Thank you for your interest in our department! We are often asked what speech pathologists and audiologist do. This page is designed to provide you with basic information about each field and to answer questions you might have about our academic programs. We are very proud of our professions and the contributions we make to our community. Speech pathology and audiology are growing significantly in demand in popularity. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report ranks speech-language pathology in the top three "Best Social Service Jobs" and has ranked audiology as one of the "Best Careers". We welcome you to explore!
Profession Descriptions
Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-language pathology is the study of speech and language disorders, which includes but is not limited to the evaluation and diagnosis of speech, language, cogitative communication and swallowing disorders. Our program incorporates elements from all areas of specialty to give students complete knowledge of the field. Due to more cases of neurological, speech, language and hearing disorders, the need for specialists in treating these conditions is at an all-time high. The field of speech pathology involves working with clients of all ages and can include careers in hospitals, schools, clinics, nursing facilities and universities. Speech pathologists require a master's degree (M.S. or M.A.) as well as state licensing in order to practice. Students majoring in speech pathology and audiology are required to complete the University of Nevada, Reno core curriculum with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Audiology
Audiologists are the primary health care professionals responsible for diagnosing, treating and managing hearing loss as well as balance disorders. This can include but is not limited to diagnostic hearing and balance evaluations, the fitting of hearing aids, programming (mapping) cochlear implants, hearing and aural re/habilitation services, industrial hearing conservation and hearing screening programs, hearing related intraoperative monitoring, and educational audiology. Audiologists work with patients of all ages and are employed in a variety of work settings including private practice, ENT offices, public schools, hospitals, hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturers, as well as universities. Audiologists require a doctorate degree (Au.D. or Ph.D.) as well as state licensing to practice. Students majoring in speech pathology and audiology are required to complete the University of Nevada, Reno core curriculum with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Programs
