Education - Communication Disorders

The undergraduate degree in communication disorders provides the fundamental, prerequisite knowledge necessary for pursuing a graduate degree. Entry for practice in the field of communication disorders is an a clinical doctorate (Au.D.). for Audiology and a masters degree (M.S. or M.A.) for speech-language pathology.

Other Information

Majors in communication disorders must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. No courses taken on a Credit/No Credit basis will be accepted for the purpose of fulfilling any of the required content, professional, or major speech-language pathology coursework. A minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all professional courses is required for the Bachelors in Communication Disorders program.  All grades of incomplete and any new grades below "C" in these specific requirements must be removed.   Candidates are responsible for contacting their academic advisor.

The undergraduate degree in communication disorders is a pre-professional degree which does not lead to a certificate or license.  A doctorate degree is required for entry into the field of audiology.  A master’s degree is required for entry into the field of speech-language pathology. Completion of the UNO undergraduate communication disorders program does not guarantee admission to the UNO speech-language pathology graduate program.

Communication Disorders

For students pursuing the Communication Disorders major, no application is required.  To continue with Communication Disorders (CDIS) courses, students must maintain a 3.0 NU GPA or higher. 

Early Admission to the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program via FAST track

CDIS undergraduates are able to apply for early admission to the UNO SLP graduate program.  Interested candidates must meet the application requirements below:

1. Apply March of Junior Year
   1. Application (minimum of 3.5 undergraduate GPA to apply)

           i. Resume

           ii. Statement of Purpose: Please include the following in your response: Your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in speech-language pathology; your preparation for this field of study; your viewpoint on the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of speech-language pathology; your academic plans or research interests; and why would UNO be a good intellectual fit for you?

           iii. Transcripts (unofficial)

If selected, then applicants are eligible to enroll in a FAST track program. Applicants must meet or exceed minimum requirements throughout their senior year to be fully accepted into the graduate program at UNO.

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 six 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
    • 3.5 undergraduate GPA
    • Resume
    • Statement of Purpose (Please include the following in your response: Your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in speech-language pathology; your preparation for this field of study; your viewpoint on the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of speech-language pathology; your academic plans or research interests; and why would UNO be a good intellectual fit for you?)
• 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 six [6] graduate credit hours). 
  • During the fall semester of the senior year, students will register for CDIS 8200 and CDIS 8560
  • During the spring semester of the senior year, students will register for CDIS 8500-1
• 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.

Fast Track Courses:

Fall of senior year:

• CDIS 8200 (2.0) Advanced Study of Pediatric Speech-Sound Disorders
• CDIS 8560 (2.0) Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Spring of senior year:

• CDIS 8500 (2.0) Basic Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology

Contact

Office of Academic Advising and Field Experiences, Certification
204 Roskens Hall
402.554.2717

unocoeadvising@unomaha.edu

Dr. Shari DeVeney, Graduate Program Chair (GPC)
512 Roskens Hall
402.554.2993

sdeveney@unomaha.edu

Website

Communication Disorders, Bachelor of Science in Education Requirements

Communication Disorders, Bachelor of Science in Education Four Year Plan

This roadmap is a suggested plan of study and does not replace meeting with an advisor. Please note that students may need to adjust the actual sequence of courses based on course availability. Please consult an advisor in your major program for further guidance.

This plan is not a contract and curriculum is subject to change
 

Additional Information About this Plan:

University Degree Requirements:
The minimum number of hours for a UNO undergraduate degree is 120 credit hours. Please review the requirements for your specific program to determine all requirements for the program. In order to graduate on-time (four years for an undergraduate degree), you need to take 30 hours each year. Information based on 2024-2025 University of Nebraska at Omaha undergraduate catalog. 
 

Placement Exams:
For Math, English, Foreign Language, a placement exam may be required.  More information on these exams can be found at https://www.unomaha.edu/enrollment-management/testing-center/placement-exams/information.php

**Transfer credit or placement exam scores may change suggested plan of study

GPA Requirements: Cumulative and major 3.0 NU GPA after program admission, but those admitted to a graduate program consistently earn a GPA of at least a 3.5-3.7 or higher.

Grade of C or better is required in CDIS coursework, required related content in TED, SPED, PSYC, STAT, and required related courses on approved list.  Grade of C- or better required in BIOL 1020, BIOL 1330, CHEM 1140 & 1144, PHYS 1050, or PHYS 1110.