MPUP-LEAD

In 2003, the Institute of Medicine issued a report stating that healthcare should be delivered by professionals who have been educated as part of an interdisciplinary team. Since then, the practice of interprofessional education or IPE has expanded to areas outside of healthcare, including the field of education (IPEC, 2016; 2023). IPE occurs when students from two or more disciplines learn about, from and with each other to enable effective collaboration (WHO, 2010, p. 10). 

IPE is central to the design of the MPUP-LEAD project, as reflected in our 18-21 credits of shared coursework (see Program Curriculum ), and provides SLP, AUD, and TOD scholars opportunities to learn about and practice engaging in effective collaboration during their education so that after graduation, there is increased workplace collaboration resulting in improved outcomes for the students and clients they serve.

Likewise, leadership skill development is an integral component of the MPUP-LEAD project. Strong leadership skills within and across disciplines are essential to guide effective collaboration, ensuring that team efforts are coordinated and focused on the best outcomes for students and clients. 

MPUP-LEAD will place emphasis on leadership through continuous learning activities and reflective practice, which are key elements in adapting to changing needs and sustaining professional growth. SLP, AUD, and TOD scholars will be supported in cultivating leadership skills that strengthen team performance and advance inclusive, outcome-driven practices

The MPUP-LEAD program philosophy is driven by the belief that SLP, AUD, and TOD scholars will demonstrate the following four principles during and at the conclusion of their programs: 1) positive attitudes and beliefs, 2) exemplary disciplinary and leadership skills, 3) evidence-based practice, 4) effective communication. These principles overlap to create a highly qualified service provider who implements effectives services to children who are DHH and their families. 

The UNL TOD, SLP, and AUD programs have long histories of providing quality training. According to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report, UNL was ranked #97 out of 1,800+ in Best Online Master’s Programs in Education, which includes the Deaf Education program, and #69 out of 2000+ in Best Graduate Schools nationwide. UNL's Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Master's program was ranked No. 21 out of 283 graduate programs in SLP and UNL’s Audiology program No. 29 out of 74 graduate programs in Audiology nationwide.

The design of the MPUP-LEAD project is informed by a conceptual framework that integrates interdisciplinary preparation, evidence-based practice, and leadership development to support improved outcomes for children who are DHH. This framework builds on the foundation established by our prior MPUP projects and continues to emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusion, and service delivery aligned with high expectations.

Students who are accepted for funding under the MPUP-LEAD project will receive the following:

• Tuition assistance for 43-56* credits. (*Varies by program; students are responsible for all other credits/fees.)
• Travel and lodging expenses to the pre- and post- MPUP-LEAD Summer Seminars (in Lincoln, Nebraska)
• Coaching from a SLP, AUD, or TOD mentor
• $500 program support stipend to cover additional expenses associated with their programs
• Training in Visual Phonics (TOD & SLP scholars only)
• Funding to attend the BoysTown Audiology Conference (AUD scholars only)
• A personal copy of the American Psychological Association (APA) Manual – 7th Edition

The MPUP-LEAD project has aligned all coursework, assignments, and practica experiences with each program's corresponding national field standards/competencies. For the TOD program, these are the CEC Initial Specialty Set for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Revalidated 2018). For the SLP program, these are the ASHA Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (effective 2020 and 2023). For the AUD program, these are the ASHA Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (effective 2020 and 2023). Additionally, each program aligned the standards and assessments required for their individual state (Nebraska) certification endorsements with their corresponding field standards (CEC and ASHA) to ensure they reflect the same competencies. All scholars will be evaluated according to a modified version of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice.

MPUP-LEAD Required Programs of Study and Shared Coursework 

Notes: Italicized text indicates required activities students will be completing at that time. Total credits in programs may vary depending on the number of equivalent deficiency and/or content courses a student enters the program with.

Field Experiences and Student Teaching Requirements for TOD Endorsement
All students pursuing the graduate endorsement to become a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD) are required to complete a variety of field experiences with students who are DHH across a range of age levels and settings prior to their student teaching/end of their program. Both field experiences and student teaching require direct access to students who are DHH.

Sign Language Proficiency Requirement
All students enrolled in TOD endorsement program must demonstrate proficiency in ASL prior to student teaching (if required) or by the end of their program by completing one of the following: 1) Earn a grade of B or better in at least four college-level courses* of ASL (or equivalent) OR 2) Earn a rating of "Intermediate proficiency” or higher on the sign language proficiency interview (SLPI) or another nationally/regionally approved sign language assessment. Student must also accumulate at least 25 hours of conversational ASL practice while enrolled in the program. Students must email a copy of their ASL course transcripts OR SLPI evaluation results AND evidence of conversational ASL hours to Dr. Thomas the semester prior to student teaching. (*Must be taken within the past 5 years.) Information about the sign language proficiency evaluation can be found here. A list of resources for developing ASL skills can be found here.

Individuals who are interested in working with children who are DHH and would like to pursue a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), doctoral degree in Audiology, OR a master’s degree and teaching endorsement to become a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD)*. Additionally, individuals who would like to receive specialized, interprofessional and leadership training focused on improving the developmental, educational and post-secondary outcomes of children and youth who are DHH.

*Please Note: The TOD program is completely online and only available to students who hold a current teaching certificate in their state or a speech-language pathology school clinical certificate. Students interested in pursuing a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology or a Clinical Doctorate in Audiology degree must hold an undergraduate degree in Communicative Disorders or have completed pre-requisite coursework. 

The MPUP-LEAD project is a rigorous and time-intensive program that includes additional academic and leadership requirements beyond those of our traditional TOD, SLP and AUD degree/endorsement programs. As part of the service requirement for this grant, program graduates will need to be employed in a setting for at least 4 years where at least 50% of their time and caseload involves serving children/students, ages birth to 21, with disabilities. We recommend that you contact the program coordinator of the program you are interested in to talk through these additional requirements and ensure the program is the right fit for you before applying.

All applicants must be accepted to the corresponding degree program at UNL to qualify for funding. To be accepted to MPUP-LEAD, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Please visit the Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Deaf Education program webpages for more information about these individual programs.

There are two steps to apply to the MPUP-LEAD project: 1) Apply to the respective degree program you are interested in (see official program titles below); 2) Once admitted to your respective program, you will be invited (via email) to apply for the MPUP-LEAD funding by providing a written statement of why you are interested in receiving specialized interprofessional and leadership training in working with students who are DHH.

Program Selection Titles:

• SLP Master's program: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (MS)
• AUD Master's/Doctoral program: Audiology and Hearing Sciences (AuD) and Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (MS)
• Deaf Education Master's program: Special Education (M.Ed.) – Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Application Deadline for MPUP-LEAD Project

January 15, 2025 (Cohort 1), 2026 (Cohort 2), and 2027 (Cohort 3)

Apply Online Today