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 a clinical doctorate (Au.D.) for audiology and a master's degree (M.S. or M.A.) in 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 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. 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 FastTrack

CDIS undergraduates may apply for early admission to the UNO Speech-Language Pathology graduate program.  Interested candidates must meet the application requirements below:

Apply March of Junior Year 

1. Application (minimum of 3.5 undergraduate GPA to apply)
   • 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. 

• Transcripts (unofficial)

If selected, applicants will be granted eligibility to enroll in the Fast Track program.  To retain this eligibility, students must meet or exceed all established minimum academic standards throughout their senior year and successfully complete all requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders (CDIS). 

In addition, students must submit a completed application to the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduate program and receive full admission approval to matriculate into the University of Nebraska at Omaha Speech-Language Pathology graduate program. 

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 9 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
      • 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 nine [9] graduate credit hours).  
  • During the fall semester of the senior year, students may register for CDIS 8440: Aphasia (3 credit hours) and CDIS 8560: AAC (2 credit hours)
  • During the spring semester of the senior year, students may register for CDIS 8420: Voice Disorders (3 credit hours) and CDIS 8460: Dementia (1 credit hour)
• 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 and 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 all requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.50.  In addition, students must earn a grade point average of 3.00 or higher in all graduate coursework taken as part of the Fast Track program and remain in good academic standing.  Students must also submit a formal application for graduate admission and receive full admission approval to be considered for full admission into the Speech-Language Pathology graduate program.
  • The official graduate admission admit term must be subsequent to the term in which all requirements for the undergraduate degree are completed and the degree is formally awarded. 

Fast Track Courses:

Fall of senior year:

• CDIS 8560 (2.0) AAC
• CDIS 8440 (3.0) Aphasia

Spring of senior year:

• CDIS 8420 (3.0) Voice Disorders
• CDIS 8460 (1.0) Dementia

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 2026-2027 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.