Program Description

Our Mission

Our master’s program aims to equip and empower effective speech-language pathologists to serve as practitioners and researchers to meet the needs of individuals, families, and caregivers impacted by communication and swallowing disorders across their lifespan.

Program Goals

As a Nevada State University master’s degree candidate you will:

• Experience student-centered learning culminating in an M.Ed. in speech-language pathology.
• BE PREPARED to successfully complete the Praxis examination as required for application for Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) by the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and for licensure required by the state of Nevada.

In addition, content-specific goals include the development of the following in all MEd students:

• Knowledge of human communication disorders (speech, language, hearing and swallowing) across the lifespan
• An understanding of different linguistic and cultural communication norms and disorders
• The ability to assimilate academic material into evidence-based practice
• The ability to think critically and evaluate research relevant to the field of speech-language pathology
• Knowledge of current standards of practice in the speech-language pathology profession including policies and standards of ASHA and state licensing procedures
• Behavior in accordance with ethical standards of the profession in academic research and clinical environments
• The ability to work with other professionals to benefit the care of individuals with communication disorders
• Knowledge of regulations and record keeping in a variety of clinical settings

Full-Time | Five Terms

Designed for students with baccalaureate degree in speech pathology, or who have completed the Nevada State College post-baccalaureate program. Students with other post-bacc leveling programs should contact the program director.

The full-time program is a day program, with most courses Monday and Wednesday, and NSC clinical experiences during the first year (Tuesday and/or Thursday, and some Fridays).  Clinical experiences can range from early morning to 6 p.m., depending on the patient availability and clinical setting. Full-time externships will be provided the second Fall and Spring. The Full-time program will be five terms (54 credit hours).

Part-Time | Nine Terms

Our next part-time cohort is planned to begin fall of 2025, with graduate application period opening fall of 2024. For students who hold a current Nevada Department of Education endorsement license  for speech and language impairments, and have been employed  with that endorsement for at least one year in a Nevada school, within surrounding Henderson, Las Vegas communities. We are requiring maintenance of contract during the program.

The courses will be spread out over fall and spring terms, with full-time externships in the summer terms (course work is same as full-time). During the fall and spring semesters, you would have 2 content courses, and 1-hour clinic meeting. We are planning a 2 evening commitment, i.e. Mon- Wed. Clinical hours will be obtained throughout your program, with externships only in the summer when you are not teaching. During the fall and spring terms, you might gain some hours in your school environment, or with some additional clinical opportunities, i.e. at RiteCare, our on-campus trainings, and SimuCase. The part-time program will be 9 terms, or 3 years with current plan of 54 credit hours. Some variability may exist depending on clinical experiences, therefore possible to complete in 48-58 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I apply for the part-time program if my school endorsement in speech and language impairments employment is part-time?  

                Yes, we will work individually with you regarding practicum experiences and hours.

Can I apply for the part-time program if I work part-time outside of school environment, or I have another type of school employment?

                Sorry, but no. The part-time track builds practicum experiences within your work environment in serving children with speech and language impairments.

Can I apply if I work at a Las Vegas area Charter school?

                Yes, at this time we will be individually working with your school setting to arrange supervision opportunities. If no opportunities are available at your school, you may need to focus on the practicum experiences across 3 summers.  Each person is unique, and a specialized plan will be arranged.