M.S. in Speech Language Pathology
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
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent degree at an international institution.
- Minimum of 21 semester hours of upper-division undergraduate courses related to communication disorders.
- Demonstration of academic achievement and potential as indicated by upper level undergraduate and graduate coursework (a minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-division preparatory SPLP undergraduate courses).
- Interview
- Other evidence of background and experience that might be available.
- Applicants whose degrees are from non-English speaking institutions 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: In addition to the academic coursework offered through this program, students must complete the ASHA-required prerequisite courses in statistics, biology, physics or chemistry, and two behavioral sciences (see https://www.asha.org/certification/course-content-areas-for-slp-standards). To engage in clinical practicums, which are a crucial element in the curriculum, students in Speech-Language Pathology must complete all required compliance procedures pass a background check check prior to matriculation. These academic and clinical requirements are essential for eligibility for national certification and state licensure upon graduation with a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology. Students are responsible for these costs.
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. Coursework includes 37 semester credit hours of academic coursework, 11 hours of clinical practicum, and a minimum of 3 hours of electives. Graduate electives may be taken in and outside the Program with advisor's approval.
Students complete the program via one of two options:
- Non-Thesis Option: Students complete a capstone written project and must successfully pass both mid-program qualifying and final comprehensive examinations (written and/or oral).
- Thesis Option: Students enroll in 6 semester credits of thesis work and are required to successfully defend the proposal and completed thesis as per Graduate School timelines, formatting and committee guidelines (written and oral).
All students must accrue a minimum of 400 practicum hours (25 observation, 375 direct contact) before degree conferral.
Grade and continuation Criteria
- Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average per Graduate School requirements.
- Students will maintain a portfolio of key assignments and assessments that is regularly reviewed by faculty to document successful progression across the curriculum in alignment with program, institutional, and CAA/ASHA accreditation standards.
- Clinical practicum courses (SLP 5101, 5102, 5303, 5304, 5305) are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis. Students must earn a final grade of Satisfactory (S) in each practicum course to continue in the program. Each course is a one-time requirement and may not be repeated.
- Students must successfully pass the comprehensive examinations (non-thesis option) or successfully defend the thesis (thesis option) and submit a Completion/Defense Form with the Graduate School for degree conferral.
- A grade of D or F in any graduate course will result in immediate dismissal from the graduate program.
- No more than two (2) C grades will be permitted; a third C will lead to immediate dismissal from the graduate program.
- Allegations of academic dishonesty and/or misconduct will be investigated by the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution. Outcomes may include sanctions up to and including suspension, program-level dismissal or expulsion from the University.
- All appeals or requests for reinstatement or readmission are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted jointly by the student and the program director to the Dean of the Graduate School.
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,
Amelia Rau, PhD, CCC-SLP
Clinical Associate Professor
Program Director / Graduate Advisor
Physical Address
Speech-Language Pathology Program
1101 N. Campbell, Rm 401
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 747-8724
Email: amrau@utep.edu
Mailing Address
The University of Texas at El Paso
500 W. University Ave.
El Paso, TX, 79968
Degree Plan
Required Credits: 51
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathology (All courses require a grade of C or better) | ||
| Non-Thesis Option | ||
| Required Courses: | 37 | |
| Research in SLHS/Thesis 1 | ||
| Fluency Disorders | ||
| Ped 2 - School-Age | ||
| Adult 2 - Neuro. Speech/Lang | ||
| Voice Assess/Intervention | ||
| Adult 1 - Dysphagia | ||
| Aug./Alt. Communication | ||
| Ped 1 - Assess./Inter. 0-5 | ||
| Hearing Disorders | ||
| Craniofacial Disorders | ||
| Autism/Behavior Management | ||
| Cognitive Disorders | ||
| Ethics & Client-Centered Care | ||
| Practicum: | ||
| Required Practicum Courses: | 11 | |
| Clinical Practicum 1 | ||
| Clinical Practicum 2 | ||
| Clinical Practicum 3 | ||
| Clinical Practicum 4 | ||
| Clinical Practicum 5 | ||
| Elective Menu | ||
| Minimum 3 hours of the following. Can be taken more than once for credit. | 3 | |
| Probs and Proj in SLP | ||
| Probs and Proj in SLP | ||
| Probs and Proj in SLP | ||
| Total Hours | 51 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Option | ||
| Required Courses: | 34 | |
| Fluency Disorders | ||
| Ped 2 - School-Age | ||
| Adult 2 - Neuro. Speech/Lang | ||
| Voice Assess/Intervention | ||
| Adult 1 - Dysphagia | ||
| Aug./Alt. Communication | ||
| Ped 1 - Assess./Inter. 0-5 | ||
| Hearing Disorders | ||
| Craniofacial Disorders | ||
| Autism/Behavior Management | ||
| Cognitive Disorders | ||
| Ethics & Client-Centered Care | ||
| Practicum: | ||
| Required Practicum Courses: | 11 | |
| Clinical Practicum 1 | ||
| Clinical Practicum 2 | ||
| Clinical Practicum 3 | ||
| Clinical Practicum 4 | ||
| Clinical Practicum 5 | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Required: | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Total Hours | 51 | |