Communication Disorders Program Information and Admission Requirements

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• Speech/Language Pathology - Master of Science in Education Degree
• CDIS Courses
• Department of Communication Disorders

Advising

In consultation with an advisor, the graduate student will develop a program of study/degree audit after acceptance into the degree program. This program will be approved by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The program of study requires a minimum of 47 semester hours of course work to be selected with the advisor's approval. In some cases the graduate committee may require additional hours in Communication Disorders or in related areas if a student has a significant weakness in a specific area. A student may elect to take more than a minimum 47 hours. In special cases, alternate courses may be substituted for required courses, with the approval of the Communication Disorders faculty.

Admission Requirements

A student desiring to pursue the Master's Degree in the area of Speech/Language Pathology must have completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. If the degree was not comparable to that offered at the University of Nebraska at Kearney or if deficiencies exist, the student must take those undergraduate courses deemed necessary by the Communication Disorders faculty to make up the deficiencies. An applicant who has obtained a Bachelor's Degree in some other area will be required to take those undergraduate courses in Speech/Language Pathology and possibly in related areas necessary to complete the equivalent requirements for the undergraduate major. Applications are accepted for the fall term only and are due by January 15th.

Admission for Unconditional (Full) status is based on the following preferred qualifications:

1. Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores,
2. Undergraduate overall grade point average of B or better,
3. Undergraduate Communication Disorders major grade point average of B+ or better,
4. Graduate grade point average of B+,
5. Three letters of recommendation, and
6. Written communication skills assessed with submission of a personal statement for the on-line application.
7. International students must meet the Graduate School minimum TOEFL score and all of the above minimum admission criteria.
8. When all application materials have been received by the Office of Graduate Studies and REsearch, completed files will be forwarded to the CDIS Department for consideration and recommendation.
9. Top candidates for admission will be contacted regarding the next phase of the admission process, a CDIS Department interview/intake to be completed via video conferencing. Selected applicants will receive a confirmation notice via e-mail detailing the date and time of the interview/intake and the questions required for the interview.

Students may be admitted on a conditional basis if the applicant's materials do not meet minimal grade point or GRE standards. Unconditional (full) admission will not be granted until the student completes 12 hours of graduate course work in CDIS with a cumulative GPA of B or better.

UNK Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

http://www.unk.edu/offices/human_resources/aaeo/policies/nondiscrimination_policy.php

The University of Nebraska at Kearney declares and affirms a policy of equal educational and employment opportunities, affirmative action in employment, and nondiscrimination in providing its services to the public. Therefore, the University of Nebraska at Kearney shall not discriminate against anyone based on race, age, color, disability, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, marital status, or veteran status.

Comprehensive Exams or Thesis Options

In addition to successful completion of all required course work, students must pass a comprehensive exam. Students who complete a thesis do not write comprehensive exams. Students can register for up to six hours of thesis for completion of the degree. Thesis credit hours can be counted toward the requirement of 47 hours of course work as elective credits.

Professional Certification

Enrollment in CDIS 893P, Internship (Schools) for 10 hours, and CDIS 894P, Internship (Clinical) for 6 hours, enables students to meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification requirements, Nebraska licensure requirements, and Nebraska teacher certification requirements. Such certification applications include both academic and clinical requirements. Additional course work may be added to a program of study to meet teacher certification requirements.

Program Description

The Communication Disorders program is designed to prepare Speech-Language Pathologists for Nebraska teacher certification, state licensure, and certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The program prepares graduates to work in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, federal and state institutions. It also prepares students to apply for advanced degree programs in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Speech and Hearing Sciences, and related areas. Additional professional opportunities include private practice, research, university teaching, and clinic supervision and administration.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Education degree in the Speech-Language Pathology Program at the University of Nebraska Kearney is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.