The master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology is designed to provide a theoretically and clinically rich path for students planning to work as speech-language pathologists in non-medical settings such as schools, private outpatient clinics, and birth-to-three programs, as well as medical settings, such as hospitals. Students in the SLP program are provided with a strong foundation of theoretical and clinical knowledge through their course work and clinical experiences. Students completing the SLP program obtain a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Colorado and are eligible to receive the Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), upon successful completion of the clinical fellowship year and the national PRAXIS examination. Certification permits work in settings such as schools, hospitals, clinics. The SLP program is a 2-year program that culminates in one or two internships as well as the successful passing of the comprehensive exam or completion of a thesis. The program consists of an initial summer intensive session beginning in early August, 4 full semesters, and 1 summer session. If you have an undergraduate degree in speech, language and hearing sciences (SLHS), you probably will have completed the equivalent of the required undergraduate courses in the major. If you do not have an undergraduate major in speech, language and hearing sciences, you will devote your first year after admission in the graduate program to completion of undergraduate leveling courses in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences plus a few graduate courses. You may also take these courses at another university prior to being admitted to SLHS as well. Generally, it requires three years of study for students without an undergraduate major in SLHS. These students typically begin their coursework in the fall semester (late August). Clinical Practice and Didactic Coursework Requirements: Your Clinical Education Program is a critical part of your graduate program. For two-year students, assuming readiness, you will register for one or more clinical practicum courses every semester in attendance. Three-year students begin their clinical training following completion of Clinical Theory and Practice beginning their second year in the program. Initial practicum experiences are at the University of Colorado Speech, Language and Hearing Center, housed in our building. As students gain experience, they work offsite, in schools, hospitals, and clinics around Boulder and the metro Denver area. Students choose sites depending on the domain of practice they want, as well as what opportunities they need for ASHA certification. There are many excellent placement opportunities in the area and many of our graduates work in former practicum sites. Your master’s degree work will culminate in one (if thesis plan) or two (if non-thesis plan) full-time internships in off-campus professional settings. You can expect to exceed the minimum requirements for clinical contact (400 hours) as specified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association for its Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). All students are required to complete one course in statistics, either as an undergraduate or as a graduate student. Other general education requirements usually have been completed as part of the Bachelor of Arts degree and consistent with the standards of the CAA. However to be sure, please visit our undergraduate section listing acceptable courses under the subject areas of Statistics, Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences. Three-year M.A. students who have not completed undergraduate speech-language requirements, will typically begin their coursework in the fall semester. Visiting the M.A. Program
To arrange a visit to the department, contact the Graduate Program Assistant. Faculty are also available to correspond with students via email and/or phone calls, if students are unable to visit campus.
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