M.S. in Education - Speech-Language Pathology

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 45

Academic Requirements:

1. Undergraduate Degree: To be eligible for postgraduate programs, students must have completed a relevant bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. The minimum academic requirement is typically a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 60% or above.

English Language Proficiency Test:                                                      

1. IELTS: An overall score of 6.5 or higher with no individual band score less than 6.
2. TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 79 is required.
3. DET (Duolingo English Test): A score of 110 or higher is accepted.
4. PTE (Pearson Test of English): A score of 58 or higher in the PTE Academic test is considered.

The University of Nebraska - Kearney (UNK) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to international students to help them pursue their education. Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. 

1. UNK International Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to academically talented international students. Awards are based on academic performance, including GPA and standardized test scores.

2. UNK World Citizen Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to recognize international students who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting cultural diversity and global awareness. Applicants must submit an essay detailing their contributions to cultural diversity and their future goals related to global understanding.

3. Athletic Scholarships: UNK offers athletic scholarships for students who excel in sports. International students who are talented athletes may be eligible for these scholarships.

4. External Scholarships: International students can explore external scholarship opportunities, such as government scholarships, private foundations, and international organizations. UNK's International Student Services office may provide guidance on external scholarship opportunities.

5. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students at UNK may have the opportunity to work as graduate assistants, which can include teaching, research, or administrative roles. These positions often include a stipend and sometimes a tuition waiver.

6. Financial Aid and On-Campus Employment: International students may also explore part-time on-campus employment opportunities to help cover living expenses. UNK's Financial Aid office can provide information on work-study programs and financial aid options.

7. Exchange Programs: UNK participates in various exchange programs with partner universities. These programs may offer financial benefits and unique cultural experiences.

8. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at UNK offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields of study. Students should inquire with their respective departments about available scholarships.

It's important to note that scholarship eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts can vary.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Education program with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) prepares graduates for a rewarding career in helping individuals of all ages overcome communication and swallowing disorders. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and clinical experience necessary to become licensed and certified speech-language pathologists.

1. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): Graduates of the M.S. in Education - Speech-Language Pathology program are well-prepared to work as licensed speech-language pathologists. SLPs diagnose and treat a wide range of communication disorders, including speech sound disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders, and cognitive-communication disorders. They work in various settings such as schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.

2. School-Based SLP: Many graduates choose to work in K-12 educational settings as school-based speech-language pathologists. In this role, they assess and provide therapy to students with speech and language disorders, helping them improve communication skills, literacy, and overall academic success.

3. Medical SLP: Some SLPs specialize in medical settings, such as hospitals and clinics. They work with patients who have experienced speech and swallowing difficulties due to medical conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurological diseases.

4. Early Intervention Specialist: Early intervention SLPs work with infants and young children who exhibit speech or language delays. They play a critical role in helping children develop essential communication skills during their formative years.

5. Rehabilitation Centers: Speech-language pathologists in rehabilitation centers assist individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries that affect their ability to speak or swallow. They help patients regain their communication and swallowing abilities.

6. Research and Academia: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in research or academia. They may work in universities, research institutions, or healthcare organizations, conducting studies and contributing to the advancement of speech-language pathology knowledge.

7. Private Practice: Speech-language pathologists can establish their private practices, offering diagnostic and therapeutic services to clients of all ages. Private practitioners have the flexibility to specialize in specific areas of communication disorders.

8. Consultants: SLPs may work as consultants for schools, healthcare facilities, or government agencies, providing expertise on speech and language disorders, treatment methods, and compliance with regulations.