MA in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program provides comprehensive insight into communication disorders and their consequences for individuals and society.

Within five semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring), every graduate student rotates through all six of our practicum sub-clinics in the GW Speech and Hearing Center and completes two externship experiences. Our six specialty tracks include: Accent Modification, Acquired Neurological Disorders, Literacy & Social Communication Disorders, Hearing Health Care, Pediatric Speech and Language Disorders, and Voice Disorders.

Questions? Contact the SLHS Chair of Admissions.

For students who wish to pursue an MA in Speech-Language Pathology but whose undergraduate major was in another field, we also offer a post-baccalaureate option.

Accreditation

The Master's of Art (MA) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at The George Washington University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. 

MA at a Glance

 

Program Benefits

Cohort Rotations

Each incoming class is divided into Cohorts A and B so that class sizes are around 30 students (core classes) or 12-20 students (electives and practicum sub-clinics). Course and clinical rotation schedules are coordinated so that every student will have applicable coursework prior to or concurrently with the corresponding clinical experience.

Optional Thesis

Students may choose to complete a master’s thesis. Students must decide whether to write a thesis by the end of their second semester and obtain faculty permission.

• Non-thesis option: Students register for 37 semester hours of coursework and 5 semester hours of clinical practicum. Non-thesis students take a departmental summative assessment during their last semester of graduate study.
• Thesis option: Students register for 31 semester hours of coursework, 6 semester hours of thesis research, and 5 semester hours of clinical practicum. Students develop a proposal with a faculty advisor and then conduct their research under the direction of a thesis committee. Students complete a thesis presentation in lieu of the departmental summative assessment.

Students completing a thesis register for four required courses in place of the two required electives:

SPHR 6210: Research Methods in SLHS (1)
SPHR 6998: Thesis (2)
SPHR 6999: Thesis (2)
SPHR 6295: Preparing the Thesis Proposal (2)

MA Course Requirements

View a sample plan of study for the MA-SLP program (PDF)