Masters in speech pathology programs

The average cumulative GPA of admitted students hovers around 3. The university is very selective, but as the statistics show, the admissions department values your grades more than your test scores.

Additionally, you can prove yourself with a diverse resume, excellent letters of recommendation, and a poignant purpose statement. While every speech therapy graduate school includes clinical experience in their curriculum, Temple emphasizes it. The faculty finds that students learn quickest when knowledge is applied, and if you believe that statement, you should consider Temple University. Temple University is proud to have over 80 clinical affiliates in Pennsylvania.

Through all of these connections, students can have excellent clinical experiences in schools, private practices, nursing homes, and universities. Students in the speech, language, and hearing science program also have the option to perform supervised research on the Temple campus.

Do you want to join the highly esteemed Master of Arts in speech-language pathology at the University of Connecticut? Applying students should have three letters of reference, two essay forms, and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.

Furthermore, students must record 25 hours of clinical observation before being accepted into the program. At UConn, you will continue your clinical experience until you meet licensure requirements. So how much clinical experience does it take? At UConn, students must record hours of clinical practicum. Of these hours, must be in direct work with patients, while 25 hours must be spent observing professional SLPs.

Students will spend a full summer in clinical work, but they will also spend time throughout the regular school year gaining clinical experience. Boulder, Colorado is recognizable by the famous Flatirons, a bohemian scene, access to beautiful nature, and a world-famous university. Those students will take two years of classes and clinical experiences before completing the degree. For these students, the last two years are the same as the first option.

The difference is that students must spend a year taking prerequisite courses like Phonetics, Hearing Science, and Audiological Evaluation. The final track is for those who want to complete a thesis. Those students will be more focused on research than on clinical work. The University of Virginia is one of the best public universities in the United States and around the world.

Its graduates have become leaders in many fields, including speech-language pathology. This program lasts two years, and it combines classroom learning with clinical experience. The school accepts around 27 students per year, making this program very selective. This program stands out for a few reasons. First, each of the master-level classes are taught by educators who hold Ph. Second, the university has affiliate agreements with dozens of top-of-the-line facilities for SLP professionals and students in SLP programs.

Lastly, students in this program have access to leading faculty and research from related LSU programs. Through these connections, students can expand their studies and network. Students in this program can choose between a thesis and non-thesis track.

Either way, students must complete 39 credit hours of courses to graduate from the program. Go Green, Go White! The faculty is great, as it should be, and the classes are carefully designed and taught. Additionally, Michigan State University has connected to over facilities near Lansing. Students can complete required clinical hours in these facilities, and exceed those hours if they wish to do so.

These classes are invaluable to your future as a licensed SLP. Students can take an optional thesis track. Those who choose not to write a thesis have to take six additional credits in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders. All of the programs on this list are excellent.

Each of them is unique in their own way, but we chose each school because they equally prepare students for careers as speech therapists. The University of Alabama is no exception—the program is outstanding, and it stands out for its own reasons. Of note, students in this program dive into the past of speech therapy as well as the present and future.

Sound like a match? To gain admission, the University of Alabama expects students to have a 3. The school is quite selective, so take the time to carefully fill out your application. Students who have completed the prerequisite courses before admission can finish the program in as few as five semesters.

The University of Alabama will graduate you as long as you maintain good grades and you finish the program within six years. Find Your Degree! AD CollegeRank. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us.

This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Got it! Location Seattle, Washington. More Information.

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Location Gainesville, Florida. Location Athens, Georgia. The program covers multiple specializations, including articulation, aural rehabilitation, and pervasive developmental disorders. After learning in labs in Buffalo during their first year, students begin externships during the second year to gain clinical hours. UB connects students with local externships, and most learners complete two externships by graduation.

Some students also begin research apprenticeships, though availability varies. To graduate, learners must pass the Praxis exam and complete either a thesis or research project. Home to over 33, students, Pitt serves as a regional leader in public education. Despite its large size, Pitt offers a low to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, great for learners looking for one-on-one time with their professors. Available as both a master of arts and master of science, the speech-language pathology program requires 60 credits split between on-campus courses and clinical experience.

Both options require 10 credits of clinical experience and either a written and oral comprehensive exam or a thesis. During clinicals, learners can also specialize in either dysphagia or voice, both of which lead to specific career outcomes. Pitt requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree with a 3. Applicants with a bachelor's in communication and speech disorders meet all prerequisite requirements.

Pitt does not require GRE scores. Located in College Park, UMD teaches more than 41, students who join an alumni network of over , Learners benefit from the university's prime location near Baltimore, and the school emphasizes the importance of social entrepreneurship.

UMD's master's in speech-language pathology , offered through the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, requires applicants to first complete prerequisites in speech sciences and communications sciences and disorders. Learners usually graduate in two years, though UMD requires students to complete a summer and winter semester. Upon graduating, students prepare to become licensed in Maryland and other states, and then begin careers as professional speech-language pathologists.

Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, previous transcripts, three recommendation letters, a professional resume, and GRE scores. Learners who require financial assistance can secure a graduate assistantship or fellowship, both offered by UMD. The diverse school also sees over one-third of students study abroad, making it an excellent choice for those interested in travel.

Learners cover basic materials required to become licensed in Texas and other states, though expert faculty also allows for specialized learning opportunities. Students complete clinicals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, sometimes serving unique populations. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and 27 hours of speech-language pathology credits. Learners must study full time and complete all courses on site in Fort Worth. A top-ranked Catholic university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne features over years of education experience.

Most classes at Duquesne consist of fewer than 20 students, and learners enjoy a to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Duquesne's two-year speech-language pathology master's prepares students to become licensed speech-language pathologists, and some learners choose to earn a Pennsylvania teaching certification. Potential courses include phonetics, speech sciences, and clinical procedures. Learners who graduate in two years must take courses during the summer semester between the two academic years.

Applicants who did not complete at least 25 hours of speech-language pathology courses must complete an additional year of prerequisite courses.

Applicants need a 3. One of the nation's top public research institutions, MSU offers some of the best graduate programs. As a large university with numerous ties to local organizations, MSU helps connect master's in speech-language pathology students with clinical roles at over local sites. The communicative sciences and disorders program comes with two tracks, both of which require 51 credits. The first track culminates with a thesis and independent study while the second track includes two specialized courses and a comprehensive final exam.

Full-time students complete the program in just two years. MSU only accepts applicants who earned a bachelor's degree in communicative disorders with a 3. Those with different backgrounds must complete a year of prerequisite courses. Applicants also submit a statement of purpose and three recommendation letters. Molloy, a small private college located on Long Island near Manhattan, offers a low tuition rate, especially when compared to other institutions in the New York City area.

The college teaches roughly 5, students, many of whom pursue a graduate degree. Molloy's graduate speech-language pathology program blends theory and real-world practice, preparing graduates for many careers. The program covers voice disorders, diagnosis in communication disorders, and neurological bases of communication. Aspiring educators can register for the teacher of students with speech and language disabilities specialization. Molloy also offers a bilingual extension certificate.

Applicants must submit three recommendation letters, a professional goals statement, transcripts, and GRE scores. After submitting an application, learners then complete a personal interview. Those who do not meet prerequisite course requirements must complete 39 undergraduate credits before joining the master's program. As one of the oldest institutions of higher education, UD counts numerous scientists, artists, and politicians among its alumni. The college has campuses in Dover, Wilmington, Georgetown, Newark, and Lewes, and many students study abroad.

Learners interested in the master's in speech-language pathology complete 60 credits over 18 months. UD requires that students enroll full time and complete courses during a summer and winter session. Learners can pursue an optional thesis for the program, though this route requires an additional semester of study.

As part of the curriculum, students complete clinical experience onsite at locations around Delaware. Applicants without relevant undergraduate experience must complete prerequisite coursework. After graduating, students qualify to earn American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certification. UD requires GRE scores, two personal essays, and three recommendation letters. Founded in , TU serves nearly 4, students, with just over 1, pursuing a graduate degree. The private university features a low student-to-faculty ratio of to-1 and average class sizes of just 20 students.

Learners enrolled in the graduate communication sciences and disorders program enjoy even smaller class sizes. Only available full time, the master's in speech-language pathology takes two years to complete and prepares students for licensure in Oklahoma.

Graduates also qualify to apply for doctoral speech-language programs, find leadership positions, or become certified to work for public schools. The program consists of 40 credits, six of which come from clinical experience completed in the Tulsa area. The most recent speech-language pathology graduating class enjoyed a perfect Praxis exam pass rate, and every graduate secured a relevant position within one year of graduating.

A more comprehensive evaluation of how each category is determined and scored is accessible on our Ranking Methodology page. Do SLPs make more than nurses? According to the BLS, speech-language pathologists earn more than registered nurses. What college major is speech pathology? Although pre-requisite courses may need to be completed before applying.

What are the requirements to become a speech pathologist? Becoming a speech pathologist is not difficult; however, it does require 4 to 7 years of schooling as well as hands-on training. How Covid Affected Speech Pathology. Many patients who fought for their lives after contracting COVID have now been left with the work of restoring their speech and communication.

Speech pathologists have stepped in to assist patients who are recovering from serious cases. As a result of the damage caused by mechanical ventilation, patients have been left with injured vocal cords.

In addition to helping patients rehabilitate the ability to swallow and communicate, speech pathologists also work with those experiencing difficulties with cognition, including memory, orientation and delirium. What Does a Speech Pathologist Do? Speech pathologists help individuals cope with speech and swallowing challenges.

They evaluate clients and come up with treatment plans. Often, these plans include helping clients practice making sounds, improve sentence structures, and strengthen and relax their throat muscles.

Sometimes, speech pathologists work with individuals who were born with a disability that makes talking difficult, like a cleft palate. In other cases, they work with individuals who develop a disorder or injury that impacts speech and swallowing later in life, like adults recovering from a stroke. Depending on the program, you can enroll as a part-time or full-time student and complete the program at your own pace.

In addition to the required courses, supervised clinical training is expected as well as the passing on an exam for your license, depending on the state. You will likely find that the admissions requirements vary from state to state and program to program. Learners gain skills in areas like:. Below, we outline five common speech pathology courses. Keep in mind that not every program offers these exact courses. However, most programs include a variation of the following classes.

In this course, learners study various hearing disorders that impact speech. Students also learn about peripheral and central disorders that affect balance. This class requires auditory assessments during which students must listen to recordings and diagnose possible hearing disorders present. Many programs offer this course entirely online, but some may require an in-person clinical component. Language Development and Assessment. In a language development and assessment course, students learn about language development stages in adolescents and how to identify language development disorders.

This class covers evidence-based theories about how individuals develop the ability to speak. Learners also discover how to apply these theories to everyday practice. Students typically take this course during their first semester because it offers important foundational material. Anatomy Hearing and Speech Systems. This course examines the human body and its systems that control hearing and speech.

Anatomical structures that this course discusses include the articulatory and resonatory systems, inner and outer ear, and throat. This class also covers the functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Students learn how to identify potential disorders of these systems based on present symptoms. Exams in this course often require students to identify names of anatomical structures based on diagrams.

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. Speech pathologists typically work with clients from varying backgrounds. This course covers best communication practices for communicating with diverse audiences. Learners also discover how to help individuals currently learning English as a second language with pronunciation.

Diagnosing Disorders. In this class, students learn how to identify speaking, hearing, and swallowing disorders based on sets of accepted criteria. Learners discover how to use common diagnostic equipment and perform diagnostic tests. Clinical externships outside of the Gainesville area are also available. Gain the skills to deliver clinical services based on best practices and current research with the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Vanderbilt University.

Through a combination of academic training and clinical practice, students completing the program will earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Children's Hospital, and the Vanderbilt University Hospital. The program concludes with a week clinical or research externship.

Students also have the option to select specialty tracks in childhood deafness, autism spectrum disorders, feeding and swallowing disorders, and school-age language-literacy disorders. The Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University offers students both on-campus and online graduate degree options. Both options require students to earn 48 credit hours with opportunities to complete clinical practicums either in New York City or in the student's home region.

Online students coordinate with an NYU clinical field placement specialist to facilitate the program's clinical experience requirement. On-campus students may add a bilingual extension to their degree by adding two specialized electives to their plan of study leading to qualification for the New York State Education Department bilingual extension certificate. Students will complete total hours of clinical experience. Both the online and on-campus program options hold accreditation from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Learn to assess, prevent, and treat communication disorders with the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Alabama. Students gain the necessary skills to understand human communication science and disorders and apply appropriate therapy techniques. Students undertake formal coursework and clinical experience to meet the requirements for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's Certificate of Clinical Competence.

Students complete the program with either a thesis or a both written and oral comprehensive examinations. The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds, however, up to 28 hours of prerequisite coursework may be required before gaining full admission to the program.

The program typically requires five to seven full-time semesters. Students seeking permanent positions in Alabama public schools will also need to obtain a Class A teacher's certificate. Become qualified to work as a speech therapist in a diverse range of settings with the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Colorado Boulder.

The program combines a foundation of theoretical and clinical knowledge that students can apply to their careers. Completing the degree program qualifies students for the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Colorado State licensure to work in public schools.

The two-year program concludes with one or two full-time internships and either a comprehensive examination or a thesis. Master the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary for a clinical career with the Master of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Michigan State University. The 51 credit degree takes place over five continuous semesters with start dates each fall. Students can acquire clinical practice through partnerships with more than off-campus, community-based schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and more.

Students planning to further their education and earn a Ph. Develop the knowledge and skills to assess and treat communication disorders with the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. Applicants will need a bachelor's degree in audiology, speech-language pathology, or a related field, otherwise, applicants will need to complete a series of prerequisites prior to the first semester of the program.

Non-degree, post-baccalaureate status is also available for students not seeking an advanced degree. The semester-hour program can be completed in two years, including summers, and leads to the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students can also earn Nebraska state licensure and the state's teaching endorsement in speech-language pathology. The Master of Science in Speech, Language, and Learning: Speech-Language Pathology Concentration from Northwestern University enhances student's abilities to deliver competent therapy for communication issues.

The seven-quarter curriculum immerses students in clinical experience, allowing students to develop leadership, critical thinking, and professional skills. Students spend the first clinical year and the first quarter of their second year working in the university's on-campus clinic. Students later complete two full-time externship placements lasting 11 weeks each.

Externships are designed to help students pursue an area of interest and take place off-campus or even out of state. Learn to deliver outstanding clinical services based on contemporary best practices with the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Kansas.

Block scheduling helps to reduce commuting. Students can also become engaged in extracurricular organizations such as the Health Professions Alumni Association and the School of Health Professionals Student Senate. Students can typically complete the program in four full-time semesters plus summers. Additional time may be required for students needing to satisfy prerequisites or those who are conducting extensive research projects.

The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Connecticut trains students to become highly-skilled clinicians. The program leads to clinical certification, and students can select from a thesis or non-thesis plan to match their career goals. Students can also earn the state of Connecticut's licensure in speech-language pathology. Well-prepared students typically complete the program in two years, while students with undergraduate education outside of the communication science discipline may require three years.

Students complete a minimum of 57 academic credits and complete at least clock hours of supervised clinical practicum. Rigorous coursework and clinical experiences prepare students for meaningful careers in the Masters of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from the University of Arizona. The 36 credit hour program can be completed in two or three years, depending on the applicant's undergraduate experience.

Students will investigate the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders in clients of all ages. The program offers on- and off-campus adult and pediatric clinical experiences and many opportunities for cutting-edge research alongside faculty members. Students study subjects including speech and language disorders, audiology, dysphagia, and can complete an optional thesis. The degree also includes a practicum requirement of clock hours of speech-language pathology practice.

The university offers both a "Residential Track" and the "Suncoast Consortium Track" for completing the speech-language graduate degree. The residential track is a six-semester program with ample clinical opportunities both on and off campus. Students take a total of four in-house practical courses before moving to two externship sites. The program leads to clinical certification and Florida state licensure.

The program's Suncoast Track offering is designed for professionals with bachelor's degrees who are already working full-time in a speech-language pathology setting. Students complete a nine-semester course of study through distance and on-site teaching. The Master of Arts Program in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Maryland gives students the breadth of study required to become dedicated speech therapists.

The credit program includes 15 credits of clinical training and can typically be completed in two years. Students spend three years training in the program's on-campus clinic in preparation for two setters of clinical externships in both adult and pediatric settings.

Students can enhance their studies by participating in the university's programs in bilingual education, cultural and linguistic diversity, autism education, relationship skills, and preschool language learning. Students complete 54 to 61 credit hours in this two-year program. Students spend the first four semesters, including summer, completing graduate coursework. The final semester is comprised of off-campus externships. Students will spend a total of four semesters conducting clinical practicum.

Upon graduating students complete a fellowship year which leads to the Certificate of Clinical Competency. Students will also qualify for licensure in all 50 states. Students survey topics in phonological disorders, language disorders in children, voice disorders, aphasia, stuttering, dysphagia, and more. Students choose to write a graduate thesis or complete four to 11 elective credit hours to complete their studies. Build your communication science skills while training in state-of-the-art facilities with the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University.

The program is practice-oriented with a strong emphasis on teamwork and interdisciplinary studies. Students study clinical practice, scientific theory, and research statistics. Students will complete four semesters of clinical experience, starting with supervised experiences in the university's Speech-Language and Hearing Center during the student's first semester. The program's coursework includes subjects in the neurology of communication, phonology, articulation, dysphagia, stuttering, adult disorders, and more.

The degree includes a total of 60 semester hours, and students can select thesis and non-thesis degree options. Non-thesis students must pass a comprehensive examination to complete the degree. An Early Intervention Certificate is also available. The Master of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University gives you the tools to make a positive impact in the lives of clients with communication disorders. The program admits students in the fall semester and typically lasts two academic years plus a summer semester.

To qualify, students will need a background in communication sciences and disorders, otherwise, applicants will be required to complete the university's Speech-Language Pathology Essentials program to satisfy course prerequisites.

Graduates will be prepared to serve as speech-language pathologists in a variety of settings, including public schools, hospitals, and clinics. Students will complete 44 units, including nine units of electives, and 20 units of clinical practicum. Internships in hospital, school, and clinical lab settings are also included. The program concludes with the student's choice of either a thesis or a comprehensive examination.

The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Iowa offers students rigorous coursework and clinical experience in diverse settings. The combination of academic and practicum preparation qualifies graduates for clinical certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.