Last Updated
April 14, 2025Written By
Elizabeth Monroe, M.S., CCC‑SLPThe University of Nebraska system has good Speech-Language Pathology degree programs in reputed universities, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and University of Nebraska at Kearney. All these programs are fully accredited and prepare students for state and national licensing as speech therapists. The University of Nebraska at Kearney is also a hub for a flexible online SLP master’s program, which is useful for people who need a more flexible approach. This is a good decision for the state’s speech-language pathologists’ population to grow as the state needs more of them, especially in schools and healthcare facilities.
The speech pathologist job market in Nebraska is strong and continues to grow with an average annual salary for SLPs coming in just above $80,000. The cost of living is usually lower than that of many other states, so that salary will be worth more. Also, Nebraska’s programs provide excellent local clinical placements, which will help you gain practical skills and build your professional network. A wise decision is to choose Nebraska for your SLP training as it offers quality education, promising job opportunities and a decent standard of living in a congenial environment.
Find your future in speech-language pathology by exploring the best degrees in Nebraska available. Our team at speechpathology.org highlights top-ranked speech-language pathology programs in Nebraska to help you start or advance your career. Programs are evaluated for academic strength, research, and clinical excellence. Learn more about our process at speechpathology.org/rankings-methology.
Kearney, NE - Public 4-Year - unk.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The campus-based Communication Disorders Comprehensive program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney focuses on human communication science, covering anatomy, physiology, and communication disorders. This undergraduate program features a reduced general studies requirement, affordable in-state tuition through the New Nebraskan Scholarship, and a structured four-year curriculum. Students develop practical skills and research experience under expert faculty guidance, preparing for graduate studies in speech-language pathology and audiology. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska at Kearney's online Master of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology is a 56-credit hour program delivered fully online with a part-time 9-semester track option. This ASHA-accredited program prepares students for professional certification through comprehensive clinical practicums and leveling coursework availability. Graduates are equipped for diverse career opportunities in schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. The program requires an entrance exam for admission to this master's level program.
Campus Based - Visit Website
This on-campus Master of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney offers both campus and online tracks spanning 53-56 credits. The CAA-accredited program features fall-only admissions with a January 15th deadline and prepares graduates for Nebraska teacher certification, state licensure, and ASHA credentials. Students engage in comprehensive clinical practicums and multiple internship options across educational and healthcare settings. Admission to this master's program requires an entrance exam.
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Nebraska at Kearney's intensive Master of Science in Education in Speech-Language Pathology provides on-campus and online tracks requiring 53-56 credits. The program emphasizes advanced clinical skills through rigorous coursework and multiple practicum experiences, preparing students for ASHA certification and Nebraska teacher certification. With fall-term only admissions and a January 15th deadline, applicants need a minimum B undergraduate GPA and three recommendation letters. This master's level program requires an entrance exam for admission.
Lincoln, NE - Public 4-Year - unl.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a nationally top-ranked, ASHA CAA-accredited program that prepares students to address communication challenges across all ages. It features a curriculum balancing rigorous research with extensive clinical experiences, supported by state-of-the-art labs and mentorship from renowned faculty. Competitive financial aid and diverse client opportunities enhance training, leading to careers in healthcare and education. This master's program requires an entrance exam, typically the GRE, for admission.
Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Ph.D. in Human Sciences with a Speech-Language Pathology concentration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln focuses on advanced research and leadership in communication disorders. Students develop expertise in scientific design, teaching, and clinical management, preparing for academic or research roles. The program emphasizes theoretical and applied issues, requiring GRE scores, transcripts, a statement of purpose, and other materials for admission. It includes teaching experiences and targets those aiming to contribute scholarly insights to the field.
Omaha, NE - Public 4-Year - unomaha.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska at Omaha's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology is a CAA-accredited residential program requiring 400 clinical hours and preparing students for ASHA certification, Nebraska teacher certification, and state licensure. This two-year program offers diverse practicum experiences in educational and medical settings, focusing on evidence-based assessment and treatment of communication disorders across populations. A Fast Track option is available, with applications due January 15 and prerequisites in communication disorders courses. An entrance exam is required for admission.
When searching for a college that provides speech pathology programs in Nebraska, it should be noted that a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology is a decent place to start. But, almost all states demand a master’s degree to practice as a speech therapist. Many universities provide the first degree but they are introductory to graduate studies and offer courses in speech and hearing science. Admissions differ from one institution to another but are basically dependent on a high school diploma, good GPA and ACT or SAT scores. With a bachelor’s degree, one is only permitted to work as an SLPA which is a supporting staff that earns about $40,000 each year.
To become a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in Nebraska, a master’s degree in speech pathology is needed which means having a bachelor’s degree, course prerequisites in communication disorders, an undergrad GPA of about 3.0, letters of recommendation, and sometimes GRE scores. UNL, UNO and UNK provide good, accredited master’s programs that are going to enable you to become a licensed speech pathologist. Graduates can usually find satisfying employment in schools, hospitals, rehab centers or in private practices. The SLP job outlook is positive in Nebraska as well, with a need for more licensed speech pathologists to fill the positions. Salaries are good as well, ranging from $80,000 and the cost of living is relatively low so that figure becomes even more appealing.
If you are looking for doctorate degrees in Speech Pathology in Nebraska, there are two tracks: The PhD and the SLPD. There is currently no SLPD program in Nebraska, but the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides a PhD in Communication Disorders. If you are interested in research, teaching or being a leader in the discovery process of speech and language, then the PhD might be what you are looking for. Admission is generally a master’s degree, high GPA (often above 3.5), research experience, recommendation letters, and potentially GRE scores. You could become a professor, a researcher, or an academic administrator and earn $75,000 to $100,000 or more per year with a PhD.
On the other hand, if you think that your passion is more on advanced clinical speech pathology practice or healthcare leadership, then SLPD might be more suitable for you. Despite the fact that Nebraska does not have an SLPD program at this time, it is possible to study at an online SLP program or nearby out-of-state university. The SLPD graduates are able to work in specialized clinical positions, management positions in hospitals or clinics or in healthcare administration and get $85,000 to $110,000 annually. In the end, it will depend on whether you get more enthusiasm for revolutionary research or for direct clinical leadership and practice.
If you are interested in becoming a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in Nebraska, here are a few things that you should know. First off, you will need a master’s degree from an accredited speech pathology program. It will include at least 400 hours of practical training, called clinical practice, which is usually divided between the graduate course work and practical attachment or SLP internships. In order to practice in Nebraska, you must also do a Clinical Fellowship, which is an additional 36 weeks of full time professional experience (roughly 1,260 hours) supervised.
Next, you will need to pass the Praxis exam, which is a standardized exam for Speech-Language Pathology, it will test both your knowledge and skills. Only after completing these steps, can you apply for your Nebraska SLP license from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Maintaining your Nebraska SLP license requires renewal every two years. The biggest part of renewal is completing your continuing education classes. In Nebraska, you are required to complete 20 CEUs to renew your license. Most SLPs in Nebraska also hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). It is a national certificate and is helpful if you ever have to practice in another state, or when applying to jobs. Employers recognize the certification as another testament of your competency. There is nothing complicated about maintaining your license, but it does show your clients and your employers that you care about staying current and delivering the best possible treatment.
If you want to start working as an SLP and you are interested in knowing the shortest speech pathology degree tracks available in Nebraska, this is what you need to know. Many universities offer a four year degree in Communication Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology, but to become a fully licensed Speech Pathologist, one needs a master’s degree as well. These master’s programs usually take two years of full-time study, including clinical practice. There are currently no official combined bachelor-to-master degree programs in Nebraska, but it is possible to minimize the time by selecting appropriate courses at the beginning of the study.
Today, there are no combined master’s and doctorate or accelerated SLPD programs within the state. So, if time is the most valuable resource, then the best way to go about it is to first obtain your bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and then proceed to a master’s program. If you want to plan your studies well and work hard, you will be able to help your clients to communicate with more confidence!
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| University of Nebraska at Omaha |
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| University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
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| University of Nebraska at Kearney |
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If you are looking for affordable Speech-Language Pathology programs in Nebraska, there are several options for you to consider. At public universities, for undergraduate degrees, Nebraska residents are typically paying between $250-$350 per credit hour, which is about $30,000 to $35,000 for the four years. A master’s degree is often more expensive than a bachelor’s degree. Nebraska residents can expect the cost at public universities to be between $500-$700 per credit hour, which makes the total cost of the program between $25,000 and $42,000. There are also options at private universities, but the tuition and fees are much more expensive than public universities.
There is one PhD program at UNL, and because it is quite expensive ($600-$800 per credit), it is usually covered by assistantships, scholarships or grants. Nebraska doesn’t have an SLPD program as of now, but online SLPD degrees are usually in the range of $1,000-$1,800 per credit nationally. In general, the costs of attending an SLP bachelor’s or master’s program in Nebraska are quite reasonable given the low tuition fees and low cost of living and good employment opportunities upon graduation.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of Nebraska at Kearney |
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| University of Nebraska at Omaha |
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| University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
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