Bachelor's Program
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Speech Pathology and Audiology
The University of Nevada, Reno offers a pre-professional undergraduate degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology that prepares our graduates to apply to graduate school for further clinical and advanced training in the field.
The bachelor’s degree incorporates core knowledge in biological and physical sciences, statistics and linguistics with the fundamentals of speech, language and hearing development, anatomy and physiology, and communication disorders to develop foundational knowledge needed to pursue graduate study. The need for more speech-language pathologists and audiologists is high due to increasing cases of developmental and acquired disorders of communication, cognition, feeding and swallowing, and hearing.
Students majoring in speech pathology and audiology take academic courses that cover topics such as:
- Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
- Normal process of speech and language development
- Diagnostic and treatment methods in communication disorders
- Neuroscience
- Audiology-specific descriptions
- Guided observation of cases in communication sciences
- Practical experiences in both fields
Four-year undergraduate sequence of courses
Year | Fall Semester † |
Spring Semester † | Summer Session |
---|---|---|---|
Freshman | [SPA 201] | SPA 201 | |
Sophomore |
SPA 320 |
SPA 362 |
|
Junior |
SPA 345 |
SPA 330 |
[SPA 345] |
Senior |
SPA 331 |
SPA 421 |
Notes:
* These courses are optional courses offered in the department but are not required for graduation.
[ ] These courses are offered more than once each year. The preferred sequence is not bracketed.
† UNR Core Curriculum Courses are in addition to the SPA courses listed here.
Transfer student sequence of courses**
Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
---|---|---|
Junior (Year 3) |
SPA 201 |
SPA 330 |
Senior (Year 4) |
SPA 365 |
SPA 466 |
Notes:
[ ] These courses are offered more than once each year. The preferred sequence is not bracketed.
* Does not include core, related disciplines, or related electives that may need to be taken.
** To complete the major requirements in two years, transfer students need to start in the Fall Semester, and take all courses listed. Failure to do so may delay graduation.
Academic Advising
Navigating the path to a career in Speech Pathology and Audiology starts with expert advising. The Exploratory & Pre-Professional Advising Center is here to help undergraduate students understand the academic preparation required, guide you through the application process, and provide insights into what admissions committees seek in applicants. Transfer students are especially encouraged to seek advising prior to matriculation to the University of Nevada, Reno to ensure a smooth transition and timely graduation. Grad Special/Second Bachelor's students should reach out to Rachael Walden, M.S., CCC-SLP for academic advising.
Curious to learn more about the B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology?
Our program prepares students to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in diagnosing and treating communication disorders. With hands-on clinical experiences and a solid academic foundation, graduates are equipped to pursue advanced studies or careers in speech-language pathology, audiology or related fields. Discover how you can make a difference in people's lives through communication.