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.

Within five semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring), every graduate student rotates through all eight of our practicum sub-clinics in the GW Speech and Hearing Center and completes two externship experiences.

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 education program in speech-language pathology at 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.

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

MA at a Glance

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

Program Benefits

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.

Every student completes core practicum rotations under the supervision of certified clinicians in the GW Speech and Hearing Center and two clinical externships in the community during their final two semesters.

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.

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

*Non-thesis students take SLHS 6210 for 3 credits, thesis students take the course for 1 credit.