3 Best Speech Pathology Master’s Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska has some of the most prestigious Speech Pathology Master’s Programs in the country. UNL’s master’s program ranks in the top 10 percent nationwide, making it an excellent choice for aspiring speech pathologists.

Nebraska’s quality speech pathology programs prepare you for licensure and exceptional career opportunities. Speech-Language Pathologists rank among the Best Jobs in America according to Money Magazine. This makes a speech pathology degree from a nearby institution a smart investment. The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s program has earned accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology through 2028.

1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL)

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is essential among the speech pathology programs in Nebraska. The program sits within the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) and provides a complete education that combines research with clinical experience.

Program overview

UNL’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology ranks among the top 10 percent of speech pathology programs nationwide. This recognition shows the program’s dedication to excellence in education, research, and clinical practice.

Students in this speech pathology degree get a well-rounded education that blends innovative research with varied clinical experiences. They need 45 semester hours to graduate, and most students finish in six consecutive terms – two years including two summer semesters. This full-time structure will give a thorough foundation in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders.

UNL has two program tracks:

Option A (Thesis):

• Perfect for students heading toward research careers or doctoral studies
• Needs 20-24 credit hours of regular coursework
• Has a thesis worth 6-10 credit hours
• Half of credit hours must be in the major field
• Students must earn at least 8 credit hours (excluding thesis) in graduate-only courses

Option B (Non-thesis):

• Best for students focused on clinical practice careers
• Needs at least 30 credit hours of coursework
• Students must earn 15 credit hours in graduate-only courses
• Puts more weight on clinical applications than research methods

Both paths prepare students well for clinical practice. Option A adds research experience that helps students interested in academic or research careers.

Admission requirements

UNL’s Speech-Language Pathology program has a competitive selection process. Since May 2022, the program no longer requires GRE scores. In spite of that, applicants must meet strict standards:

General Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology or related field
• Strong candidates usually have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
• Three recommendation letters showing your potential for graduate studies
• Personal statement
• Résumé/CV
• Applications due January 15 for fall entry

“Lateral entry” students with degrees from other fields must complete specific prerequisites in three areas:

1. Nebraska Department of Education Requirements:
   • Foundations of Education
   • Developmental Psychology
   • Learning/Cognition in the Classroom
   • Multicultural/Human Relations courses
2. ASHA-Required General Education:
   • Biological Sciences
   • Physical Sciences
   • Social/Behavioral Sciences
   • Statistics
3. Speech-Language Pathology Preparation:
   • Fifteen specific courses including Communication Processes and Disorders, Phonetics, Normal Language Development, Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms, and others

Lateral entry students should complete 15 of 20 prerequisite courses before starting graduate work. They also need 25 hours watching and documenting speech-language pathology sessions.

The SLP Graduate Governance Committee reviews transfer applications from other ASHA-accredited programs case by case. They usually accept no more than 12 graduate credit hours from other schools.

Training and practicum

Clinical experience is the foundation of UNL’s speech pathology master’s program. Students take Advanced Clinical Practicum (SLPA 897) every semester, including summers.

The clinical training stands out with several key features:

Complete Practical Experience: Students work with clients of all ages and backgrounds. They learn to assess and treat various communication disorders. The Barkley Speech Language and Hearing Clinic helps students build skills before moving to off-campus work.

Practicum Requirements:

• Students must complete ASHA certification hours before graduating
• Work includes both Barkley Clinic and off-campus assignments
• Client assignments match student skill levels
• Off-campus work happens in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and clinics

Skill Development Tracking: The Typhon system helps track progress toward ASHA certification by:

• Recording clinical experiences
• Logging core class competencies
• Monitoring knowledge and skill development for ASHA requirements

Clinical Supervision: Expert faculty guide students through clinical work. The department’s experienced clinicians specialize in different areas, offering quality mentorship. Regular feedback helps students improve their clinical skills.

Accreditation and licensure

The Master of Science education program in speech-language pathology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln holds prestigious accreditation that ensures graduates meet national standards of excellence.

Program Accreditation:

• Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• The program received its initial accreditation on October 31, 1975, and has maintained that status continuously since then
• Located at 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850
• The program undergoes regular re-accreditation processes, including site visits and public meetings

Additional Approvals:

• Approved by the Nebraska Department of Education for teacher endorsement in speech-language pathology
• Part of CEHS, which has partnerships with 10 different accrediting bodies that monitor selected programs and assure standards of quality

Path to Professional Certification: The program meets all academic and clinical requirements for:

1. The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from ASHA
2. Nebraska state licensure in speech-language pathology
3. Nebraska Department of Education teaching endorsement

This triple preparation gives graduates flexibility in their career paths, allowing them to work in educational, medical, or private practice settings without additional academic preparation. The program’s long-standing accreditation status reflects its commitment to maintaining high standards of education and clinical training.

Career opportunities for graduates

Graduates of UNL’s Speech-Language Pathology program enter a profession ranked among the Best Jobs in America by Money Magazine, with abundant opportunities across various settings. The program’s reputation and connections create exceptional career prospects:

Research Collaborations: The department maintains strong relationships with prestigious research institutions, opening doors for graduates interested in research careers. Notable partnerships include:

• Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior (CB3)
• Boys Town National Research Hospital
• University of Nebraska Medical Center

These connections provide unique opportunities for graduates to engage in cutting-edge research and specialized clinical work.

Academic Career Preparation: For those interested in academic careers, the program offers excellent preparation. The department regularly hires faculty with:

• Research doctorates (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Expertise in areas such as child language disorders, fluency disorders, neurogenic communication disorders, and multicultural service delivery
• Strong research publications and grant activity

Clinical Practice Settings: Most graduates pursue clinical practice in various settings:

• Public schools (the program specifically prepares students for educational endorsement)
• Medical facilities including hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Private practice clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Early intervention programs

State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders is housed in a state-of-the-art facility with a newly expanded SLP Clinic and renovated building. This environment provides students with access to modern equipment and resources that prepare them for contemporary practice.

Professional Development Support: The program emphasizes continuing education and professional growth. Faculty members actively engage in research and professional organizations, helping students develop connections that benefit their careers. Moreover, the department fosters a culture of evidence-based practice through coursework like SLPA 870: Evidence-based Practice, ensuring graduates approach their careers with a commitment to ongoing learning and clinical excellence.

The combination of rigorous academic preparation, extensive clinical experience, and professional networking opportunities makes UNL graduates highly sought after in the job market. Furthermore, the program’s triple preparation for ASHA certification, state licensure, and educational endorsement provides maximum flexibility as graduates navigate their career paths.

2. University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is among Nebraska’s top communication disorders programs. Their speech-language pathology education blends challenging academics with practical clinical experience. Students graduate as skilled professionals ready to meet the growing need for speech pathologists.

Program overview

UNK’s Department of Communication Disorders delivers quality instruction in speech-language pathology. Students participate in both research and professional activities. The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Speech-Language Pathology offers flexibility through residential and distance education options.

Students need at least 53 credits for the on-campus track and 56 credits for the online track. The graduate committee might require extra credit hours in Communication Disorders or related fields if students show weak areas.

UNK’s curriculum centers on two key goals:

1. Training skilled, confident speech-language pathologists
2. Providing outstanding care to people with speech, language, and hearing needs

Students learn in real clinical settings where excellence is standard. The program promotes shared learning by combining communication science with clinical practice. Students develop critical thinking, advocacy, and leadership skills.

The online master’s program accepts only 18 students per cohort. This small size ensures personal attention and builds strong peer connections. Students complete the part-time program over three years (nine semesters: fall, spring, and summer). They access coursework online at their convenience. Online students must visit UNK’s campus once or twice during their first two summer terms.

UNK also offers an Accelerated 4+1 program. Undergraduate students can start their SLP MSEd coursework while finishing their bachelor’s degree.

Admission requirements

The admission process for UNK’s Speech-Language Pathology master’s program is selective and comprehensive. Applications are accepted for the fall term only, with a firm deadline of January 15th. Prospective students must submit their applications through the Office of Graduate Studies at UNK, with online program applicants requiring a supplemental application and additional fee of $45.

Preferred Qualifications for Unconditional (Full) Status:

• Undergraduate overall GPA of B (3.0) or better
• Undergraduate Communication Disorders major GPA of B+ or better
• Graduate GPA of B+ (for those with previous graduate work)
• Three letters of recommendation from professional academic references
• Professional resume
• Video interview based on a department-approved question/statement in the online application

For online program applicants, successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (both overall and in core SLP courses)
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or completion of an SLP leveling program)
• Well-written personal statement (evaluated for both content and form)
• Strong letters of recommendation speaking to potential success in graduate studies
• Appropriate oral communication skills (assessed through video interview)
• Relevant experiences (leadership, research, clinical experience, volunteer work, bilingualism)

For international students, additional requirements include meeting the Graduate School’s minimum TOEFL score (550 for paper version, 79 for internet version) or minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

Applicants with undergraduate degrees in fields other than Communication Disorders must complete prerequisite coursework to qualify for admission. UNK offers a leveling program specifically for these students, which includes key courses such as:

• CDIS 210: Survey of Communication Disorders
• CDIS 215: Introduction to Phonetics
• CDIS 252: Anatomy & Physiology of Speech Mechanism
• CDIS 261: Normal Language Development
• CDIS 311: Clinical Methods & Procedures
• CDIS 335: Speech & Hearing Science
• CDIS 354: Preschool Language Disorders
• CDIS 362: Speech Sound Disorders I
• CDIS 410: Introduction to Audiology
• CDIS 415: Aural Rehabilitation
• CDIS 420: Research in Communication Disorders

Students may be admitted on a conditional basis if their materials do not meet minimal grade point standards. Unconditional admission is granted after completing 12 credit hours of graduate coursework in Communication Disorders with a cumulative GPA of B or better.

Clinical training and practicum

Clinical experience forms the cornerstone of UNK’s speech-language pathology program. The curriculum integrates classroom learning with extensive clinical practice, ensuring students develop the practical skills needed for professional success.

The clinical practicum structure at UNK is comprehensive, requiring students to register for four semesters of speech pathology practicum (CDIS 861, 862, 863, 864) at the graduate level. This sequential approach allows for progressive development of clinical skills under careful supervision.

Practicum Requirements and Structure:

Graduate clinicians must complete several prerequisites before beginning clinical work:

• Annual background check
• HIPAA training each semester (with competency demonstration through a quiz)
• Proof of medical insurance, CPR training, and various immunizations
• Annual drug screening and TB testing

The clinical training progression follows a structured path:

• The first 50 hours at the graduate level must be completed at the UNK Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic or RiteCare Clinic at UNK
• Students must complete a minimum of 100 clock hours (including observation, diagnostic, and intervention time) before beginning any internships
• Clinical assignments include both on-campus experiences and, after a student’s second semester, possible off-campus placements

Clinical Documentation and Evaluation:

UNK utilizes the Calipso system for tracking clinical hours and competencies:

• Students document their clinical clock hours in this system, which maintains records for 8 years following graduation
• Only direct contact with clients or their families for assessment, intervention, and/or counseling counts toward practicum hours
• Clinical educators provide regular feedback through observations and conferences

The evaluation process includes:

• Weekly conferences between student clinicians and clinical educators
• Midterm evaluations completed in Calipso
• Final conferences discussing strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance
• Faculty reviews of all graduate students’ progress regarding both academic and clinical performance

Internship Experiences:

Following the completion of on-campus practicum requirements, students undertake internships that provide real-world experience in diverse settings. These include:

• CDIS 892P: Internship (Pediatric) – Providing direct field experience in pediatric clinical settings
• CDIS 893P: Internship (Schools) – Offering experience in approved school settings that meet Nebraska Department of Education standards for teacher certification
• CDIS 894P: Internship (Clinical) – Focusing on clinical settings primarily serving adults

These internship experiences, totaling 5 credit hours for CDIS 893P and 4 credit hours for CDIS 894P, enable students to meet American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification requirements, Nebraska licensure requirements, and Nebraska teacher certification requirements.

Accreditation and licensure

The Master of Science in Education degree in Speech-Language Pathology at UNK holds prestigious accreditation that ensures graduates meet the highest standards for professional practice.

Program Accreditation:

The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This accreditation applies to both the residential and distance education tracks. The current accreditation period runs from 2018 to 2026, with the next accreditation review scheduled for February 2026.

This accreditation is significant because it:

• Ensures the program meets rigorous educational standards
• Makes graduates eligible for ASHA certification
• Facilitates state licensure processes
• Enhances employment opportunities for graduates

Path to Professional Certification:

The UNK program prepares students for three essential credentials:

1. Nebraska teacher certification in speech-language pathology
2. State licensure as a speech-language pathologist
3. Certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

To maintain their accreditation status, the department conducts regular assessment of student outcomes through multiple measures:

• Written comprehensive examinations
• Clinical practicum and internship evaluations
• Praxis Subject Assessment results
• Alumni surveys
• Employer surveys

Students who complete a thesis do not write comprehensive exams. While thesis credit hours can be counted toward the 53-credit requirement in the on-campus track, the thesis option is not available for the online track.

For students seeking licensure in states other than Nebraska, the Graduate Program Chair and Clinic Coordinator can help determine specific requirements. Although a master’s degree in Communication Disorders is typically the primary requirement across states, some jurisdictions have specific coursework or clock hour requirements beyond ASHA mandates.

All master’s degree candidates must pass the national examination required for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, and these scores provide specific information about program effectiveness.

Career opportunities for graduates

Graduates of the UNK Speech-Language Pathology program enter a dynamic field with abundant employment opportunities across diverse settings. The program specifically prepares students for multiple career pathways, offering the flexibility to work in educational, medical, or private practice environments.

Diverse Employment Settings:

The program prepares graduates to work in:

• Early intervention programs
• Public schools
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Nursing homes
• Federal and state institutions

This versatility is particularly valuable in today’s healthcare and education landscapes, where speech-language pathologists are in high demand. The field of speech-language pathology is among the fastest-rising professions nationwide, with employment opportunities projected to continue growing at a substantial rate over the next decade.

Advanced Degree Preparation:

Beyond immediate employment, the UNK program also prepares students to apply for advanced degree programs in:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Audiology
• Speech and Hearing Sciences
• Related areas

This foundation for continued academic advancement creates additional career paths for graduates interested in research, university teaching, or highly specialized clinical work.

Professional Roles:

UNK graduates pursue various professional roles, including:

• School-based clinicians
• Medically-based clinicians
• Private practice specialists
• Researchers
• Lecturers
• Clinic supervisors
• Clinic administrators

Facility Advantages:

The Communication Disorders facilities at UNK provide students with access to state-of-the-art resources that enhance their training and marketability:

• Monitored treatment rooms
• Complete auditory testing facilities
• Speech and hearing science laboratories
• An assistive technology center
• Seminar and study rooms
• Student offices

These exceptional facilities, combined with industry-leading teaching, dynamic clinical service, and original research, create a strong foundation for successful careers in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Program Philosophy and Graduate Success:

The department’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its vision to be recognized as a leading educational program that advances knowledge and clinical excellence in all areas of communication disorders. As a model “rural university” in the Midwest, UNK creates clear pathways to academic and professional success.

The program continuously adapts to meet the needs of future professionals, responding to evolving demands and innovations in the field. This commitment to preparing a strong, skilled workforce through supporting motivated students and faculty who value lifelong learning ensures graduates remain competitive in a changing healthcare landscape.

For graduates seeking employment in Nebraska specifically, UNK’s strong regional reputation and connections facilitate job placement. The program’s emphasis on preparing professionals for rural and underserved areas makes UNK graduates particularly valuable in addressing the needs of communities throughout Nebraska and the surrounding region.

3. University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)

The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) takes a unique approach to preparing speech-language pathologists. This program rounds out our look at quality speech pathology programs in Nebraska. Students get both rigorous academic training and extensive clinical experience to serve diverse populations in multiple settings.

Program overview

UNO’s Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology readies graduates for Nebraska teacher certification, state licensure, and professional certification. Students attend classes in person at the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences within the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders.

The program aims to shape well-rounded professionals through:

• Creating dedicated practitioners and thoughtful scholars
• Making collaborative teamwork skills better
• Getting knowledge that matches Council for Exceptional Children standards

Students can take advantage of UNO’s Fast Track option. This path lets top students finish both bachelor’s and master’s degrees more quickly. Students can count up to six graduate credit hours toward both degrees. The Fast Track typically runs:

• Fall semester (senior year): CDIS 8310 Advanced Audiology (1 credit) and CDIS 8560 AAC (2 credits)
• Spring semester (senior year): CDIS 8420 Voice Disorders (3 credits)

Students build essential skills in communication disorders through coursework, clinical externships, and thorough assessments. Each part of the program links directly to the Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) standards.

Admission requirements

Competition runs high for spots in UNO’s Speech-Language Pathology master’s program. Applications must reach Graduate Admissions by January 15 for fall enrollment.

Standard applicants need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology or related field
• Application materials submitted by January 15
• Strong academic record (usually 3.5 GPA for Fast Track)

Fast Track applicants must meet extra requirements:

1. Submit departmental application in March of junior year (with at least 60 undergraduate hours)
2. Complete core undergraduate courses with B or better
3. Maintain 3.5 undergraduate GPA
4. Provide resume
5. Write Statement of Purpose

Getting into Fast Track doesn’t guarantee a spot in the graduate program. These students still need to apply formally by January 15 of senior year, though they don’t pay an application fee.

Students with degrees in other fields must finish prerequisite courses first. The program reviews applications from other ASHA-accredited programs case by case.

New students must complete these tasks in their first 30 days:

• Background check and Nebraska Adult and Child Abuse & Neglect Registry Release
• Ten-panel drug screen (for medical clinical field placement)
• Praxis II – Subject Assessment test (scores needed before graduation)

Clinical training and practicum

Clinical experience sits at the heart of UNO’s speech pathology master’s program. Students complete at least 400 clinical clock hours during their education. This gives them plenty of chances to build key skills under professional guidance.

Clinical education moves step by step from basics to independent work. The program’s Speech-Language Clinic lets undergraduates watch sessions and try out their knowledge. Licensed speech-language pathologists supervise everything closely.

Graduate students must show they’re competent in six areas:

• Communication
• Motor skills
• Sensory abilities
• Intellectual-cognitive skills
• Interpersonal attributes
• Cultural responsiveness

Faculty check these skills during orientation, halfway through the first semester, and whenever needed. This helps ensure students develop all necessary clinical abilities.

UNO uses a detailed system to track:

• Clinical experiences
• Competencies earned in core classes
• Progress toward ASHA certification requirements

Students also work at external sites. These real-life experiences help meet requirements for ASHA certification, Nebraska licensure, and Nebraska teacher certification.

Accreditation and licensure

UNO’s residential Master of Science program in speech-language pathology holds prestigious accreditation that shows it meets national excellence standards.

Program Accreditation: The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association accredits the program. The next review comes up in 2028. This matters because it:

• Shows the program meets national standards
• Lets graduates qualify for ASHA certification
• Makes state licensing easier
• Helps graduates find jobs

UNO ranks #74 among speech-language pathology programs nationwide.

The program has approval from:

• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA)
• Nebraska Department of Education
• Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE)

Graduates must complete these steps for certification and licensure:

1. Finish all academic and clinical requirements (minimum 400 clinical hours)
2. Pass the Clinical Cumulative Evaluation
3. Pass the Praxis II exam for Speech-Language Pathology

Students can choose between:

• Non-thesis option: Pass comprehensive examinations
• Thesis option: Complete 6 credit hours of SPED 8990

The PRAXIS II exam opens doors to state certification and the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). This preparation lets graduates work in schools, medical settings, or private practice.

Career opportunities for graduates

UNO Speech-Language Pathology graduates enter a growing field with many career paths. The profession needs more qualified people in both medical and educational settings.

Speech-language pathologists help people with speech, language, cognitive communication, social communication, and swallowing difficulties. Graduates can work in many places:

• Public schools
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Private practice

The program gets students ready through:

Educational Preparation: Students learn to help clients of all ages. The program follows both Council for Exceptional Children and Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology standards to keep knowledge current.

Research Opportunities: Future academics can gain research experience through:

• Service learning courses
• Faculty-led research activities
• Thesis work

Practical Experience: UNO’s Speech-Language Clinic gives hands-on practice with:

• Children
• Adolescents
• Adults from diverse backgrounds
• People with various communication challenges

This thorough preparation creates confident professionals. Most graduates find jobs right away, showing the department’s strong placement success.

Bilingual students find special value in UNO’s program. Graduate student Fatima Arroyo notes, “It introduced me to the great need that our field has for bilingual practitioners”. This shows one of many special roles UNO graduates can fill.

Strong academic preparation, extensive clinical experience, and professional certification paths make UNO graduates stand out in the job market. They’re ready to make real differences in this vital healthcare field.

Make Your Choice Today

Your choice of speech pathology master’s program will affect your education and career path by a lot. Nebraska offers three excellent programs to become a certified speech-language pathologist. Each program comes with its own unique advantages.

UNL ranks in the top 10 percent nationally. It offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks that work well for research-minded and clinical-focused students. UNK gives you choices with its on-campus and online programs. Quality education becomes available to you whatever your location or schedule looks like. UNO brings something special to the table with its Fast Track option. Students who qualify can finish both their undergraduate and graduate degrees much faster.

These programs have some key features in common. They all have accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This means they meet strict national standards. Each program gets you ready for ASHA certification, Nebraska state licensure, and educational endorsement. These three qualifications give you more career options. Clinical training in a variety of settings is the core of each program. You’ll get the practical skills you need to succeed professionally.

Speech-language pathology remains one of the best career choices nationwide. Jobs are plentiful in schools, hospitals, and private practices. These Nebraska programs put you at the vanguard of this growing field.

Without doubt, each program will give you the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need to thrive as a speech-language pathologist. Your final choice depends on your situation, goals, and how you prefer to learn. Nebraska has a speech pathology program that lines up with your career dreams, whether you want research opportunities, flexible learning, or a faster path to graduation.