Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Program

The University of Nevada offers an undergraduate program leading to the B.S. degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology. The bachelor’s degree with a major in Speech Pathology & Audiology is the preprofessional program. The master's degree with a major in Speech Pathology is essential for professional competence in the field. Hence, the undergraduate program provides a strong foundation in a wide range of course work in preparation for graduate school.

Undergraduate majors will take courses to meet the core curriculum requirements of the University to include general education courses in English, mathematics, natural sciences (both biological and physical sciences), social/behavioral sciences, fine arts, core humanities, capstones, and diversity. Undergraduate majors must complete one class in sign language; however, three more classes in this sequence are offered. In the sophomore year, undergraduate majors begin taking courses in the department. These departmental courses must be taken in a specified sequence. The student will explore the basic human communication and swallowing processes of biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases. Additionally, the undergraduate student will study the nature of speech, language, hearing, and communication disorders and differences and swallowing disorders. Other areas of study will include principles of prevention, assessment, and treatment for people with communication disorders, contemporary professional issues in the field, and professional standards for practice.

In lieu of a minor, undergraduate majors complete 24 credits in related discipline course work. These courses provide the student with exposure to a variety of professions in education and health care. Related disciplines include courses in child development, grammar and linguistics, interviewing and counseling, and statistics, as well as a variety of other areas in education and health care.

In addition to spending a necessary amount of time in the classroom, students study the discipline in a practical way by completing supervised clinical experiences in the department's extensive in-house Speech Pathology & Audiology clinic. At the undergraduate level, students are introduced to the clinical setting by completing 25 hours of clinical observation. In the senior year, undergraduate majors participate in the clinic as part of a clinical methods experience. Also, opportunities for participation in audiological practicum are available. All training at the undergraduate level is in preparation for enrollment in a graduate program of study.