Speech Pathology and Audiology admissions

Undergraduate program admissions

B.S. degree application process

The bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology is a pre-professional program that equips students with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue graduate school and advanced clinical training in this rewarding field. Applications to the undergraduate program are submitted through the University of Nevada, Reno Admissions.

Graduate Special application process

The Graduate Special/Second Bachelor's classification is for students who have earned a bachelor's degree and wish to take graduate courses without enrolling in a graduate program leading to an advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.). Applications to enroll as a Graduate Special student are submitted through the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School.

Graduate program admissions

Applicants to the Speech Pathology graduate programs must have:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences and Disorders from a regionally accredited college or university.
    • Note: Applicants who earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited, four-year educational institution in a major other than speech pathology and audiology should complete a speech pathology and audiology sequence of undergraduate courses before enrolling in the master’s program (Graduate Special, Leveling Program). If the applicant has completed a leveling sequence, the applicant is welcome to continue the application process.
  • Minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicants must have successfully completed the following four general education courses as part of their undergraduate coursework or prior to beginning graduate study in the master's program at UNR:
    • One course in Biological Science (lab not required)
    • One course in Physical Science (e.g., physics or chemistry)
    • One course in Behavioral Science (psychology, sociology, anthropology) and
    • One course in Statistics. Must be from a Math/Statistics department. It cannot be Psychology or CSD Statistics. 
  • Applicants must complete 25 guided clinical observation hours (see ASHA requirements) before beginning graduate study in the Master's program.
  • Applicants must complete 50 clinical simulation hours before beginning graduate study in the master’s program. UNR offers the clinical simulation course in the Summer 2026 term. Applicants admitted to the program are welcome to register for the online simulation course prior to their August start.

M.S. degree application process

To be considered for admission to the Speech Pathology M.S. program, applicants must complete an application in CSDCAS and pay the corresponding fees. A separate application fee to the University of Nevada, Reno’s Graduate School is required. Applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the fee.

The following materials should be submitted directly to CSDCAS:

  • All official transcripts
    • From all US undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Letter of Intent
    • What experiences have influenced your desire to be a speech-language pathologist? Use experiences from your life, education, work, volunteer opportunities, research, leadership or other activities to compose your statement. This is an opportunity to introduce yourself, your interests and motivations as well as to highlight your undergraduate and/or previous graduate career. You may also discuss the relevance of your recent activities and elaborate on your academic interests.
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Letters should be from a professional such as a professor, clinical supervisor or supervisor in related clinical/educational field. Letters of recommendation are required to be submitted electronically.
  • Questions
    • During the graduate school application process, you will be asked to respond to online questions. Please do not use AI. We are looking for authentic, thoughtful answers.

All application materials listed above must be received by January 15, 2026 11:59 ET (8:59 PT) to be considered for admission to the program for the following Fall Semester. Only completed applications will be considered; therefore, it is recommended you submit all materials well in advance of the deadline.

If you have any questions regarding the CSDCAS application process, please review the CSDCAS contact information.

The Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology Graduate Selection Committee will review completed applications and will select an incoming class of students and students to place on an Alternate/Wait list. After the committee completes the selection process, the Dean of the Graduate School must approve the recommendations. The Graduate School notifies all applicants of their status (accepted or not accepted).

Students who are considering applying to the University of Nevada, Reno are encouraged to visit the program. We suggest making an appointment before arriving so that arrangements for a productive and informative visit can be made.

Ph.D. degree application process

We are currently accepting applications for our doctoral program. Areas of concentration include child language development, voice disorders and dysphagia, among others. At this time, funding availability for the doctoral program remains uncertain and is contingent on final budget allocations. We recommend that prospective candidates consider applying for external fellowships or assistantships in addition to university-based funding. Prospective candidates should reach out to the faculty member whose research aligns with their interest for a doctoral program of study.

Candidates for admission to the Ph.D. program in Speech Pathology must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School of the University of Nevada, Reno as well as additional program criteria. These requirements ensure that the student has the necessary course work in the basic sciences and in the professional area, has been employed as a speech-language pathologist, holds Certificate of Competence, and can supervise student clinicians. Upon admission, you will need to become licensed as an SLP to practice in the state of Nevada.

Questions?

For more information about the M.S. and Ph.D. programs, please contact Pradyumn Srivastava, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Director, Graduate Studies.