Masters of Science Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
The WVU Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology graduate training programs emphasize a clinical approach to human communication disorders. Students educated in speech-language pathology are expected to demonstrate excellence in academic and clinical areas. Graduation, therefore, is dependent upon completion of all academic requirements, and the demonstration of clinical expertise. The 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 may obtain a copy of the ASHA Code of Ethics in pdf format by clicking here . A copy of the Graduate Handbook for the Speech-Language Pathology Masters program is available in pdf format by clicking here .
Requirements for Completion of the Program
The minimum graduation requirements for the Master of Science degree program are:
(a) 75 semester hours of coursework;
(b) all required courses in the Speech-Language Pathology curriculum;
(c) 400 clock hours of supervised practicum, including at least 25 hours of clinical observation and 375 hours of direct patient/client contact;
(d) an overall graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0).
For details on the Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology, click on the following link to the ASHA website.
Residency Requirements
All regular students in the Master’s degree programs must be full-time in residence during the program of study. The minimum duration for graduate study is five consecutive semesters (including summer sessions) for students with an undergraduate background in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and seven consecutive semesters for students without an undergraduate background in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
At present, part-time students are not eligible for admission to the Master’s degree program.
Doctoral Education
West Virginia University does not currently offer a doctorate degree in Speech-Language Pathology.