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The Speech-Language Pathology Program provides academic and clinical experiences that culminate in the Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology degree. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a professional role as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Graduates of this program will be poised to assume positions as entry-level clinicians as part of a healthcare or educational team.
The Speech-Language Pathology Program offers a balanced curriculum to prepare future SLPs to work with both children and adults with communication and swallowing disorders. Course elements are designed to imbue students with the knowledge base pertinent to the field, while simultaneously fostering the critical thinking, problem solving, and self-confidence that contributes to effective independent clinical practice. Students will also develop skills in self-reflection and collaboration which contribute to life-long learning, hallmark traits of a master clinician.
The Speech-Language Pathology Program curriculum incorporates academic, research, and clinical experiences. The curriculum includes basic science and research coursework, in addition to courses that focus on specific communication disorders. Each student will explore the evidence base of speech-language pathology and related professions, and will apply knowledge gained to clinical practices. All students will learn about basic research methods within the discipline, and can elect to complete research that culminates in a master's thesis, or pursue a capstone project. Students will engage in clinical practica at the Midwestern University Speech-Language Institute, local schools and healthcare facilities. Each student will complete two advanced practica of at least 10 weeks duration. These involve full-time work in an educational facility, hospital or clinic. Students will gain clinical experiences with a wide variety of clients with communication and swallowing impairment.
The Speech-Language Pathology Program is designed to prepare students for work in educational or healthcare settings as entry-level speech-language pathologists. Graduates will be able to demonstrate evidence of all knowledge and skill requirements to begin a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY). At the completion of the CFY, graduates will be eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association. Students will also be eligible to apply for state licensure through the Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Special Licensing, or other state licensing agency.
Flexible Options & Time to Degree Completion
The Speech-Language Pathology degree program offers multiple pathways to degree completion. Students may pursue their degree full-time, or through a part-time option. The full-time program of study spans seven quarters, or 21 months from admission to graduation (Traditional Track). Students may also elect to pursue their degree part-time (see part-time curriculum). The part-time curriculum spans 10 quarters or 27 months.
Students in the full-time and part-time tracks have the option to complete SLP-specific prerequisite coursework as part of their master's curriculum by electing the Leveling Track. The Leveling Track coursework extends the degree program one additional quarter (24 total months for full-time students; 30 total months for part-time students). The maximum allotted time to complete the program for full-time students is three years, and students who elect the part-time track must complete the degree program within four years.
Program Objectives
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program seeks to:
- Foster a supportive learning environment for students;
- Foster a collaborative and compassionate approach to patient care;
- Graduate competent speech-language pathologists who possess the levels of clinical judgment, knowledge, empathy, technical skills, and confidence to begin professional practice with a culturally and linguistically diverse society;
- Foster a philosophy of lifelong learning in speech-language pathology students;
- Expand clinical practice in the Midwestern University Speech-Language Institute to provide speech-language pathology students with a broad range of evidence-based and interprofessional practice experiences;
- Advance the knowledge base of the profession through research and support of students' scholarly activities;
- Contribute to the overall growth and academic excellence of Midwestern University by supporting its Mission and Vision.