Frequently Asked Questions

I do not have 24 Speech & Hearing Sciences credits yet, can I still apply?

Yes, while 24 credits are preferred for Project MESA, only 12 credits are required to apply for the University of New Mexico's masters of Speech and Hearing Sciences. The admissions committee will review the number of credits for each applicant on a case-by-case basis. 

• If you have further questions or concerns regarding your number of credits, please reach out to Dr. Cindy Gevarter, Project MESA Director, at cgevarter@unm.edu

Do I need to be bilingual to apply?

No, being multilingual is not required. However, preference will be given to applicants who speak a non-English language commonly used in the Southwest (e.g., Spanish, Diné).

If I complete the requirements for Project MESA, do I fufill the requirements for the bilingual concentration? 

Yes, Project MESA students fulfill the requirements for the concentration in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology.

• Please note: If you took SHS 459 (3 credits): Multicultural Considerations in Communicative Disorders at UNM, you will need to take an alternate graduate-level course approved by department advisors. 

• For additional information regarding the bilingual concentration, visit Bilingual Speech Language Pathology

How many extra courses will I need to take as a Project MESA student compared to my peers? 

Project MESA students are required to take three courses, which are one credit each. These courses were designed in consideration to support Project MESA students. These three courses are: 

• SHS 539 Topics (1 credit): International and Multicultural Studies

  • 1. 1. • A course associated with the Interprofessional clinical experience abroad during Communidad Crecer service trip to Mexico City

          • For additional information about Communidad Crecer, visit Learning across borders: 33 years of Comunidad Crecer

• SHS 539 Topics (1 credit): Naturalistic Intervention

  1. 1. • • A course associated with the naturalistic summer clinic with children ages 2.5 to 4 years old with autism and developmental disabilities (including multilingual children) with a focus on increasing each child's early communication and social skills in a small group setting using naturalistic intervention methods

          • For additional information about the summer autism clinic, visit UNM's Project SCENES clinic

• SHS 539 Topics (1 credit): Core Functions of SLP

  1. 1. 1. • A course designed to support first year graduate students with their transition to graduate school including monthly meetings with Project MESA key personnel, Jessica Nico, and other Project MESA team members. 

           • For additional information about Jessica, visit team

• For additional information on required coursework, visit the UNM Speech & Hearing Sciences Graduate Student Handbook for Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology

What are the post-graduation employment requirements if I receive funding through Project MESA?

• You must complete 2 years of service for each year of funding received from Project MESA (e.g., 4 years of service for completing Project MESA's 2-year program).

• You have a grace period of 9 years after graduation to fulfill this requirement.

If I am an undergraduate student interested in applying to the UNM SHS graduate program and/or pursuing the Bilingual Concentration, should I take SHS520 instead of SHS459 as an undergraduate student? Will SHS520 count toward my undergraduate degree, and will it affect my eligibility for scholarships like the NM Lottery Scholarship?

• All undergraduate UNM students will need to take the class as SHS 459 level in order for it to count for their undergrad degree.

• If you are an undergraduate student at UNM and have signed up for SHS520, be sure to switch your registration to SHS459. 

• To avoid any issues, students should consult their academic advisor and the registrar to confirm undergraduate degree requirements and/or NM Lottery Scholarship requirements.  

What is UNM's LEND Program?

The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disabilities (LEND) interdisciplinary traineeship is designed to develop knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities including Autism

• Family-Centered and Culturally Competent Care

• Policy and Advocacy

• Leadership

• Interdisciplinary Skills

The program includes seminars on Fridays throughout two semesters, leadership content, clinical skill building, research, and public policy and leadership workshops. Utilizing evidence-based materials, case studies and problem-based learning, role-play and experiential activities, observation of live clinics, and project activities, participants will develop expertise in understanding, working in partnership with, and advocating for children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. The interactive seminars are provided in conjunction with required readings, assignments, book and journal club, webinars, family-match experience, Capstone project that embeds leadership and research skills, and participation in orientation, leadership and public policy workshops. Trainees can expect to spend 300 hours participating in LEND seminars and completing assignments and activities over two semesters. The traineeship includes a stipend (dependent on federal grant funding).

• For additional information about LEND, visit New Mexico LEND

What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that impacts social communication and interaction skills. It is also characterized by the presence of repetitive behaviors, specific interests, or sensory differences. Individuals with ASD may communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from other people. Some people with ASD need a lot of support in their daily lives; others need less. While some people prefer to use person first language (person with ASD) others prefer to use identify first language (autistic person).

• For additional information about Autism, visit About Autism Spectrum Disorder