Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (MA)
Residential and Online Programs
Required Undergraduate Preparation
Completion of an undergraduate program in Speech-Language Sciences, audiology, or communication disorders is required prior to beginning the master's degree program. Although applicants may possess a degree in another discipline, they must have completed the core undergraduate coursework in communication disorders, which is typically includes about 25 semester hours of coursework.
Below is an example of the courses that are typically part of an undergraduate program. Course titles will vary among undergraduate programs.
- Introduction to Phonetics
- Fundamentals of Physical and Biological Acoustics
- Normal Speech and Language Development
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
- Articulation and Voice Disorders
- Language Disorders in Children I
- Basic Audiology
- Basic Clinical Strategies in SLP/Audiology
- Aural Rehabilitation and Amplification
For some students, undergraduate deficiencies in aural rehabilitation and amplification and/or a clinical practicum in audiology may be identified by an academic advisor following admission. Coursework in these areas is available. ASHA also require specific coursework in (1) Mathematics, (2) Physical Sciences (chemistry or physics), (3) Biological Sciences, and (4) the Behavioral or Social Sciences. If coursework in these areas is needed, the academic advisor will inform students at the beginning of their programs. Courses in these areas may be completed through UNC, Community Colleges, or other university /colleges. Any deficiencies should be made up as early in the graduate program as possible. Some students' programs may be extended if deficiency courses cannot be completed within the graduate program's time line.
The UNC ASLS program periodically offers some of the prerequisite courses in an online format. You can check the availability of these courses each semester at https://wfrpt03.unco.edu/approot/unc/schedule.htm .
There are also a number of universities that have post-baccalaureate or leveling programs for students who are interested in completing undergraduate coursework in preparation for graduate studies in speech-language pathology. The list provided below does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any of these programs and may not be comprehensive. It is provided for informational purposes only.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
University of Colorado at Boulder
Tamara Nickelson