Education & Human Sciences Communication Sciences & Disorders
Description
The bachelor of science in communication sciences and disorders provides the pre-professional courses required for graduate study in either speech-language pathology or audiology. The entry level for practice as a speech-language pathologist requires a master's degree in speech-language pathology. A doctorate of audiology (AuD) is required to practice audiology. Upon completion of the advanced degree in either field and the licensure/certification requirements, a person may work in a variety of settings, including schools or other education agencies, medical clinics or other medical/nursing facilities, health agencies, or private practice.
Admission
Admission to the College of Education and Human Sciences does not guarantee admission into a teacher education program. Admission into the undergraduate pre-professional training program in communication sciences and disorders does not guarantee admission into graduate school. Graduate programs have competitive admission requirements. To stay on track in the program, students must:
- Complete courses by certain times in sequence.
- Maintain an average of 3.0 or better across SLPA courses.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better by the end of year two in the program.
General Information
The College of Education and Human Sciences has the people, the programs and a proven track record that stretches across three centuries. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals, families, schools and communities and strengthening the relationships among them. CEHS is working collectively to enhance outcomes in early childhood, health and wellness, and communities. The College offers undergraduate programs leading to a bachelor of science in education and human sciences degree in a number of degree programs. Degree programs in teaching areas, when completed qualify a student to be considered by the Nebraska Department of Education for a teaching certificate.
Experiential learning and hands-on experiences are key components of degree programs in CEHS. Early field placement in public and private schools is a nationally recognized hallmark of the teacher education program in the College of Education and Human Sciences. While internships are a valuable enhancement to many students’ education, in the College of Education and Human Sciences, practicum experiences and student teaching are a critical and essential part of the teacher education curriculum and these must be successfully completed.
Teacher education programs (or majors) are divided into field endorsements or single-subject endorsements. Field endorsements certify the candidate to teach a broader range of courses compared to single-subject endorsements, which certify the candidate to teach in one subject area only. Consequently, a teacher holding a field endorsement is typically more marketable than a teacher holding a single-subject endorsement. Candidates may also elect to complete course requirements to apply for supplemental endorsements; these are additional endorsements that can be added to a field or single-subject endorsement but cannot be taken alone. Supplemental endorsements require additional credit hours beyond those needed for the first endorsement (field or single subject). Teachers may increase their marketability by adding supplemental endorsements.
Admission
All education programs have a competitive admission process. At some point in time, after meeting specific education requirements, all students must formally apply to their particular education program.
Pre-Education Status
All newly admitted students who are pursuing a teacher preparation program are classified as pre-education students until admitted to a specific Teacher Education Program.
Admission to Student Teaching
Students are required to student teach to complete the educator preparation program and qualify for a Nebraska Teaching certificate. Students must complete the student teaching application by the published deadline each semester to be eligible for a placement. A student teaching placement requires a full-day, everyday experience for an entire semester. Admission to student teaching requires the following:
- Matriculation in a teacher education program in the College of Education and Human Sciences, the Graduate College, or dual matriculation in the College of Education and Human Sciences and another college.
- Admission to a specific teacher education program.
- Senior standing (89 hours or more) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- Minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the endorsement area with no grade below C.
- A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in pre-professional and professional education courses and no grade below C in pre-professional education courses and no grade below a C+ in professional education courses.
- All endorsement, pre-professional and professional education coursework must be completed prior to student teaching. If necessary, no more than 6 hours of general education (ACE) or elective classes can be completed after the student teaching experience with advanced approval from the Office of Field Experience & Certification.
- No additional coursework can be taken during the student teaching semester unless prior approval is obtained from the Certification Officer, the Director of Field Experiences, or the Department Chair that oversees the program.
Praxis Subject Assessments (formerly Praxis II)
The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) requires that all candidates pursuing a Nebraska teaching certificate, pass the content examination identified by the NDE for each field or subject area in which a student wishes to be endorsed. It is recommended that students complete all content courses before taking the appropriate exam and take the exam(s) no later than the semester preceding student teaching. A listing of the required exams can be found at: http://www.ets.org/praxis/ne/requirements. Exam registration is available at http://www.ets.org.
Other
Student Teaching Placement
The Office of Field Experiences and Certification is responsible for the placement of student teachers. Several factors are considered in assigning student teachers to a specific district and school, including the availability of a high-quality cooperating teacher and supervisor who meets the requirements of the Nebraska Department of Education and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Requests to student teach out-of-state are not guaranteed and require additional processes and extended timelines. Students wishing to request an out-of-state placement must meet with the Director of Field Experiences as early as possible to determine eligibility.
Removal from Field & Clinical Placements
Students participating in practicum or student teaching placements may be removed from their assigned schools if their performance does not meet required standards, if their conduct is unprofessional and/or threatens the well-being or learning of the students, or at the request of the school and/or district.
Practicum Students: Any student who is removed from a practicum assignment may appeal that decision by submitting a written request to the appropriate Department Chair within 30 days of the removal. The Department Chair will convene an appeals committee, request pertinent information from the student and CEHS personnel and notify the student seven business days in advance of the scheduled appeal meeting. Students are advised of their right to seek legal advice. The Committee’s decision will be forwarded in writing to the student, to the Director of Field Experiences, and to the Dean of the College.
Student Teachers: Guidelines for professional behaviors required of all student teachers can be found in The Student Teaching Handbook located on the CEHS website. Removal from a placement may be requested by the cooperating teacher, the building or the district administrator, or the university supervisor. The Director of Field Experiences will gather information and document efforts to correct the situation prior to making a decision on continuation.
Any student removed from a student teaching assignment may appeal that decision by submitting a written request to Certification Officer within 30 days of the removal. The Certification Officer will convene an appeals committee, request pertinent information from the student, the advisor and the Director of Field Experiences, and notify the student seven business days in advance of the scheduled appeal meeting. Students are advised of their right to seek legal advice. The Committee’s decision will be forwarded in writing to the student, to the Director of Field Experiences, and to the Dean of the College.
Application for a Nebraska Teaching Certificate
To actively engage in the teaching profession, a candidate must fulfill both the CEHS degree requirements and the professional certification requirements of the Nebraska Department of Education. Students may apply for a Nebraska teaching certificate at www.education.ne.gov/tcert/. As part of the application, students are required to send their transcripts to NDE and may do so through MyRed.
Graduation Without Certification
In rare cases, permission may be granted for a student to graduate without a recommendation for teacher certification (GWC). Any student who pursues this option must have senior class standing and be within two semesters of student teaching. In addition, the student:
- Must be unable to qualify for student teaching based on grades or other performance-based issues.
- Be removed from student teaching by the Office of Field Experiences and Certification.
- Be unable to complete all of the professional requirements in a teacher education program because of illness or another unusual situation.
If a student is unable to meet all of the requirements as described in the “Admission to Student Teaching” section, such as minimum course grade requirements for courses in the professional education sequence or in the content area, but still earns passing grades in those courses while maintaining the grade point average minimums, then the student may be eligible to GWC. A student should contact his or her advisor to determine eligibility and start the process, which includes the submission of a formal request to the College’s Certification Officer to be allowed to graduate without completing all certification requirements. If permission is granted, the student is expected to complete all remaining content area and professional education requirements except student teaching. The requirements include passing grades in all remaining courses while maintaining the minimum grade point averages as specified in the “Admission to Student Teaching” section. The student must still meet the ACE 10 general education requirement and a plan will be part of the GWC process.
Any student who graduates without a recommendation for certification will not be recommended for teacher certification in any state. In addition, the student will not be eligible for graduation with honors. If, at some future time, the student wishes to complete certification requirements, (s)he must first appeal for readmission to a teacher education program. At least one semester must pass after graduation before the appeal can be made unless the GWC plan incorporates specific timelines for re-entry. Students with extenuating circumstances (student athletes, health events, etc.) who receive approval from the Certification Office during the GWC application process will not be required to wait one semester before applying for readmission. If the appeal is granted, the student will be eligible to complete all requirements in effect at the time of re-entry and must earn passing grades in all methods courses.
Career Center
The CEHS Career Center, located in 105 Hezlik Hall, is staffed by Career Coaches who can help CEHS students explore opportunities, gain experiences, and tell their story to make their dream career path a reality. Career Coaches can help with resume writing, planning for graduate school, finding employment during or after degree completion, and more! The CEHS Career Center partners with University Career Services to provide campus-wide career programming as well as career fairs.
Criminal History Background Check Requirement
The College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) has the responsibility to ensure that all students who are in placements where they interact with children of all ages, served by schools or other public or private agencies, meet a high level of personal, professional and ethical behavior. These students must complete an official criminal history background check through the CEHS vendor prior to participating in a field experience or internship. Students are responsible for the cost of any required criminal history background checks. A background check is required prior to the first practicum placement or as part of a program’s application program. A second background check is required before a student teaching or culminating internships placement.
Students with felony or misdemeanor charges or convictions, as reported on the background check, may be contacted by the College. Depending upon the frequency and severity of the charges and/or convictions, students may be required to meet with the Director of Field Experiences. If any new charges or convictions are acquired after a background check has been completed, students are required to report those to the Director of Field Experiences immediately after the event occurs. Failure to disclose any new information concerning one's criminal history can lead to removal from the program. Continued participation in school or community field experiences in the College will be based on the type and number of convictions, the recency of those occurrences, and whether they violate the requirements of the Nebraska Department of Education and/or the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. If the convictions are deemed to be serious in nature, a student may be prohibited from participating in a field experience in a pre-school, school or public agency setting. The student may then be referred to the department chair for further disciplinary action.
Professional and Ethical Behavior: Avoiding Risky Behaviors
Students planning to enter professions in education or the human sciences must be able to demonstrate that they are individuals of strong moral character who can make mature decisions for themselves and others. Therefore, the College of Education and Human Sciences requires that its students show a high degree of moral character and the ability to act in a responsible manner. Students must consider how the College, the profession, an employer, or the community perceives or evaluates the impact of any questionable behavior. Students’ success in their profession is impaired by taking risks that are unacceptable for children, demonstrating a lack of professionalism and good judgment, and showing disregard for one’s personal reputation or the integrity of the College.
The College of Education and Human Sciences reserves the right to evaluate student fitness for the profession and deny entry to or dismiss a student from any program if, through the reasonable exercise of the judgment of its Certification Officer or the Director of Field Experiences, the College determines that the student’s behavior represents a lack of integrity, questionable moral/ethical character, or represents a risk to young persons. Such behaviors shall be adequate foundation to deny the student’s participation in any practicum or field experience to protect the interests and safety of children. The consequences of unprofessional, unethical, or risky behavior will depend upon the unique circumstances involved.
Appeal to the Dean
Should a student object to the determination made by the Certification Officer or the Director of Field Experiences with respect to criminal behavior or unprofessional behavior, the student may appeal to the Dean of the College, in writing, within ten days of the determination, requesting the Dean of the College to investigate and review the determination. The student’s written appeal shall clearly explain the basis for the appeal. The Dean will review the student’s basis for appeal and is authorized but not required to look into related concerns, whether or not such concerns are contained in the student’s written appeal. The Dean shall render a decision on the appeal as soon as reasonably possible, but in no case longer than 20 days following the initiation of the appeal. Once the Dean has completed the review and investigation, he or she shall deliver to the student and the Certification Officer or the Director of Field Experiences a written decision, which shall be final and not subject to further appeal or review with the University of Nebraska
College Requirements
College Admission
Students accepted by the University must have an ACT of 20 or SAT of 950, a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average, or rank in the upper half of their high school graduating class and have the following high school preparation to be eligible for guaranteed admission to the College of Education and Human Sciences:
- Four years of English that include intensive reading and writing experience.
- Two years of one foreign language.
- Four years of mathematics that include Algebra I, II, geometry, and one year that builds on a knowledge of algebra.
- Three years of natural sciences that include at least two years selected from biology, physics, chemistry, and earth science and one year of laboratory instruction.
- Three years of social studies that include at least one year of American and/or world history and one year of history, American government, and/or geography.
Transfer and Readmitted Students
Transfer students from universities or colleges outside of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and readmitted students seeking admission to the College of Education and Human Sciences must have an accumulated average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or above and no high school deficiencies. Students who do not meet these requirements must enroll as deciding students in the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center or in another college. Once they have completed 12 graded hours at Nebraska with a minimum 2.0 grade point average and have removed any high school deficiencies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln students may apply for admission to the College.
Transfer and readmitted students must meet the graduation requirements for the College of Education and Human Sciences as stated in the current catalog in effect at the time they enter or reenter the College.
Students who left the College on academic warning, or who were dismissed, may seek readmission to the College after two semesters by applying to the university’s Admissions Office. Readmission is not assured. However, the admissions committee is receptive to giving students a second opportunity to be successful. The committee is interested in knowing what the student has done in the intervening period that would suggest the student will be successful when readmitted. Successfully completing correspondence courses and/or community college courses is an effective way to demonstrate one’s commitment to academic success.
Transferring from Other Colleges within the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Students transferring to the College of Education and Human Sciences from another University of Nebraska–Lincoln college or from the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, be in good academic standing, and meet the freshman entrance requirements that exist at the time of their admission to the College of Education and Human Sciences. Students must fulfill degree requirements that exist at the time of their admission to the college, not at the time they enter the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
To remain current, College of Education and Human Sciences students must enroll in, and complete, at least one university course that will apply toward degree requirements during a 12-month period. Students who readmit following an absence of one year or more must meet all requirements in the Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of readmission and enrollment. Students who transfer to another University of Nebraska–Lincoln college and later return to the College of Education and Human Sciences will be considered readmitted students. Students who transfer out of a teacher education program, but continue their certification program while seeking a degree in another University of Nebraska–Lincoln college, are exempt from this policy.
International Students
The College of Education and Human Sciences welcomes undergraduate international students. As a part of admission to the College, international students must present a TOEFL score of 550 or higher and TSE score of 230 or higher.
Students seeking teacher education and state certification must meet the same requirements as any other undergraduate students. Students who have received a degree outside of the United States and are interested in teacher certification are required to have a transcript review completed by an approved agency not directly associated with the University of Nebraska. For more information, please contact the Student Services Center.
Removal of Deficiencies
Students admitted to the University with core deficiencies are expected to remove those deficiencies in a timely manner. Students with deficiencies are not eligible for graduation. The courses that students use to clear core deficiencies may also be used to meet ACE requirements or other graduation requirements. The Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences will make the final decision concerning any problems or questions that may arise in satisfying requirements to remove deficiencies.
College Degree Requirements
Grade Rules
Minimum Grade Requirements
Grade requirements vary from major to major. Please see the appropriate major listing or check with your advisor regarding minimum grade requirements.
Pass/No Pass Option
CEHS students are allowed to take up to 12 hours of Pass/No Pass (P/N) credit. The college departments vary on P/N policies. Students should check with their advisor to be certain they qualify for the Pass/No Pass option.
Grade Appeals
Any student enrolled in a course in the College of Education and Human Sciences who wishes to appeal alleged unfair and prejudicial treatment by a faculty member shall present their appeal in writing to the Dean’s Office no later than 30 days after notice of the student’s final course grade has been mailed from campus.
Students may use and are encouraged to use the following sequential procedures to appeal the grade. The problem may be solved at any of the levels of the appeal procedure.
- Contact the instructor. Frequently, the problems can be solved at this point.
- Submit a request to the chair of the department.
- Take the case to the departmental Grading Appeals Committee. The Committee is contacted by the department chair.
- Take the case to the College Appeals, Retention and Certification Committee by contacting the Dean’s Office.
The complaint will be forwarded to a committee consisting of faculty and student representatives. After a hearing, the Committee will make a written recommendation regarding the appeal. The Committee’s recommendation is binding on the appealing student and faculty member.
Transfer Credit Rules
Acceptance of Transfer Grades
- Grades earned at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, UNO, UNK
- Grades of D-, D, D+, and C- satisfy requirements in all programs in the College unless specified otherwise. Students who receive a grade of D-, D, D+, C-, however, are encouraged to retake the course.
- Grades earned outside the University of Nebraska system
The college will accept no more than 9 credit hours of grades less than a C from any program outside the University of Nebraska system. Grades below a C can only be applied to general education requirements and elective classes.
Maximum Number of Hours for Transfer
Transfer courses are evaluated by the University and by the College to determine University of Nebraska–Lincoln and College course equivalencies. The College determines which courses will be accepted and how they will apply toward degree requirements. Sixty (60) is the maximum number of hours that will be accepted on transfer from a two-year college. Ninety (90) is the maximum number of hours that will be accepted on transfer from accredited four-year colleges and universities.
Courses taken 10 years before admission or readmission to the College will be evaluated by the major department to determine if it is appropriate to accept those courses for transfer credit and for application to degree requirements. Specific courses will be reviewed in keeping with the guidelines specified by each department.
Transfer Credit from Technical, Non-Accredited and Foreign Institutions
Students who desire to transfer from these institutions must have each course evaluated by the appropriate departmental representative. All rules stated above in reference to grades and maximum credit hours apply. For additional information and guidance in this process, contact the Dean’s Office.
Transfer Agreements with UNO and UNK
Transfer agreements between the three institutions within the University System allow for a smooth transition for students interested in taking courses from UNO, UNK, and/or the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Although restrictions noted above on grades and maximum transfer hours still apply, there are some exceptions. For purposes of residency, courses from UNO and UNK fulfill these requirements. Students planning to major in a program in the college should read the specific requirements noted with individual programs. Questions about academic transfer should be addressed to the Advising Office.
Transfer Agreements with Community Colleges
Articulation agreements and “Transfer with Ease Programs” with Nebraska community colleges indicate how courses and programs will transfer to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the College of Education and Human Sciences. The same guidelines noted above on the acceptance of courses, grades, and hours also apply to these institutions. Students interested in transferring from a community college should consult with their school or the Student Services Center to determine which courses will transfer to fulfill specific College of Education and Human Sciences requirements.
Courses from accredited two-year institutions will generally not be substituted for 400-level human sciences classes in the College. The 300-level courses will be considered on an individual basis by the respective departments in the College of Education and Human Sciences.
Courses taken prior to course articulation agreements will be accepted contingent upon departmental validation of the credit.
Residency Rules
Students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours to earn a degree.
All students are expected to complete at least 30 of their final 36 hours of credit at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska Omaha, or University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Degree Application Process
Graduation Requirements
Students are expected to develop a clear understanding of degree requirements and to plan their course of study with a College advisor. Students requiring clarification of outstanding degree requirements should visit with a College advisor promptly.
Students should access their Degree Audit via MyRED at least once each term to review degree requirements and progress toward graduation. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their Degree Audit accurately reflects their current College and program of study.
Students who believe their Degree Audit has errors or omissions should visit with a College advisor promptly. It is important that you resolve these matters as soon as practicable to avoid a delay in graduation.
Each student with MyRED access must submit an online Application for Graduation via MyRED for each degree to be received by:
- The fourth Friday in January for May graduation
- The second Friday in June for August graduation
- The second Friday in September for December graduation
Students submitting an electronic Application for Graduation via MyRED will be billed a $25.00 per degree fee on their student account. Students without MyRED access may apply for graduation in person at Husker Hub in the Canfield Administration Building, or by mail. Applications for graduation submitted in person or by mail must be accompanied by a check or money order in the amount of $25.00 payable to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Failure to submit a timely Application for Graduation may preclude the awarding of a degree in the intended term.
Your Application for Graduation and required $25.00 fee are good only for the term marked on your application. Neither your application nor your fee are transferrable to another term. If you submit an Application for Graduation and pay the $25.00 fee for a specified term but do not complete your degree requirements in that term, you will need to reapply to graduate in a future term and incur another $25.00 fee.
Commencement ceremony information will be emailed to all degree applicants approximately one month before graduation. Each student who has applied for graduation must submit an online Commencement Attendance Form via MyRED, which will be available when the informational email is distributed.
Only those students who have applied for graduation, had the application accepted, and fulfilled all degree requirements as of the last day of the academic term may participate in the commencement ceremony for that term. Because the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has a commencement for each term, ceremony participation is allowed only in the term during which the student has properly and timely applied for graduation and fulfilled degree requirements.
Catalog Rule
Students are responsible for following the rules, policies, and requirements found in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Undergraduate Catalog for the academic year in which they were last admitted to a program in the College of Education and Human Sciences. Students must complete all program requirements from a single catalog year. In consultation with their advisor, a student may choose to move to and follow a subsequent catalog if it is in their best interest.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of communication sciences and disorders will be able to:
- Critically evaluate research and clinical resources related to the professions.
- Explain typical and atypical processes in speech, language, swallowing, and hearing and the impact of communication disorders on participation in life.
- Understand how processes of biology, behavior, human development, and technology related to speech, language, swallowing, and hearing.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Major Requirements
Endorsement Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACE Requirements | ||
| ACE 1 | ||
| ENGL 150 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 |
| or ENGL 151 | Writing for Change | |
| ACE 2 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Skills for Leadership | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Communicating in Small Groups | ||
| Business and Professional Communication | ||
| ACE 3 (Core Requirement) 1 | ||
| STAT 218 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or EDPS 459 | Statistical Methods | |
| ACE 4 (Core Requirement) 1 | ||
| LIFE 120 & LIFE 120L | Fundamentals of Biology I and Fundamentals of Biology I laboratory | 4 |
| ACE 5 | 3 | |
| ACE 6 | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Human Development and the Family | ||
| Fundamentals of Child Development for Education | ||
| Fundamentals of Adolescent Development for Education | ||
| ACE 7 | 3 | |
| ACE 8 | 3 | |
| ACE 9 1 | ||
| SLPA 488 | Linguistic Needs of Bilingual and Culturally Different Students (Audiology Track/Speech-Language Pathology Track Requirement) | 3 |
| ACE 10 1 | ||
| SLPA 421 | Professional Issues for the Communication Disorders Specialist (Audiology Track/Speech-Language Pathology Track Requirement) | 4 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 32 | |
| Communications Sciences & Disorders Core Requirements 2 | ||
| BIOS 206 | General Genetics | 4 |
| LIFE 120 & LIFE 120L | Fundamentals of Biology I and Fundamentals of Biology I laboratory | 4 |
| LIFE 121 & LIFE 121L | Fundamentals of Biology II and Fundamentals of Biology II Laboratory | 4 |
| GERO 200 | Introduction to Gerontology | 3 |
| or GERO 455 | Health Aspects of Aging | |
| MATH 103 | College Algebra and Trigonometry (or higher) | 5 |
| or MATH 106 | Calculus I | |
| PSYC 181 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| SLPA 150 | Communication Processes and Disorders 3 | 4 |
| SLPA 250 | Descriptive Phonetics and Normal Speech Development | 3 |
| SLPA 251 | Normal Language Development 3 | 4 |
| SLPA 271 | Hearing and Balance I | 4 |
| SLPA 453 | Neurological Foundations of Speech and Language | 3 |
| SLPA 454 | Research Methodology in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology | 3 |
| SLPA 455 | Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms | 4 |
| SLPA 456 | Speech and Hearing Science | 4 |
| SLPA 472 | Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation | 3 |
| STAT 218 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or EDPS 459 | Statistical Methods | |
| Electives (may vary) | 1-5 | |
| Track (selected from below) | 29-31 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 88 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
- 1
No grade lower than C.
- 2
A combined 3.0 GPA is required in these classes.
- 3
NOTE: SLPA students who complete sufficient coursework in education will receive a minor in education along with the major degree.
Choose One Track from the Following:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Audiology Track | ||
| BIOS 213 & BIOS 213L | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| BIOS 214 | Human Anatomy | 5 |
| CHEM 109A & CHEM 109L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory (or higher) | 4 |
| PHYS 141 | Physics for Life Sciences I (or higher) | 5 |
| SLPA 101 | Beginning American Sign Language I | 4 |
| SLPA 102 | Beginning American Sign Language II | 4 |
| SLPA 421 | Professional Issues for the Communication Disorders Specialist | 4 |
| SLPA 441 | Methods for the Communication Disorders Specialist | 3 |
| SLPA 488 | Linguistic Needs of Bilingual and Culturally Different Students | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 29 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 29 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathology Track | ||
| BIOS 213 & BIOS 213L | Human Physiology and Human Physiology Laboratory | 4 |
| or BIOS 214 | Human Anatomy | |
| CHEM 109A & CHEM 109L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory (or higher) | 4 |
| or PHYS 141 | Physics for Life Sciences I | |
| EDPS 362 | Learning in the Classroom | 3 |
| or EDPS 457 | Learning and Motivation Principles for Secondary Teaching | |
| SLPA 421 | Professional Issues for the Communication Disorders Specialist | 4 |
| SLPA 464 | Speech Sound Disorders | 4 |
| SLPA 441 | Methods for the Communication Disorders Specialist | 3 |
| SLPA 461 & SLPA 461L | Language Disorders: Preschool Level and Language Disorders: Preschool Level Lab | 4 |
| SLPA 488 | Linguistic Needs of Bilingual and Culturally Different Students | 3 |
| SPED 201 | Introduction to Special Education | 3 |
| TEAC 259 | Instructional Technology | 3 |
| TEAC 331 | School and Society | 3 |
| or TEAC 430 | Introduction to Philosophy of Education | |
| or TEAC 431 | Studies in the Foundations of Education | |
| or TEAC 434 | Ethics and Education | |
| or TEAC 437 | Democracy and Education | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 31 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 31 | |
ACE Requirements
All University of Nebraska–Lincoln students will be required to complete a minimum of 3 hours of approved coursework in each of the 10 designated Achievement-Centered Education (ACE) student learning outcome areas. These can be viewed at http://ace.unl.edu. Students will be provided a list of classes they can select from to meet each of the 10 ACE Student Learning Outcomes (SLO). There may be required courses within an education endorsement program that will also satisfy ACE requirements. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students contact their advisor prior to registering for ACE classes in order to ensure that each of the class selections are in the best interest of the students’ academic program.
Additional Major Requirements
Grade Rules
C- and D Grades
A grade of C or better is needed for all courses in the major Core Requirements and Track Requirements.
Pass/No Pass
- No course taken Pass/No Pass will be counted toward the major Core Requirements or Track Requirements, unless offered exclusively with a grade option of Pass/No Pass.
Description: Beginning course in American Sign Language (ASL). Development of vocabulary and grammatical structures of ASL. Receptive and expressive skill development. Easy ASL video literature.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: SLPA 101.
Description: Beginning course in American Sign Language (ASL). Development of vocabulary and grammatical structures of ASL. Receptive and expressive skill development. Easy ASL video literature.
This course is a prerequisite for: SLPA 201
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: Introduction to the speech, language, and hearing problems of children and adults. Identification and understanding of different types of communication disorders; appropriate referrals; general orientation to the field of speech-language pathology and audiology. Normal speech and language development. Clinical observations may be required.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $50 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: Conversational American Sign Language (ASL). Idiomatic uses of ASL. Use of ASL for creative expression. Extensive viewing, translation and discussion of videotaped ASL conversations and literature.
This course is a prerequisite for: SLPA 202
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: SLPA 201.
Description: Conversational American Sign Language (ASL). Idiomatic uses of ASL. Use of ASL for creative expression. Extensive viewing, translation and discussion of videotaped ASL conversations and literature.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: SLPA 150
Description: Theories of acquisition and development, phoneme classification and factors affecting phonological systems. Development of proficiency in phonetic transcription.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Description of the normal language acquisition process in children; theories of language development and factors influencing language acquisition.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: Identification of the deaf or hard of hearing. Etiologies and pathologies of hearing impairment. Basic testing techniques of pure tone and speech audiometry.
This course is a prerequisite for: SLPA 472
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior Standing
Description: Professional issues as they relate to the speech-language professional. Legal aspects, program issues, and administrative responsibilities.
This course is a prerequisite for: SLPA 441
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: SLPA 421
Description: Specific methods for planning, organizing and delivering clinical services in speech-language pathology.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Anatomy and physiology of hearing; components of adequate evaluation for placement and educational planning; diagnosis using audiogram, functional and communication assessment; stimulation and utilization of residual hearing; and management of assistive and/or augmentative devices.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Normal syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic language development in school-age children and youth. Complex syntax, semantic development, pragmatic development, using language to learn, language-literacy relations, and abstract language development.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: To gain a working knowledge of the organization (neuroanatomy) and function (neurophysiology) of the central and peripheral nervous system in relation to motor control, somatosensory physiology, vocalization, central pattern generation, speech, and language production. Special consideration is directed towards the neurology of human communication processes, speech and language; classification of impairments (sensory, motor, integrative functions) according to the site of lesion(s).
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Speech-language pathology and audiology major
Description: Introduction to research principles, methods, and design. Survey and critique of research in special education and communication disorders.
This course is a prerequisite for: SLPA 487
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
This is graded as student option
Description: Normal anatomical structures involved in speech and hearing and the consequences of their actions.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: SLPA 250 or permission
Description: Nature, propagation, and analysis of sound; the sensation and perception of sound.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: Parallel SLPA 461L/861L.
Description: Characteristics of language impaired preschool children and the nature of their disorders. Introduction to principles of assessment and treatment.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Parallel with SLPA 461/861.
Description: Practical application of language assessment and intervention in preschool children with language disorders.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $5 |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: SLPA 250
Description: Assessment and remediation of articulation and phonological disorders.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: SLPA 271 or equivalent
Description: Introduction to materials and educational methodologies and models for rehabilitation of the deaf or hard of hearing. Review of levels of communication, information processing, auditory training, and speech reading.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: SLPA 271
Description: Overview of the principles of audiologic assessment including diagnosing adults with hearing impairments, using physiologic and behavior test procedures. Performance of a basic audiological test batter (including case history, otoscopy, air/bone conduction, pure-tone audiometry, masking, acoustic immittance, and otoacoustic emission). Understand the background theory and interpretations of audiological tests and their implications for dizziness/imbalance.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Ethics and responsibilities associated with the conduct of research, including scientific conduct, data custody and management, establishing and promoting good laboratory practices, defining a project/study team (authorship, roles, responsibilities), due process and investigator protections in alleged cases of scientific fraud, human and animal protection, research dissemination modes and grant funding.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior status or graduate status
Description: Introduction to the augmentative communication options for persons unable to speak or write because of physical, language, or cognitive disability.
This course is a prerequisite for: SLPA 897E
| Credit Hours: | 2-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:2-3
ACE:
Description: Gain research experience in laboratories affiliated with the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders under the supervision of research faculty.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Theoretical and applied information about situational factors which have an impact on spoken and written language; addresses how individual differences due to gender, handicapping conditions, socio-economic status, and cultural-ethnic background contribute to diversity in communication patterns and often act as a barrier to successful interactions in learning and social settings.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 9 Global/Diversity |
| Experiential Learning: | Case/Project-Based Learning |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 9 Global/Diversity
| Credit Hours: | 1-12 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 12 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-12
ACE:
Prerequisites: Prior arrangements with faculty member and permission.
Description: Individual or group projects that are extensions of course work, such as preparation of teaching materials, review of literature, observation/exploration of practices, design of curricular or clinical tools. Topic, scope and grading parameters are under guidance of a department faculty member, but topic can be student-initiated. These projects are generally relevant to the student's professional practice and advance the student's and possibly others' knowledge on a topic. Such projects may result in professional presentations.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Experiential Learning: | Research |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Description: Individual or group project designed to help students develop understandings, skills, and outlooks that would allow them to conduct original, independent research in the future. Topic of research may be related to the instructors current research projects or area of study or a topic of interest to the student for pilot work; approval of the topic/project is at the discretion of the instructor.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program or by invitation.
Description: Conduct a scholarly research project and write a University Honors Program or undergraduate thesis.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Experiential Learning: | Research |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
PLEASE NOTE
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your college or department academic advisor. Advisors also can help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
CriticalGraduation Requirements
- 2.50 GPA required for Graduation.
- 30 of the last 36 hours must be taken at UNL, UNO, or UNK.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Career Information
The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.
Jobs of Recent Graduates
- Speech-Language Pathologist, Lincoln Public Schools - Lincoln, NE
- Speech-Language Pathologist, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital - Lincoln, NE
- Speech-Language Pathologist, Omaha Public Schools - Omaha, NE
- Senior Project Engineer, Alfred Benesch & Company - Lincoln, NE
- Specch-Langauge Pathologist, York General Hospital - York, NE
- Pre-K Speech-Language Pathologist, Lincoln Public Schools - Lincoln, NE
- Speech-Language Pathologist, Leavenworth School District - Leavenworth, KS
- Elementary Speech Pathologist, Columbus Public Schools - Columbus, NE
- Speech Language Pathologist, Handprints and Footsteps - Lincoln, NE
- Speech Langauage Pathologist, Healthpro Rehabilitation - Omaha, NE
Internships
- Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellow, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital - Washington, D.C.
Graduate & Professional Schools
- Master's of Special Education, Deaf Education Endorsement, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Au. D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Speech-Language Pathology, Rockhurst University - Kansas City, MO
- Deaf & Hard of Hearing Interpreter, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Milwaukee, WI
- Speech Pathology, Fort Hays State University - Hays, KS
- Occupational Therapy, Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha, NE
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Nebraska-Kearney - Kearney, NE
- Speech-language Pathology, Missouri State University - Springfield, MO
- Master's of Deaf Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE