MA in Speech-Language Pathology

 

Two Speech and Hearing students work with a toddler who is doing a puzzle.

 

The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program provides comprehensive insight into communication disorders and their consequences for individuals and society. Accredited by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, GW’s program is considered among the finest in the country.

All MA in SLP degree applicants must perform 25 hours of clinical observation, as mandated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which are required before beginning clinical practica in the GW Speech and Hearing Center.

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.

 

 

Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology with ASHA Logo (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)

 

100% Pass Rate on the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology (PRAXIS)

 

~98% Graduate Student Employment Rate Within Six Months of Graduation

 

 

Program Benefits 

 

Praxis Exam

All MA students take the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology during their last semester, which is required for ASHA certification. GW's pass rate is 100 percent.

 

Clinical Experience

Every master's student completes a set of core practicum rotations under the supervision of certified clinicians in the GW Speech and Hearing Center and two clinical externship experiences in the community during their final two semesters.

 

Flexible Choices

Academic advisors can help students choose electives and find externships to develop their interests in areas such as pediatric, voice or neurological communication disorders.

 

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

The master of arts in the field of speech-language pathology degree program is for students with an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology. 

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

42 credits: Non-thesis option—38 credits in required courses and 4 credits in elective courses; thesis option—36 credits in required courses and 6 credits of thesis. For all students, satisfactory completion of supervised practica and a master's summative assessment is required.

Required
SPHR 6201Clinical Practicum in Speech–Language Pathology (taken once each semester for a total of 5 credits)
SPHR 6205Professional and Clinical Issues in Speech and Hearing
SPHR 6207Diagnostic Procedures in Speech and Hearing
SPHR 6210Research in Communication Sciences and Disorders (students selecting the thesis option register for 1 credit)
SPHR 6220Disorders of Articulation and Phonology
SPHR 6230Pediatric Language and Speech Disorders I
SPHR 6231Pediatric Language and Speech Disorders II
SPHR 6240Neurogenic Communication Disorders
SPHR 6241Applied Neuroanatomy
SPHR 6251Seminar: Speech Fluency Disorders
SPHR 6260Voice Disorders: Evaluation and Treatment
SPHR 6276Aural Rehabilitation
SPHR 6281Dysphagia
Thesis students
Students selecting the thesis option complete 6 credits in thesis research from the following courses:
SPHR 6211Preparing the Thesis Prospectus
SPHR 6998Thesis Research
SPHR 6999Thesis Research
Non-thesis students
Students selecting the non-thesis option take 4 credits in elective courses selected from the following:
SLHS 6222Acquired Neuromotor Disorders of Speech Production
SLHS 6284Autism
SLHS 6291Selected Topics in Speech–Language Pathology (Literacy)
SLHS 6291Selected Topics in Speech–Language Pathology (Bilingualism)
SLHS 6291Selected Topics in Speech–Language Pathology (Global Engagement)
SLHS 6291Selected Topics in Speech–Language Pathology (Aging)
Additional requirements
Satisfactory completion of supervised practica and a master's summative assessment.