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.
Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Info Sessions
Join us online or in person for an information session discussing the field of speech, language and hearing sciences and GW's post-baccalaureate and graduate programs.
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
Praxis Exam Results
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 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.
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 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.
| 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 6286 | Bilingualism | |
| SLHS 6291 | Special Topics in Speech–Language Pathology (Global Engagement) | |
| SLHS 6291 | Special Topics in Speech–Language Pathology (Aging) | |
| SLHS 6295 | Independent Research in Speech, Language, and Hearing | |
| 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.