Speech-Language Pathology, M.S.

Department website: http://medicine.wvu.edu/communications-sciences-and-disorders/speech-language-pathology-ms/

Degree Offered

• Master of Science

Nature of the Program

Both the five-semester, full-time on-campus Master of Science (MS) program in Speech-Language Pathology six- to ten-semester, full-time online Master of Science (MS) program in Speech-Language Pathology provide aspiring professionals the competence to diagnose and treat the full range of communicative disorders in all age groups. The program affords students opportunities in externships, interprofessional practice, and research.

The program provides academic and unique clinical instruction across the lifespan. On-campus students are able to gain valuable experience in the West Virginia University Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic while online students work as Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP-A) with approved partner organizations or achieve their clinical experiences through an individual plan developed with the program director. In addition, students will have an externship or clinical placement in a variety of education and medical settings. Career opportunities continue to expand and grow at a rate faster than the national average or speech-language pathology jobs. Graduates of the program are qualified to seek employment in a wide variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, special treatment centers, and private practice.

Administration

Chair

• Jayne Brandel - PhD, CCC-SLP (University of Kansas)
  Associate Professor

Vice Chairs

• Nancy Aarts - PhD, CCC-A (Northwestern University)
  Associate Professor and Vice Chair, Audiology

Faculty

Associate Professors

• Nancy Aarts - PhD, CCC-A (Northwestern University)
  Vice Chair, Audiology
• Jayne Brandel - PhD, CCC-SLP (University of Kansas)
  Chair
• Ashleigh Callahan - PhD, CCC-A (James Madison University)
• Alex Hollo - PhD, BCBA-D (Vanderbilt University)
• Kimberly Meigh - PhD, CCC-SLP (University of Pittsburgh)
  Coordinator of Clinical Services

Assistant Professors

• Molly Abitbol - MS, CCC-SLP (Nova Southeastern University)
• Christa Babjack - MA, CCC-SLP (Western Michigan University)
• Christina Dastolfo-Hromack - MS, CCC-SLP (University of Pittsburgh)
• Heather Forbes - PhD, CCC-SLP, BCBA-D (University of Kansas)
• Anna Gravelin - PhD, CCC-SLP (Bowling Green State University)
• Marleah Herman-Umpleby - MS, CCC-SLP (Pennsylvania State)
• Almara Hutchinson - MA, CCC-SLP (Radford University)
• Megan Israelsen - PhD, CCC-SLP (Utah State University)
• Eric Johnson - PhD, AuD, CCC-A (Ohio State University, University of Utah)
• Kenneth Morse - PhD, AuD, CCC-A (Syracuse University)
• Tracy Toman - MS, CCC-SLP (West Virginia University)
• Leah Valensi - AuD, CCC-A (Syracuse University)

Professors Emeriti

• Mary Ellen Tekieli Koay - PhD
• Norman J. Lass - PhD
• Dennis M. Ruscello - PhD, ASHA Honors
• Kenneth O. St. Louis - PhD
• Charles M. Woodford - PhD

Associate Professors Emeriti

• Leslie Graebe - MS
• Conrad Lundeen - PhD

Teaching Associate Professors Emeriti

• Karen B. Haines - MS
• Gayle B. Neldon - EdD

Assistant Professors Emeriti

• Lynn R. Cartwright - EdD
• Cheryl L. Prichard - EdD

Admissions for 2026-2027

Graduate Admissions Philosophy

We commit to the mission and vision of the Division of Communication Sciences & Disorders by adopting a holistic review process that fosters a diverse and inclusive culture. We welcome students who are reflective critical thinkers and embody curiosity, compassion, collaboration, as well as an openness to feedback.

Admission Requirements

Applicants will be considered for our graduate programs if they have remarkable personal attributes that are predictive of academic and clinical success, high academic achievement, and English proficiency.

• Personal attributes. Applicants are expected to possess remarkable personal characteristics that are necessary for success in graduate study as well as in professional clinical practice:
  1. a desire for lifelong learning,
  2. critical thinking ability,
  3. strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, and
  4. an openness to receiving constructive feedback.
• Academic achievement. Applicants must have:
  1. Obtained a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a properly recognized institution of higher learning prior to starting the program.
  2. Maintained an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.8 (where ‘A’ = 4.0).
  3. Completed the prerequisite coursework listed below with a grade of ‘C’ or better.
     • At least one course in each of the following CSD content areas:
       • Phonetics
       • Language Acquisition/Development
       • Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing
       • Speech & Hearing Science
       • Introduction to Audiology
     • At least one course in each related content area listed below:
       • Physics or Chemistry
       • Social/Behavioral Science
       • Statistics
       • Biological Science
     • For more information on related academic courses, see the ASHA Coursework requirements related to certification standards.

• English proficiency. Applicants who did not complete their bachelor's degree in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand must meet the minimum score requirements for English proficiency. WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency are: Academic IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL iBT score of 79, PTE Academic score of 53, or Duolingo English Test score of 105.

For specific information about how to apply, including the current application timeline and tests/materials required, please visit the Communication Sciences & Disorders webpage.

Major Code: 8361 (on-campus MS SLP program)

Major Code: 8364 (online MS SLP program)

Degree Requirements

• On-Campus Major Requirements
  • The minimum duration for graduate study in the on-campus program is five consecutive semesters (including summer sessions). On-campus major and residency requirements are detailed below.
• Online Major Requirements
  • The minimum duration for graduate study in the online MS program is ten consecutive semesters (including summer sessions). Online major and residency requirements are detailed below.

Master of Science

On-Campus Major Requirements

Residency Requirements

The majority of instruction is provided in a face-to-face classroom setting and physical attendance is expected. However, students may be expected to regularly supplement their learning through the use of distance learning technology.

Online Major Requirements

Residency Requirements

Major Learning Outcomes

Speech-Language Pathology

1. Plan and provide services for speech, language, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan using diagnostic and treatment principles which integrate evidence-based practice as an entry-level clinician.

2. Develop a plan for growth in clinical knowledge and skills following independent, systematic self-reflections to demonstrate skills for lifelong learning.

3. Collaborate with clients, caregivers, professionals, and other relevant stakeholders to provide clinical services which align with best practice and legislative requirements.

4. Effectively use oral and written communication in service to clients, stakeholders, and the profession.

Accreditation

The Master of Science (M.S.) in speech-language pathology {residential, distance education} and the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) {residential} at West Virginia University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.