Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- Prerequisites
- Note to Au.D. Applicants
- How to Apply
- Deadlines
- Tips for Developing a Competitive Application
Prerequisites
- Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and/or Audiology or similar field.
- Applicants not having a relevant bachelor’s degree are welcome to apply, but must have at least half of the prerequisites completed by the time the application is submitted. Find more information here.
- No minimum GRE score requirement.
- Required minimum TOEFL score (International students only): 550 paper, 213 computer, 80 Internet; or 6.5 on IELTS.
Note to Au.D. Applicants: You will initially apply for the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, as this is a degree that you earn "along the way" to your final goal of the Au.D. You will have dual matriculation for the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and the Au.D. in Audiology. By applying to the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, you are automaticcally applying for the Au.D. as well.
How to Apply
The application process has two parts. Students must apply to the Office of Graduate Studies (Part 1) and to the Department of Special Education & Communication Disorders (Part 2). |
Part 1:
Link to the Office of Graduate Studies Steps to Admission and submit the following:
- Online application
- Transcripts
- TOEFL scores (International students only) (Institution code = 6877; Department code = 77)
- Financial Resource Certification (International students only)
Part 2:
After submitting the online application in Part 1, you will receive an email notification with your new NU ID and a temporary password with instructions on how to setup your permanent password for MyRED. Now link to GAMES using your NU ID as login and MyRED password to complete the Department application. You must enter or upload the following:
- Resume/vitae
- Statement of purpose/goals
- Prerequisite courses
- GRE scores (Institution code = 6877; Department code = 0620)
- Names and contact information for three references. (When you submit your Department application, GAMES will automatically contact those who are submitting a recommendation form on your behalf and ask them to upload their recommendation to GAMES.)
- Optional: Assistantship/Fellowship application
Paper documents will not be accepted.
For Fall 2012 applications only:
If you submitted any paper documents-- including recommendation forms, letters, resume personal statement, etc. prior to October 31, 2012, the Department will add the document(s) to the your GAMES application once they have logged into the GAMES system.
Deadlines
- January 15 for Fall semester
- Students are not admitted for the Spring semester
Contact Jill England at jill.england@unl.edu or 402-472-2141 for information regarding the application process. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are submitted and received by the deadline.
Tips for Developing a Competitive Application
Before completing an application, you should thoroughly explore and understand your options by viewing our Graduate Program description for SLP or Audiology. You should become familiar with our Faculty and their research areas and contact individuals who share your career interests prior to submitting your application materials. This will help you focus when preparing your statement of purpose and resume.
Your resume should include any work experience or employment history that relates to the area of study you wish to pursue. It should also include any honors and awards received in recognition of your academic and professional achievements. Keep in mind that your resume can include as much (or as little) information as you wish as long as it helps the Graduate Committee judge your potential as a graduate student.
The statement of purpose is one of the most critical parts of your application. This is your opportunity to tell us about your personal and professional goals, why you desire a graduate degree, and anything else that provides the Graduate Committee with a glimpse of “who you are.” Demonstrate to the Graduate Committee that your goals have been well thought out and that you understand the commitments associatd with graduate studies. If you have job and/or volunteer experience that is relevant to your academic pursuits, be sure to provide details. It is helpful to highlight your strengths, although you should also address any weaknesses (such as poor grades or low GRE scores) and describe how these may affect your success as a graduate student. If you believe extenuating circumstances have hindered your academic progress, you should describe them in sufficient detail to alow the Graduate Committee tojudge your application.
Recommendation forms and comments receive close scrutiny during the review process. When selecting your recommenders, try to identify professionals who know you well and can assess your potential for success in graduate school and your chosen career. Some of the qualities they should address include (but are not limited to): your level of understanding of your chosen career; the strengths you will bring to that career; your ability to work independently and think critically and creatively; your problem-solving and analytical skills; your quantitative skills; and your verbal and written communication skills. Be sure to give your recommenders ample time to write their letters. You might consider giving them your resume and a summary of your career goals as well as information about the points you wish them to address.
Make sure your application is complete. Even if the application asks for information that is in your resume or statement of purpose, you should fill in all the information requested on the GAMES forms.
Other Information
The general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. The department will accept an unofficial copy of your scores on a temporary basis, but an official copy is required before a final decision about admission can be made. GRE scores should not be more than five years old.
International Applicants: A TOEFL score of 550 or more on the paper version, or 213 or more on the computerized version, or 80 or more on the iBT is required. A score of 6.5 or higher on the IELTS is also acceptable. For additional requirements for international students, refer to the application instructions for Graduate Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Supplementary Information: Applicants are encouraged to include supplementary information with their departmental applications, including papers, publications, etc., to assist the Admissions Selection Committee in their judgment about scholarly potential.
After the deadline date, the Communication Disorders Graduate Governance Committee reviews the application files. If a student is recommended for admission, notification is sent to the student, and the recommendation is forwarded to the Graduate College; if the Graduate College concurs with the Department's recommendation, a Certificate of Admission is issued.
A written letter stating the Committee’s admission decision will be mailed to each applicant on or before March 1, 2013.
