Master's Program

Elevate your career with our accredited master's program

Located on the beautiful campus of Nevada’s flagship institution in Reno, the University of Nevada, Reno Speech-Language Pathology program has a long history of excellence. Our full-time Master’s program features a comprehensive two-year (five-semester) curriculum that includes robust, hands-on clinical practicum experiences. 

We offer an exceptional clinical education with diverse opportunities across the lifespan, from early childhood through older adulthood. UNR is particularly well known for its strong foundation in medical speech-language pathology, featuring well-established clinical programs in voice, swallowing, head and neck cancer, and community-based aphasia support. We are equally dedicated to pediatric practice, offering specialized services for autism spectrum disorders and children with speech, language, and learning challenges. Students learn from innovative, highly experienced clinical faculty. 

UNR’s research faculty have expertise in dysphagia, aphasia, developmental disorders, literacy disorders and culturally responsive practices, among other areas. Our program also offers elective opportunities, including a thesis option and a course in endoscopic examination. Beyond academics, graduate students enjoy a vibrant campus with a state-of-the-art recreation center and robust student support services. 

M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Our Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology includes a full-time, two-year curriculum designed to ensure that students receive both the academic and clinical training needed to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. 

Upon completing the M.S. degree, students are prepared to take the national certification examination (Praxis), begin their Clinical Fellowship (CF), and subsequently apply for ASHA certification. 

Program highlights

• Clinical work: Students complete a minimum of 375 clock hours of supervised clinical practice. This typically includes three to four semesters in our comprehensive on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic. In addition, students complete off-campus clinical placements/externship experiences, with opportunities available in public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and early intervention programs in the Reno, Sparks, and Carson City communities, as well as in settings outside Northern Nevada. 
• Academic work: Students follow a lockstep, full-time curriculum completed over five consecutive semesters (two years). The M.S. curriculum addresses the “Big 9” core areas of clinical competency identified by ASHA, preparing students to assess and treat a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders. The curriculum includes developmental and neurogenic speech and language disorders, speech sound disorders, fluency, voice and resonance disorders, feeding and swallowing disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), craniofacial disorders, and motor speech disorders. Students may also pursue elective opportunities, including a hands-on course in endoscopic examination and a thesis option. The M.S. degree requires a minimum of 56 graduate credits, with up to 63 credits for students who complete elective coursework or a thesis. 

Academic Advising

Dr. Pradyumn Srivastava, Director of Graduate Studies, serves as the graduate academic advisor for all students in the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program.