Speech-Language Pathology, MS

The mission of the Special Education and Communication Disorders Department (SECD) is to prepare dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens to facilitate, design, implement, and evaluate programs to support people with varying abilities in educational settings and the community across the lifespan. Our candidates develop essential interpersonal skills that enable them to become valued members of collaborative, interdisciplinary teams. 

SECD accomplishes this mission by creating opportunities for the acquisition and maintenance of knowledge and skills, aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children, the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (for graduate program only), and state and federal regulations. 

Program Related Information

Program Contact

402.554.2201
unosecd@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Program Description

The Master of Science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The next accreditation will be in 2028.

Contact information for the accrediting body:
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard #310
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 800.498.2071

The program also is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education. The University of Nebraska at Omaha is authorized and in good standing with Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) to provide the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program.

The graduate program in speech-language pathology is designed to prepare speech-language pathologists for Nebraska teacher certification, state licensure, and certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Fast Track Program

The Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to seven graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate program.

Program Specifics:

• This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education in communication disorders desiring to pursue a MS in speech-language pathology (SLP) at UNO.
• Students must submit the departmental application to be considered for the Fast Track program.
  • Complete the department application in March of the junior year (no less than 60 undergraduate hours). Application requirements are:
    • Successfully completed CDIS 2420, CDIS 2550, CDIS 3450, CDIS 3460, CDIS 3370 with a grade of B or better
    • 3.5 undergraduate GPA
    • Resume
    • Statement of Purpose
      • Describe a specific experience that has shaped your understanding of speech-language pathology and explain how it has influenced your readiness for graduate-level training
      • Graduate study in speech-language pathology requires reflection, adaptability, and commitment to ongoing learning. Describe a challenge, feedback experience, or moment of growth that has shaped how you approach learning, collaboration or professional responsibility. 
• If the departmental application is approved, students must complete the Fast Track Approval form and obtain all signatures and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
• Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses (for a total of seven (7) graduate credit hours). 
  • During the fall semester of the senior year, students will register for CDIS 8560 and CDIS 8440
  • During the spring semester of the senior year, students may register for CDIS 8420 and CDIS 8460
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for the graduate course work to remain in good standing.
• Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all the rights and privileges granted undergraduate status including financial aid.
• Formal application to the graduate program is required by January 15 of the student’s senior year. The application fee will be waived, the applicant must contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
  • Admission to Fast Track does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.
  • Fast Track students must successfully complete their undergraduate BS degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and all graduate courses with a minimum of 3.0 or better, be in good standing, and complete formal graduate admission application to be considered for full admission into the speech-language pathology graduate program. 
  • The official admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Application Deadlines

• Fall 2027: January 15 for all application materials

Other Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or communication disorders; or if bachelor's degree in another field, must have completed the following courses in communication disorders:

• 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: Address the following (not to exceed two pages):

  • Describe a specific experience that has shaped your understanding of speech-language pathology and explain how it has influenced your readiness for graduate-level training.

  • Graduate study in speech-language pathology requires reflection, adaptability, and commitment to ongoing learning. Describe a challenge, feedback experience or moment of growth that has shaped how you approach learning, collaboration or professional responsibility.

• Letters of Recommendation:  Two letters from references who are familiar with your strengths and weaknesses in respect to academic/clinical work, and motivation to complete a graduate degree in speech-language pathology. Ensure recommenders are competent to judge your probability of success in graduate school for speech-language pathology.
• Resume
• Interview: The program may require selected applicants to participate in an interview as part of the admissions review process.

Degree Requirements

• In addition to satisfactory academic and clinical aptitude, candidates are expected to demonstrate Core Functions. These skills include academic and non-academic components necessary for graduate study and professional practice. Candidates must  demonstrate skills and attributes in six areas: communication, motor, sensory, intellectual-cognitive, interpersonal, and cultural responsiveness. These core functions enable candidates to meet graduate and professional requirements as measured by state licensure and national certification. Candidates will review the Core Functions during orientation, mid-term of first semester and then on an as needed basis. (Council of Academic Programs in Communication and Sciences and Disorders, 2023).
• Candidates must successfully complete the following within the first 30 days of enrollment:
  • A background check and clearance through the Nebraska Adult and Child Abuse & Neglect Central are required prior to enrollment and again prior to each clinical field placement (per agreement with site).  The background check must be completed with the designated time frame and through the vendor approved by the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. The costs associated with these requirements are the responsibility of the student.
  • A ten-panel drug screening is required prior to participation in medical clinical field placements (including pre-externship and medical externship experiences). The screening must be completed within the time frame established by the program, and results must be submitted directly to the program as instructed. All costs associated with the drug screening are the responsibility of the student.
• Academic integrity is expected for all interactions and requirements. This includes, but is not limited to: original work on exams, accountability and completion of requirements, maintenance of confidentiality for individuals and class discussions when appropriate, and accurate citation of original work. Plagiarism will result in an automatic failing grade for the assignment. Please refer to the UNO Academic Integrity Policy for more specific descriptions of academic integrity violations.
• Praxis Examination - Each candidate is required to complete the Praxis II Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology. Official scores must be received prior to applying for graduation. Scores must be sent to UNO directly from ETS, using code RA0174.

¹

CDIS 8500 (register two times) 

²

CDIS 8510 (Schools). Placements for this practicum are made as space permits.

³

CDIS 8520 (Hospitals; Rehabilitation Centers). Placements for this practicum are made as space permits.

⁴

CDIS 8510 and CDIS 8520 each will be taken once for four credit hours each. Students must earn a grade of "B" or better in each of these courses, as students may not retake either course. Failure to achieve a grade of "B" or better in either course will result in automatic dismissal from the program. Withdrawal from 8510 or 8520 is contingent upon written permission of the advisor and current grade of B or better at the time of requested withdrawal. These varied practica are designed to provide the candidate with a wide range of clinical experiences with individuals across the age span, cultural backgrounds, cognitive levels, and disability categories.

**All student clinicians need to earn a B or higher in order to pass externships. Externships may not be retaken.

Exit Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 400 clinical clock hours.

• Successfully complete the Clinical Cumulative Evaluation.

• Completion of the Praxis II exam.

Non-Thesis Option

• Successfully complete the comprehensive exam.

Thesis Option

• Complete 6 credit hours of SPED 8990

Intervention Policy for Content and Clinicals

Every course/clinic assignment in the speech-language pathology program is connected to the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) along with the Council on Academic Accreditation Standards (CAA). CFCC and CAA standards are found in each course syllabus and must be successfully met for the course to count toward certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Please refer to ASHA’s website for more information on CFCC and CAA standards (links below).

2020 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

2023 Council on Academic Accreditation Standards for Graduate Programs

Graduate Intervention Policy

Core Functions