Speech Language Pathology M.S.
Graduate students in Speech Language Pathology have the opportunity to work closely with ASHA-certified faculty/supervisors and engage in extensive experience and specialized training in various aspects of speech, language, literacy, swallowing, and hearing.
Program Delivery Options
On-Campus Students
On-campus students follow a traditional classroom structure by attending courses face-to-face on the UM campus. Practica are completed every semester throughout the graduate program and begin as a clinical practicum in the University of Montana's RiteCare Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic their first semester in the graduate program. Subsequent off-campus practica, typically after the first two semesters of graduate school, take place in off-campus sites and can be arranged throughout the state and country.
On-campus students will complete the M.S. in Speech Language Pathology in a minimum of 4 semesters and 1 summer term.
Part-time options are also available.
Distance Students
Distance students participate synchronously in all academic courses with students on campus via web-broadcasting. They will begin a clinical practicum at the University of Montana's RiteCare Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic on the University of Montana campus in the summer term following two semesters of academic study. Practica will continue throughout the remainder of the graduate program in off-campus sites and can be arranged throughout the state and country.
Distance students are able to complete the program in a minimum of 4 semesters and 2 summer terms.
Master of Science - Speech Language Pathology
Degree Specific Credits:
- Thesis Option: 71 total graduate credits (35 graduate program course credits, 30 practicum credits, and a minimum of 6 thesis credits; may require an additional semester).
- Non-thesis Option: 65-68 total graduate credits (32-35 graduate program course credits, 30 practicum credits, and 3 capstone/portfolio project credits).
Required Cumulative GPA: 3.0
Requirements
Required Academic Coursework
- 35 credits of graduate program core courses, a majority of which focus on developmental and acquired communication and swallowing disorders. Some of these requirements may be waived with departmental approval depending on the student’s undergraduate coursework, allowing a minimum of 32 credits of core courses.
- Either a graduate thesis (6 credits) or graduate non-thesis portfolio project (3 credits).
- Some students need to complete multiple undergraduate or Standard IV area requirements (not completed prior to graduate school), such as CSD 450, in order to be eligible for ASHA certification or other Standard IV-A courses.
Required Clinical Education Coursework and Credits
Clinical education coursework includes:
- 30 credits of clinical practicum, which includes specialty clinics and direct experiences across multiple settings.
- Working with children and adults with developmental/acquired/swallowing 3 practicum levels that develop clinical skill and competency across multiple sites.
- A minimum of 375 supervised clock hours. 25 hours of guided observation must be completed before beginning clinical practicum.
- For additional information about clinical education in Speech Language Pathology, see the School of Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences website.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements - Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| SLP 520 | Speech Sound Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 530 | Voice & Resonance Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 535 | Motor Speech Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 540 | Fluency Disorders | 2 |
| SLP 545 | Social Communication Skills, Behavior, and Neurodiversity | 2 |
| SLP 546 | Augmentative & Alternative Communication | 1 |
| SLP 550 | Language Assessment and Intervention for Children Infants through Preschool | 3 |
| SLP 560 | Dx /Tx School-Age Lang | 3 |
| SLP 565 | Aphasia | 3 |
| SLP 566 | Acquired Cognitive-Communication Disorders | 3 |
| SLP 570 | Clinic Proc/Pro Pract I (repeated for a total of 2 credits) | 2 |
| SLP 575 | Advanced Clinic Proc II | 1 |
| SLP 600 | Research Methods | 3 |
| SLP 640 | Swallowing Disorders | 3 |
| Practicum Requirements - Complete all of the following courses: | ||
| SLP 571 | Found Applied Clinic Srv/Lrn | 6 |
| SLP 576 | Advanced Applied Clinic II | 12 |
| SLP 675 | Clinical Ext/ Adv Practicum | 12 |
| Thesis/Capstone - Complete one of the following courses: | 3-6 | |
| Master of Science Capstone Portfolio (3 credits) | ||
| Master of Science Thesis (6 credits) | ||
| Total Hours | 68-71 | |