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: Adult Communication, 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.

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Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences Open House: December 4

Discover what makes our post-baccalaureate and graduate programs in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences unique by joining us for a virtual Open House.

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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. 

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.

Externships

• All students must complete clinical work in three separate locations, as required by ASHA.  One location is our on-campus GW Speech and Hearing Center.  The other two locations will be at two separate off-campus externship sites.
• The student must work at the externship sites for a minimum of three days (24 hours) per week, for a minimum timeframe which matches the on-campus GW Speech and Hearing Center weeks of operation for a semester.
• Externship sites are unpaid rotations
• Per ASHA requirements, all students must complete a minimum of 50 clinical clock hours at each site, with a total of 375 clinical clock hours being accrued prior to graduation.

• International students need to independently apply for a CTP document from GW's International Student Services Office.

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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 33 semester hours of coursework, 4 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:

• SLHS 6999: Thesis 

MA Course Requirements

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