Academic Program for Online and On-ground Master of Speech Language Pathology
Course Sequence Graduation Requirements
Master of Arts (MA) Track Master of Science (MS) Track
Both the on-ground and online graduate programs in speech language pathology (SLP) are designed to be completed in 5 semesters, with the exception of the online program, which has a part-time option that is 8 semesters in length. Students enter each August as a cohort, and progress through the program together.
On-ground students have the option to choose the MA track or MS track. The academic coursework and clinical experiences are identical for both tracks. The only difference between the two tracks is the type of project the student completes in SLP 6381 Research Experiences. Also, the Comprehensive Exam requirement is waived for students on the MS track in terms of degree requirements. However, students are required to sit for the exam in order to prepare for the Praxis.
Online students only have the option to complete the MA track. The academic coursework and clinical experiences are identical to what is offered on-ground, but each experience is adapted to the distance learning format. Students must report for a required 1 week on-ground intensive the Summer between their first and second year, during which their Comprehensive Exam will be administered in person and clinical skills will be assessed in the Simulation Lab. For part-time students, the required 1 week on-ground intensive is held during the second summer semester and will be identical in structure to the fulltime student experience.
MA Track
The Master of Arts track is for students who are interested in learning how to apply research literature in clinical settings, but not necessarily interested in conducting their own personal research. Students on the MA track will complete an Evidence Based Practice Portfolio during SLP 6381 Research Experiences. Students are also required to pass the Comprehensive Exam to graduate.
MS Track
The Master of Science track is for students who want experience in conducting research. Students on the MS track will complete a thesis, which involves developing their own research study under the guidance of a thesis committee. Upon completion of the thesis, students will submit for publication in a journal or submit for presentation at ASHA and/or SHAA. Due to the complex nature and extra time commitment for completing a thesis, the Comprehensive Exam requirement is waived as a degree requirement for students on the MS track; however, students are required to sit for the comprehensive exam as preparation for the Praxis.
Course Sequence
| Course # | Course Name | Credit Hour |
| Year 1: Fall Semester | ||
| SLP 6320 | Advanced Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6351 | Neurogenic Disorders 1 | 3 |
| SLP 6360 | Dysphagia – Adult | 3 |
| SLP 6365 | Dysphagia – Pediatric | 3 |
| SLP 6391 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 1 | 3 |
| Year 1: Spring Semester | ||
| SLP 6310 | Advanced Language Disorders in Children | 3 |
| SLP 6330 | Voice and Resonance Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6340 | Fluency Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 6352 | Neurogenic Disorders 2 | 3 |
| SLP 6392 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 2 | 3 |
| Year 1: Summer Semester | ||
| SLP 6205 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication | 2 |
| SLP 6215 | Autism and Social Communication | 2 |
| SLP 6270 | Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation | 2 |
| SLP 6280 | Research Methods | 2 |
| SLP 6393 | Clinical Methods and Practicum 3 | 3 |
| Year 2: Fall Semester | ||
| SLP 6991 | Internship (off-campus) | 9 |
| SLP 6381 | Research Experiences (off-campus) | 3 |
| Year 2: Spring Semester | ||
| SLP 6992 | Internship (off-campus) | 9 |
| SLP 6382 | Research Experiences (off-campus) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 65 |
All students (MA track and MS track) must take all courses in the following sequence.
Graduation Requirements
MA/MS SLP Graduation Requirements
- Complete all required courses with a grade of “B-” (80%) or higher.*
- Minimum GPA for graduation is 3.0 or higher
- Minimum of 375 clinical clock hours (plus 25 observation hours)
- Passing grade on Thesis (MS track) or EBP Project (MA track)
- Passing score on Comprehensive Exam (MA track only)
- Passing grade on SLO 5 Portfolio
- Meet ASHA’s Standards I-V for CCC-SLP per the Standards for CCC-SLP Tracking Form
