The Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech, Language, Hearing Association.  Admissions to the graduate program are limited by the resources available.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent degree at an international institution.
2. Minimum of 21 semester hours of upper-division undergraduate courses related to communication disorders.
3. Demonstration of academic achievement and potential as indicated by the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and upper level undergraduate and graduate coursework (a minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-division preparatory SPLP undergraduate courses).
4. Other evidence of background and experience that might be available.
5. Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Please consult the graduate school website for required scores.

Admission is competitive. The number of students admitted each semester is dependent on available program resources.

NOTE: To engage in clinical practicums, which are a crucial element in the curriculum, students in Speech-Language Pathology must pass a background check. Therefore, applicants accepted to Speech Language Pathology will be required to undergo and pass a background check prior to matriculation. Applicants will be responsible for the costs in obtaining a background check report.

In accordance with HB 1508F, applicants are notified that if he/she has been convicted of an offense or placed on probation, he/she might not be eligible for an occupational license issued by TDLR after completing the educational or training program. TDLR's criminal history guidelines are available at www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimconvict.htm and includes restrictions and guidelines TDLR uses to determine eligibility for an occupational license. The applicant has the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from TDLR, which is explained in more detail at www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimhistoryeval.htm.

Degree Requirements

Majors in Speech-Language Pathology must complete the following:

51 semester hours required for completion of the degree, six semesters maximum, with the majority of students completing in five semesters. Comprehensive written project and written and/or oral examinations are required for students who choose not to write a thesis. Students who write a thesis are required to defend the thesis in an oral examination. Students who choose to write a thesis must enroll in SLP 5398 Thesis and SLP 5399 Thesis. Accruing a minimum of 400 practicum hours (25 observation, 375 direct contact) are required before degree conferral.

Grade Criteria

1. A grade of D or F in any graduate course will result in immediate dismissal from the graduate program. Consideration of the student for readmission will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
2. No more than two (2) C grades will be permitted. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average per graduate school requirements. A third C will lead to immediate dismissal from the graduate program. A final semester grade of C in any clinical practicum course (SLP 5101, 5102, 5303, 5304, 5305) will necessitate the repetition of the clinical practicum course in the following semester, which may necessitate the optional sixth semester to complete the requirement. Hours obtained during the practicum in which a C was earned will not count toward the total number of hours (400) required for graduation. 

Academic Program and Expectations

Copies of the Graduate Studies Catalog are available for $1 on campus or $3.50 for a mailed copy.  For additional information on the academic program and expectations, contact the Graduate Advisor in Speech-Language Pathology,

Patricia Lara, PhD, CCC-SLP
Clinical Associate Professor
Graduate Advisor

Physical Address
Speech-Language Pathology Program
1101 N. Campbell, Rm 401
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 747-8181
Email: plara2@utep.edu

Mailing Address
The University of Texas at El Paso
500 W. University Ave.
El Paso, TX, 79968

Degree Plan

Required Credits: 51