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 and eight-semester, full-time online Master of Science (M.S.) 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. Students are able to gain valuable experience in the West Virginia University Speech and Hearing Clinic. In addition, students may 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 for 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. The program boasts an impressive 100% employment rate as well as 100% pass rate on the Praxis Examination.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology 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.
Admissions
Graduate Admissions Philosophy
Because we are committed to the mission and vision of the Division of Communication Sciences & Disorders, the faculty have adopted a holistic review process to foster 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. These characteristics include:
- a desire for lifelong learning,
- critical thinking ability,
- strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, and
- an openness to receiving constructive feedback.
- Academic achievement. Students must have:
- Obtained a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning prior to starting the program,
- Maintained an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.8 (where ‘A’ = 4.0),
- Completed the prerequisite coursework listed below with a grade of ‘C’ or better. A course in phonetics and in speech/hearing science must be completed before the application deadline. The remaining prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting the graduate program.
- At least one 3-credit 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 3-credit 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.
- At least one 3-credit course in each of the following CSD content areas:
- Clinical observation hours. The applicant must complete a minimum of 25 guided clinical observation hours under the supervision of an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist according to the 2020 ASHA Certification Standards. The hours obtained must include clients across the lifespan (i.e., both children and adults) and a minimum of 3 different settings. The hours do not need to be completed by the application deadline, but will need to be completed before beginning the program.
- For the online SLP program only - Eligibility for SLP-Assistant licensure in West Virginia. Students in the online SLP program will need to be eligible for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license in the state of West Virginia as well as follow the guidelines of the West Virginia Department of Education for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.
- 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); 8364 (online MS SLP program)
Degree Requirements
Master of Science
On-Campus Major Requirements
| A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required | ||
| Academic Coursework | ||
| CSAD 608 | Audiological Foundations | 2 |
| CSAD 618 | Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 3 |
| CSAD 620 | Neurophysiological Bases of Speech and Language | 4 |
| CSAD 622 | Voice Disorders | 3 |
| CSAD 624 | Phonological Disorders | 3 |
| CSAD 625 | Developmental Language Disorders: Early Stages | 3 |
| CSAD 626 | Acquired Motor Speech Disorders | 3 |
| Advanced Stuttering Disorders | 2 | |
| Advanced Stuttering Disorders | ||
| CSAD 630 | Acquired Language Disorders | 3 |
| Developmental Language Disorders | 2 | |
| Developmental Language Disorders: Advanced Stages | ||
| Augmentative/Alternative Communication | 2 | |
| Augmentative/Alternative Communication | ||
| CSAD 640 | Supervision and Leadership | 1 |
| CSAD 662 | Dysphagia | 3 |
| CSAD 663 | Principles of Intervention | 2 |
| CSAD 664 | Principles of Diagnostics in Comunication Sciences and Disorders | 2 |
| CSAD 665 | Diversity and Inclusion | 2 |
| CSAD 697 | Research | 4 |
| Elective Courses | 4 | |
| Clinical Coursework | ||
| CSAD 610 | Clinic 1 | 3 |
| CSAD 612 | Clinic 2 | 3 |
| CSAD 614 | Clinic 3 | 3 |
| CSAD 616 | Clinic 4 | 3 |
| CSAD 718 | Externship in Speech-Language Pathology | 9 |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
Residency Requirements
All students in the M.S. program must be full-time in residence during the program of study. The minimum duration for graduate study is five consecutive semesters (including summer sessions).
Online Major Requirements
| A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required | ||
| Academic Coursework | ||
| CSAD 608 | Audiological Foundations | 2 |
| CSAD 618 | Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 3 |
| CSAD 620 | Neurophysiological Bases of Speech and Language | 4 |
| CSAD 622 | Voice Disorders | 3 |
| CSAD 624 | Phonological Disorders | 3 |
| CSAD 625 | Developmental Language Disorders: Early Stages | 3 |
| CSAD 626 | Acquired Motor Speech Disorders | 3 |
| Advanced Stuttering Disorders | 2 | |
| Advanced Stuttering Disorders | ||
| CSAD 630 | Acquired Language Disorders | 3 |
| CSAD 635 | Developmental Language Disorders: Advanced Stages | 3 |
| Augmentative/Alternative Communication | 2 | |
| Augmentative/Alternative Communication | ||
| CSAD 640 | Supervision and Leadership | 1 |
| CSAD 642 | Service Provision: Education | 2 |
| CSAD 662 | Dysphagia | 3 |
| CSAD 663 | Principles of Intervention | 2 |
| CSAD 664 | Principles of Diagnostics in Comunication Sciences and Disorders | 2 |
| CSAD 665 | Diversity and Inclusion | 2 |
| CSAD 770 | Cultural Diversity in Communication Sciences and Disorders | 1 |
| CSAD 697 | Research | 4 |
| Elective Courses | 4 | |
| Clinical Coursework | ||
| CSAD 609 | Introduction to the Clinical Experience | 1 |
| CSAD 610 | Clinic 1 | 3 |
| CSAD 612 | Clinic 2 | 3 |
| CSAD 614 | Clinic 3 | 3 |
| CSAD 616 | Clinic 4 | 3 |
| CSAD 718 | Externship in Speech-Language Pathology | 4 |
| Total Hours | 69 | |
Major Learning Outcomes
Speech-Language Pathology
- Students will demonstrate the knowledge required to identify the areas of basic human communication, swallowing disorders, and their differences including:
- Speech sound production
- Fluency and fluency disorders
- Voice and resonance
- Receptive and expressive language
- Hearing
- Feeding and Swallowing
- Cognitive aspects of communication
- Social aspects of communication
- Augmentative and Alternative modalities
- Students will apply models and theories of service provision as entry-level speech-language pathologists through planning, execution, and evaluation of services and programs related to the prevention, identification and/or treatment of speech, oral and written language, swallowing and related systems.
- Students will exhibit the ability to acquire, analyze, and reflect upon evidence to make informed decisions regarding outcomes in clinical and professional scenarios through:
- Evidence based inquiry
- Evidence based decision making
- Students will display written and oral communication skills required to appropriately document and deliver information:
- to clients and/or family members
- to play a collaborative role in interdisciplinary teams
- to advocate for individuals with communication disorders
- to share knowledge with others.
- Students will adhere to ethical responsibilities while providing contemporary services with professional demeanor, cultural mindfulness, and integrity.