Speech Pathology and Audiology, M.S.

I. Contact Information

Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology
Redfield Bldg/0152 (775) 784-4887

Dr. Debra C. Vigil, Graduate Program Director
(775) 682-7019
dvigil@medicine.nevada.edu

Graduate Handbook *

II. Brief Description

The Masters degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology is required for professional licensure and the Certificate for Clinical Competence in the field. It requires the completion of a minimum of 45 graduate level credits for a non-thesis option or an additional 6 credits or a minimum of 51 graduate level credits for a thesis option.

This is a two-year program that includes experiential clinical hours. The M.S. curriculum provides a variety of course offerings that emphasize evaluation and treatment of communicative disorders involving language, phonology, fluency, voice, alaryngeal speech, aphasia, cleft palate, autism, augmentative communication, cerebral palsy, and literacy.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

The general mission of the Department is to provide high quality educational experiences, research productivity in the area of communication science and disorders, and clinical services to the communicatively-impaired. Program objectives are as follows:

• As there is a critical shortage of speech-language pathologists, the department will sustain enrollment in all degree programs.
• Faculty will conduct research, seek extramural funding, and encourage student involvement in research.
• Faculty commits to developing specialized clinical programs that reflect current needs and future trends utilizing current technology and expanding innovations.
• Master candidates will develop skills and experience in assessment and therapeutic techniques for children and adults with communication disorders.

IV. Admissions Requirement

• Students must meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology OR completion of Graduate Special course sequence.
• Minimum G.P.A. of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores must be submitted as part of the application. Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing are required.
• Tours of the departmental facilities may be scheduled in advance by contacting the department at (775)-784-4887.

V. Program Requirements

• SPA 660 - Advanced Speech Sound Disorders (3 units)
• SPA 663 - Internship in Speech Pathology and Audiology (2 to 8 units)
• SPA 667 - Language Assessment and Intervention: 0-5 (3 units)
• SPA 720 - Research Design (3 units)
• SPA 721 - Craniofacial Disorders (3 units)
• SPA 723 - Language Theory (3 units)
• SPA 751 - Dysphasia (3 units)
• SPA 752 - Fluency Disorders (3 units)
• SPA 753 - Motor Speech and Swallowing Disorders (3 units)
• SPA 754 - Seminar in Alaryngeal Speech (2 units)
• SPA 759 - Seminar in Clinical Procedures (2 units) (8 units total - 4 semesters at 2 units each)
• SPA 762 - Disorders of Voice (3 units)
• SPA 767 - Advanced Practicum (2 units)
• SPA 795 - Comprehensive Examination (1 to 3 units)
• SPA 797 - Thesis (1 to 6 units) (Optional)

VI. Program Total Hours (45-51 Units)

Requirements for the Non-Thesis Master’s of Science degree in speech pathology are a minimum of 45 credits.  An additional 6 credits or a minimum of 51 graduate level credits are required for the Thesis option.

VII. Undergraduate Prerequisites/Notes

Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Graduate Special Standing. Students who qualify for graduate special status will have to complete the following undergraduate curriculum prior to applying for admission to the graduate program: SPA 201  , SPA 320  , SPA 330  , SPA 340  , SPA 345  , SPA 362  , SPA 364  , SPA 365  / SPA 765  , SPA 370  , SPA 467  . These courses must be taken in a prescribed sequence to ensure completion within a one-year time period.

Graduate Handbook

* Curriculum requirements in the catalog supersede the Graduate handbook.