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
- Basic knowledge of clinical methods in communication disorders
- Neuroscience
- Introduction to audiology and working with individuals with hearing loss
- Guided observation of cases in communication sciences
- Experiential learning opportunities in teaching, research, and practicum opportunities
Typical 4-Year Progression
Year
1
Fall or spring
- SPA 201: Introduction to Communication Disorders
Year
2
Fall
- SPA 320: Phoenetics
- SPA 366: Speech and Hearing Science
Spring
- SPA 340: Speech and Language Development
- SPA 362: Introduction to Audiology I
Year
3
Fall
- SPA 345: Observation of Clinical Services
- SPA 466: Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation
Spring
- SPA 331: Neuroscience for Speech Pathology and Audiology
- SPA 467: Communication and Language Disorders in Children
Year
4
Fall
- SPA 330: Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Language Mechanism
Spring
- SPA 421: Communication and Aging
- SPA 370: Methods of Clinical Management
Note: UNR Core Curriculum Courses are in addition to the SPA courses listed above.
Typical 2-Year Progression
Year
1
Fall
- SPA 201: Introduction to Communication Disorders
- SPA 320: Phoenetics
- SPA 366: Speech and Hearing Science
Spring
- SPA 340: Speech and Language Development
- SPA 362: Introduction to Audiology I
Year
2
Fall
- SPA 330: Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Language Mechanism
- SPA 345: Observation of Clinical Services
- SPA 466: Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation
Spring
- SPA 331: Neuroscience for Speech Pathology and Audiology
- SPA 370: Methods of Clinical Management
- SPA 421: Communication and Aging
- SPA 467: Communication and Language Disorders in Children
Notes:
- UNR Core Curriculum Courses are in addition to the SPA courses listed above.
- 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.