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 366
[SPA 340]

SPA 362
SPA 340

Junior

SPA 345
SPA 365

SPA 330
SPA 364
SPA 466
[SPA 345]

[SPA 345]

Senior

SPA 331
SPA 400
SPA 370
SPA 464*
SPA 491*

SPA 421
SPA 467
[SPA 370]
SPA 464*
SPA 491*

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 320
SPA 366
SPA 340

SPA 330
SPA 362
SPA 345
SPA 364

Senior (Year 4)

SPA 365
SPA 331
SPA 400
SPA 370

SPA 466
SPA 421
SPA 467
[SPA 370]

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.