Before completing an application, you should thoroughly explore and understand your options by viewing our Graduate Program description for Speech-Language Pathology 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.
Résumé. Your résumé 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.
Personal Statement. 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 associated 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) 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 allow the Graduate Committee to judge your application.
Letters of Recommendation. Letters of Recommendation 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 in CollegeNet/ADMIT.
Other Information
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.
The Advisor Support Agreement is required for Ph.D.. applicants only. You need to contact the faculty member(s) that shares your same research interest area, asking if he/she is willing to serve as your mentor and advisor. Most faculty will want to have several interactions with you via email, phone conversations, and/or a face-to-face interview. If both parties are agreeable to the proposed plan, the faculty member signs the Advisor Support Agreement for the student to include with the application materials.
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 for M.S. and Au.D. applicants and before April 1 for Ph.D. applicants.