Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby, and Woodbury.
On-Campus
NE NonResident Resident
College of Arts and Sciences College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences College of Public Affairs and Community Service
$341.00
$820.00
$512.00
College of Business Administration
$393.00
$968.00
$590.00
College of Information Science & Technology
$356.00
$994.00
$534.00
MAP
Distance Education
NE Resident
Non-Resident & MAP
College of Arts and Sciences
$375.00
$617.00
College of Business Administration
$393.00
$807.00
$375.00
$617.00
$514.00
$514.00
College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media Excluding Master of Fine Arts
College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
Eligible UNO graduate students who are Iowa residents will pay 150 percent of resident tuition. The UNO reduced tuition is close to the rates charged by the University of Iowa, Iowa State, and the University of Northern Iowa.
College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
$351.00
$457.00
College of Information Science & Technology
$375.00
$632.00
[
College of Public Affairs and Community Service
$375.00
$617.00
GR A D S T UDIE S .UNOM A H A .E D U/M A P
]
Midwest Student Exchange Program The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) is a multi-state reciprocity program. Through the MSEP, public institutions agree to charge students no more than 150 percent of the in-state resident tuition rate for specific programs. Participating students will typically realize savings between $500 and $3,000 per semester. Eligible participants must be a legal resident of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin and enrolling as a non-resident student at a participating MSEP campus.
[
GR A D S T UDIE S .UNOM A H A .E D U/M S E P
]
Including Master of Fine Arts
* The information provided is not a bill; this is a cost estimation based on current tuition rates. The estimates are conservative by design, and in no way attempt to reflect differences in actual costs incurred by students with differing lifestyle choices. The University of Nebraska at Omaha reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice, upon approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
MANDATORY FEES UNO has mandatory fees that go along with the cost of tuition. Mandatory student fees are defined as amounts which are directly assessed to all enrolled graduate and undergraduate students, are required to be paid with tuition, and are generally dedicated to specific purposes. On-campus student fees and online student fees will vary.
[ C A SHIER ING.UNOM A H A .EDU/ T UI T ION ] AFFORDABILIT Y AND TUITION R ATES
11
ACCESS TO EXCEP TIONAL
SUPPORT
UNO works to create a more inclusive environment by providing a variety of programs and services that support students academically, socially, and physically to enhance time in and out of the classroom.
SERVICES & PROGRAMS The following is a list of student support and success services UNO offers its students: • Academic and Career Development Center • Accessibility Services • Campus Recreation • Civic and Social Responsibility • Criss Library • Computer Science Learning Center • Counseling Services • Gender and Sexuality Resource Center • Health Services • Math-Science Learning Center • Military and Veteran Services • Multicultural Affairs • Speech Center • Wellness Center • Writing Center
WRITING CENTER The UNO Writing Center has dedicated writing consultants on staff to assist graduate students. Schedule an appointment or stop by during walk-in hours to receive help with formatting, academic writing styles, application materials for scholarships and conferences, and more.
[
12
U N O M A H A . E D U/ W R I T IN G C E N T E R
]
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES CENTER The Accessibility Services Center (ASC) collaborates with students, administrators, faculty, and staff to ensure that reasonable and appropriate accommodations and equal access to university programming for our students with disabilities is provided.
GENDER AND SEXUALITY RESOURCE CENTER The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) promotes equity, access, and inclusion for all genders and sexualities through education, resources, advocacy, and activism. It offers specific programs and services for women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans spectrum, queer spectrum, intersex, asexual, non-straight, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQIA+) peoples, and survivors of interpersonal violence in the UNO community.
MILITARY AND VETERAN SERVICES The Office of Military and Veteran Services (OMVS) fosters and encourages UNO’s military community—on-campus, online, and overseas. It focuses on academic achievement, career attainment, financial health, and overall physical and mental wellness. This is a one-stop office where military, veterans, and their family members can find services and programs at UNO tailored to their needs, such as online degree programs, references to disability and counseling services, and a flexible deployment policy.
MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS The Office of Multicultural Affairs (MCA) works to support the underrepresented students at UNO by developing and maintaining success programs designed to empower students to reach their educational and professional goals. Together with the community, they promote a shared understanding, knowledge, and appreciation for varied perspectives.
UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR ASK A AT OMAHA | GR ADSTUDIES.UNOMAHA .EDU
UNO focuses on the eight dimensions of wellness to encourage and promote an overall balanced lifestyle
500+
Employers participated in UNO career fairs, mock interviews, career panels, and on-campus recruiting last year
UNO is recognized as the most LGBTQIA+ friendly institution in the state of Nebraska Best Colleges, 2018
TOP 10
Best public institution for Military Friendliness seven years in a row Military Times, 2013-2020
SUPPORT SERVICES
13
2019-20 GRADUATE STUDENT ENROLLMENT SNAP SHOT
2,909
639
Graduate students
15,432
GRADUATE ENROLLMENT INCREASES FROM FALL 2018 TO FALL 2019
New graduate students
469
Underrepresented students
Total enrollment with graduate students
9% 10%
Increased enrollment of graduate students in online-only classes
Increased enrollment of graduate students in multi-delivery modes
893
282
International Students
TOP FIVE COUNTRIES REPRESENTED - CITIZENSHIP
1 2 3 4 5
India China Republic of Korea Iran Oman
Full-time
2%
2,016
Increased underrepresented graduate students
Part-time
STUDENTS’ CLASSIFICATION Graduate Certificate
516 Nonresident (excluding map) students
70
Master’s
706
Master’s and doctoral degrees conferred during Fall 2019 and Spring 2020
2,275
Specialists and Non-degree
345
Doctoral
219
SOURCES: 2019-2020 CENSUS ADMINISTR ATIVE SITE DATA FROM OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL EFFEC TIVENESS; OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSIT Y REGISTR AR
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
MASTER’S DEGREES
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
Master of Arts/Master of Science
Educational Administration
› Applied Behavior Analysis › Athletic Training › Biology › Biomechanics › Biomedical Informatics › Communication › Computer Science › Computer Science Education › Counseling*** › Criminology & Criminal Justice* › Critical & Creative Thinking* › Cybersecurity* › Data Science › Economics › Educational Leadership › Elementary Education › English
Master of Accounting
› Geography › Health and Kinesiology › History › Industrial-Organizational Psychology › IT Innovation › Language Teaching › Literacy › Management Information Systems › Mathematics › Political Science* › Psychology › School Psychology › Secondary Education › Social Gerontology* › Sociology › Special Education*** › Speech-Language Pathology › Urban Studies
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Biomedical Informatics
Gerontology
Criminology & Criminal Justice
Information Technology
Exercise Science
Public Administration
Psychology
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Advanced Writing
Information Assurance*
Applied Behavior Analysis*
Instruction in Urban Schools
Artificial Intelligence
Intelligence & National Security*
English
Psychology
Computer Science
Management Information Systems Teacher Education
Master of Arts for Teachers of Mathematics
Biomedical Science
Political Science
Master of Business Administration
Business for Bioscientists
Music
Executive Master of Business Administration Executive Master of Science: Information Technology Master of Fine Arts in Writing**
Biology
Biology and Business Administration
Business in Health Administration
Business Administration
Kodaly Managing Juvenile & Adult Populations
Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work
Communication
Nonprofit Management*
Master of Social Work*
Communication Networks
Project Management
DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
Computer Science Education*
Public Management*
Master of Business Administration
Data Analytics
Software Engineering
Geographic Information Science
Supply Chain Management*
Master of Music Master of Public Administration*
› Doctor of Pharmacy (UNMC) › Master of Science in Management Information Systems › Master of Science in Nursing (UNMC) › Master of Public Health (UNMC)
Communication
Computer Science
Computer Science Education
Management Information Systems
Geography
Master of Public Administration
Gerontology*
Master of Social Work
Global Information Operations
› Master of Science in Management Information Systems › Master of Social Work › Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice › Master of Public Health (UNMC)
Master of Arts
› Social Gerontology, and Juris Doctorate (UNL)
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST Educational Administration & Supervision
Gerontology
Political Science, Computer Science, and Religious Studies
Government* Political Science
History*
Public Administration
Management Information Systems Public Administration Computer Science
Business Administration
Systems Analysis & Design
Management Information Systems
Systems and Architecture Computer Science
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages English
Technical Communication Certificate English and Communication
History
Human Resources & Training Communication, Psychology, and Business Administration
School Psychology *Programs that can be completed entirely online. **Program is conducted online, with five 10-day, conference-style residency sessions. ***Select concentration(s)
MOVE FORWARD WITH YOUR CAREER, AND YOUR LIFE. A Graduate Studies degree at UNO can be the catalyst you need to make positive, lasting changes. Get started, apply today!
[ A P P LY.UNOM A H A .EDU ]
Connect with the University of Nebraska at Omaha Office of Graduate Studies gradstudies.unomaha.edu
gradschool@unomaha.edu
402.554.2341
/UNOGraduateStudies
@UNOGradStudies
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 0024BKGDS0820 All facts and figures presented in this book are based off of statistics obtained from the 2019-20 academic year.