The master of science in speech-language pathology is a state-approved program in Nevada that focuses on training speech-language pathologists to provide a full range of services to communicatively disordered clients in a school or classroom setting. This major provides scientifically-based academic and clinical curricula to foster critical thinking and application of best practices. Course content is research-based and aligns directly with the Nevada Department of Education’s certification requirements for speech-language pathology and the Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). This program is also accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA).
individuals with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in working in a school or classroom setting as a speech-language pathologist
completed admission application packet, including $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University
official transcripts indicating conferral of a bachelor’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (minimum 3.0 grade point average required) or the completion of one of the alternative admission requirements
official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
written essays
three letters of recommendation by three different individuals who can attest to the applicant’s ability to succeed in a master’s program
oral interview
FOR NON-NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS
Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to demonstrate English proficiency by results of both the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) exam.
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students must present verification of student visa or residency status.
Prerequisite courses will be accepted as part of the applicant’s bachelor’s degree coursework if applicant earned a grade of B or higher in each required pre-requisite course. If the applicant did not complete the required prerequisites as part of their undergraduate program, courses may be taken as post baccalaureate work.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (15 CREDITS)
Mathematics (3 CREDITS)
Biological Science (3 CREDITS)
Physical Science (3 CREDITS)
Humanities (6 CREDITS)
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (28 CREDITS)
Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms
Phonetics
Neuroanatomy
Speech and Hearing Science
Normal Speech and Language Development
Directed Observations
Evaluation of Speech and Language Disorders
Treatment of Speech and Language Disorders
Introduction to Audiology
Aural Rehabilitation
EDUCATION COURSES (6 CREDITS)
Survey of Exceptional Education
School Organization or General Curriculum
(52 CREDITS)
CORE COURSES (41 CREDITS)
SLP 6000 Diagnostics I
SLP 6012 Communication Disorders in Infancy Through Preschool Age
SLP 6011 Language and Learning Disabilities in School Age Children and Adolescents
SLP 6015 Clinical Processes
SLP 6020 Language Disorders in Adults
SLP 6025 Augmentative and Alternative Communication
SLP 6030 Voice Disorders
SLP 6040 Fluency Disorders
SLP 6050 Motor Speech Disorders
SLP 6055 Dysphagia
SLP 6060 Phonological Disorders
SLP 6070 Research Methods
SLP 6075 Seminar in Professional Issues
SLP 6091 Multicultural and Counseling Issues
SLP 6200 Capstone
ELECTIVES (6 CREDITS)
Choose from list below:
SLP 6014 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 CREDITS)
SLP 6023 Advanced AAC Technology (1 CREDIT)
SLP 6024 Promoting Literacy in Individuals with Significant Communication Challenges (1 CREDIT)
SLP 6026 AAC Assessment (1 CREDIT)
SLP 6027 AAC Strategies for the Beginning Communicator (1 CREDIT)
SLP 6028 Low Tech Communication Aids (1 CREDIT)
SLP 6029 AAC in the Curriculum (1 CREDIT)
SLP 6037 Craniofacial Anomalies (3 CREDITS)
SLP 6057 Medical Aspects of Communication Sciences and Disorders (3 CREDITS)
SLP 6080 Directed Research (1-6 CREDITS)
SLP 6203 Organization and Management of School-Based SLP Programs (3 CREDITS)
SLP 6400 (Central) Auditory Processing Disorders (1 CREDIT)
LABS AND EXTERNSHIP (5 CREDITS)
SLP 6005 Diagnostics Lab (DX II)
SLP 6101 Clinic Lab I
SLP 6102 Clinic Lab II
SLP 6110 Externship (Adult Clients)
SLP 6120 School Externship
SLP 6130 Pediatric Externship (Non-School Setting)
Coursework in the speech-language pathology major state-approved in Nevada is available entirely online and at the university’s Las Vegas Student Educational Center. Online courses allow students to receive and submit coursework and interact with participants and professors via the Internet. Site-based courses allow students to take classes in the evenings or on weekends in a location near their home. These distance delivery options allow busy professionals to complete their degree without having to leave their jobs or travel long distances.
The externships are one of many practical applications included in the speech-language pathology major. These culminating experiences are the final steps in the completion of the program and include placements in three clinically-appropriate settings focusing on adults and a school setting with a pediatric population. Students must complete a minimum of 400 clock hours before graduation.
satisfactory completion of the required prerequisite courses
satisfactory completion of all required courses and labs in the major
successful completion of the required clinical experiences totaling a minimum of 400 accrued hours
successful completion of the required capstone, including the portfolio
maintained cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
passing scores for the Praxis Exam
completed application for degree
Faculty members for the master of science in speech-language pathology are recognized scholars and educators from Nova Southeastern University and other major universities and institutions throughout the country. In addition many are also highly respected professional practitioners. They are carefully selected on the basis of their subject expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Most importantly, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to inspire others.
The master of science in speech-language pathology, state-approved in Nevada, meets all requirements of the Nevada Department of Education's speech-language pathology certification.