Master of Science (M.S.) Program in Speech-Language Pathology
The purpose of the Master of Science degree program in Speech Pathology is to provide aspiring professionals with a firm understanding of the normal processes of speech, language, and hearing; the competence to diagnose and treat the full range of communicative disorders in all age groups; and the opportunity to practice in a wide variety of clinical settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, special treatment centers, and private practice. The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, therefore, is a professional program that emphasizes the knowledge and skills requisite for competent and ethical clinical practice. Graduation thus depends on completion of all academic requirements and the demonstration of sound clinical expertise.
The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Students are expected to become familiar with the 2005 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. Additional information regarding graduate student expectations is outlined in the 2011-12
Graduate Student Handbook for Speech-Language Pathology.
Admission
All applicants for the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program must have a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, and present the following by the January 15 deadline:
1. An undergraduate major in Speech Pathology and Audiology or Communication Sciences and Disorders1;
2. One official transcript from each college attended2;
3. An overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 (A = 4.0);
4. An official copy of the applicant’s Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores3;
5. Three (3) letters of recommendation that reflect the applicant’s academic and clinical abilities, potential for success in graduate studies, and personal qualities predictive of professional success as a speech-language pathologist; and
6. A personal statement that addresses the applicant’s goals for professional graduate study in speech-language pathology.
All applicants being considered for admission will be provided with a personal interview with members of the SPA faculty.
1 For applicants with other undergraduate majors, the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology has outlined minimum and recommended preparatory coursework for graduate study in speech-language pathology. In some cases, applicants without preparatory coursework in speech pathology and audiology may be considered for graduate admission, but the program of study will require two (2) additional semesters of added coursework.
2 Please submit transcripts directly to:
West Virginia University
Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
3 The WVU Institution Code for the GRE is R5904. Applicants may have their official scores submitted from the newly revised GRE or from the older version, if taken within the past 5 years. Although no minimum is specified for either test version, GRE scores that meet or exceed the 50th percentile are recommended. The most recent graduate admissions summary data are available here.
An Application for Graduate Admission is available from the WVU Office of Admissions.
It is also possible to apply for graduate study online. When doing so, you may upload your personal statement and provide your reference information for online letter submission.
For those wishing to apply by mail, please send your
personal statement and letters of recommendation to:
Graduate Studies
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology
West Virginia University
805 Allen Hall
P.O. Box 6122
Morgantown, WV 26506-6122
For more information, please contact the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology by mail at the above address, by phone at (304) 293-6817, or by e-mail: Julie.Yerkovich@mail.wvu.edu.
Please note that applications must be received in the Department by January 15. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are complete and on time.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships
A limited number of competitive Graduate Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Research Assistantships, and Graduate Service Assistantships are available through the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology as well as other departments, colleges, and offices throughout West Virginia University. Please check with SPA and the Center for Student Advising and Records for currently available Department and College assistantships. Also, be sure to check the WVU Office of Graduate Education and Life website for the latest information on graduate tuition waivers and the many types of assistantships and fellowships available to graduate students.
Graduation Requirements
The following are the minimum graduation requirements for the M.S. degree program:
1. Completion of all required courses in the graduate Speech-Language Pathology curriculum;
2. A minimum of 400 clock hours of supervised practicum, including at least 25 hours
of clinical observation and 375 hours of direct patient/client contact; and
3. An overall graduate grade point average of at least 3.00 (A = 4.0).
Click here to see a list of graduate courses in speech-language pathology.
Students anticipating a May graduation must complete an Application for Graduation and Diploma and a Request to Graduate form by February 1 of the year of intended graduation. Forms and additional information, including deadlines for August and December graduation, are available on the HR&E Center for Student Advising & Records website.
Residency Requirements
All students in the M.S. program in Speech-Language Pathology must be full-time in residence during the program of study. The minimum duration for graduate study is five consecutive semesters (including summer sessions). All M.S. students are expected to complete SPA 719, Externship in Speech Pathology, during their final semester of the program. Part-time students are not eligible for admission.
At the time of the SLP Clinical Fellowship (SLPCF), graduates of the M.S. program are encouraged to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Program Data
SLP Graduate Program Completion Rates for the Past Three Years:
2008-09: 22 students completed within the expected time frame,
2 students completed later than expected, 1 student did not complete
2009-10: 26 students completed within the expected time frame,
1 student completed later than expected
2010-11: 24 students completed within the expected time frame,
no students completed later than expected
Three-year Completion Rate = 99%
SLP Praxis Examination Passing Rate for the Past Three Years:
2008-09: 25 took exam, 25 passed exam, 100% passing rate
2009-10: 23 took exam, 23 passed exam, 100% passing rate
2010-11: 24 took exam, 24 passed exam, 100% passing rate
Three-year Average Passing Rate = 100%
Employment Rate for SLP Graduates over the Past Three Years:
2008-09: 25 employed, 1 not employed, 96% employment rate
2009-10: 23 employed, 4 not employed, 85% employment rate
2010-11: 22 employed, 2 not employed, 92% employment rate
Three-year Average Employment Rate = 91%