Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the MS-SLP degree program align with the general requirements of UT Health San Antonio for graduate education.  All required application information, including official transcripts from all institutions attended, are submitted through a centralized web-based application system.  All applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered eligible candidates:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the United States
  • Required pre-requisite coursework of basic human communication include:
    • Introduction to audiology
    • Phonetics and normal articulation
    • Normal language development
    • Anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
    • Speech and hearing science
  • Completing prerequisite coursework in basic science includes at least one course each in behavioral/social sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences (physics or chemistry) and statistics.  While working on graduate coursework, students can co-enroll up to two basic science courses except for statistics.  Students must complete all basic science prerequisites no later than the end of their fourth semester in the MS-SLP program.
  • Minimal grade point average (GPA): An overall GPA of 3.0
  • Competitive scores on GRE tests up to five years old (no pre-determined minimum score requirement). GRE code for CSDCAS is 2156. 
  • Three letters of recommendation are required attesting to the applicant's readiness for graduate-level studies.
  • A grade of C or better in the individual pre-requisite courses.

Application Process

Applicants must submit online applications through the Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) provided by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  CSDCAS is a state-of-the-art, web-based application system that offers applicants an effective way to apply to any number of participating programs in speech-language pathology by completing a single application.  It provides a streamlined and user-friendly application process following a standardized procedure that incorporates convenient web-based submission of official transcripts and recommendations. The CSDCAS operational cycle is from September of year 1–April of year 2 (e.g., September 2016-April 2017). The application deadline can be found on the program admission webpage.

Degree Requirements

The MS-SLP program curriculum consists of 66 semester credit hours spanning two years (5 consecutive semesters) of study.  Students must also complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical hours obtained from clinically diverse settings to qualify for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certificate of Conical Competence (ASHA-CCC).

Sample Plan of Study

The Student Progress Committee of the MS-SLP degree program will ensure that the following schedule is followed by MS-SLP students to make appropriate progress towards their degree. The Student Progress Committee will grant exceptions from this schedule only under extenuating circumstances. 

All students in the MS-SLP program must complete the following course of study: 

First Year
FallCredit Hours
MSLP 5000Neurological Bases of Speech, Hearing and Language3
MSLP 5001Social Communication Disorders3
MSLP 5002Speech Sound Disorders3
MSLP 5003Audiological Service Delivery in Speech-Language Pathology Laboratory1
MSLP 5004Research Methods3
MSLP 5005Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology 12
Spring
MSLP 5006Aphasia and Related Disorders3
MSLP 5007Motor Speech Disorders3
MSLP 5008Language Disorders in Children: Preschool and School Age3
MSLP 5009Dysphagia in Adults and Children3
MSLP 5010Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology 22
MSLP 5011Evidence-Based Practice, Professional Issues, and Ethics2
Summer
MSLP 5012Cognition and Communicative Disorders3
MSLP 5013Voice and Resonance Disorders3
MSLP 5014Fluency Disorders: Theory and Practice3
MSLP 5015Speech-Language Pathology Practicum 14
Second Year
Fall
MSLP 6000Augmentative and Alternative Communication2
MSLP 6001Cultural and Linguistic Diversity3
MSLP 6002Head Neck Cancer, Tracheostomy, and Mechanical Ventilation3
MSLP 6003Applied Topics in Communication Disorders and Sciences2
MSLP 6004Speech-Language Pathology Practicum 24
Spring
MSLP 6005Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Practicum8
 Total Credit Hours: 66.0

Objectives/Program Outcomes

The MS-SLP curriculum is designed to achieve three main objectives: 1) to educate and train a diverse student body to become critical thinkers and research-driven clinicians in the best practices; 2) to prepare students for future leadership roles through faculty-guided clinical practica and community outreach activities; and 3) to foster opportunities for student scholarships and prepare the graduates to be competitive candidates for advanced training programs (e.g., Ph.D.) to help address the national faculty shortage dilemma.

For continuing program improvement, program outcomes are evaluated based on several benchmarks.  First, the program regularly tracks the passing rates of the national Praxis examination.  The Praxis examination in speech-language pathology assesses the beginning practitioners' understanding of essential content and current practices.  Passing the test is required for state credentialing and ASHA certification.  Second, the program collects and analyzes data on educational pursuits (e.g., Ph.D.), career opportunities (employment rates) and the type of employment (e.g., medical settings, schools, etc.).  Third, the program elicits feedback from various sources to assess students' learning experience and readiness for employment.  The outcome data collected may include but is not limited to exit surveys of graduating students, online surveys of past alumni, input from the community advisory board, interviews of students' clinical supervisors in the community, and communication with graduates' employers.  Regular contact with the Director of Academic Assessment & Special Projects in the School of Health Professions allows for the additional data collection on student learning outcomes and program satisfaction.

Program Policies

Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

The ethical code establishes professional expectations for our scientific and clinical practice based on the principles of duty, accountability, fairness and responsibility.  It is intended to ensure the consumer's welfare and protect the reputation and integrity of the profession.  Speech-language Pathologists are expected to abide by the profession's code of ethics and standard of practice (ASHA Code of Ethics, 2016; ASHA Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology, 2004).  The MS-SLP program adheres to this ethical code and standards of practice and expects students' behaviors to be consistent with these principles.

Clinical Practicum

Clinical practicum is an integral part of the educational process for becoming a speech-language pathologist.  Students will develop clinical skills through observation and experiential learning during clinical practicum rotations and apply their understanding of theory and techniques through extended supervised experience.  

Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) requires students to complete a minimum of 400 supervised clinical practicum hours, including 25 in guided observation and 325 to be attained at the graduate level.  Students are expected to have sufficient breadth and depth of opportunities to obtain clinical experiences in different work settings with diverse populations to acquire adequate skills to enter professional practice. 

Students can complete clinical practicum only at assigned facilities.  Clinical practicum rotations may occur outside the UT Health campus at affiliated clinical institutions/sites; most external practicum sites are in Texas.  The CSD Department maintains contractual agreements with approved clinical sites carefully selected to assure compatibility with the department's philosophy, objectives and curriculum design.  The Clinical Education Director maintains contact with the external clinical practicum sites and communicates with onsite supervisors to provide the rubrics to assess students' clinical competence.  In general, evaluation is based on the student's performance, judgment and professionalism as measured by the onsite supervisor using the given rubrics.

Although students are given opportunities to express their preferences for the location of external placements, the CSD Department cannot grant assurances that students will be placed based on their choices.  Students may be assigned practicum placements to ensure degree completion based on availability or other factors.  Placements are usually secured many months in advance of a scheduled practicum experience. 

Students are expected to comply with policies and procedures pertaining to respective clinical facilities­­―such as onboarding processes requiring a background check and drug screen―and submit all required assignments, evaluations, and other documentation in a timely fashion.

Program Costs

In addition to required tuition and fees, there are costs for textbooks and supplies.  Students may also incur travel expenses during external clinical practicum.  In some cases, the full-time clinical internship in the last semester may require students to reside outside of San Antonio for the entire duration of the practicum.  Practicum expenses are the student's responsibility and will vary depending on the costs for travel and, when necessary, temporary housing and maintenance of local accommodations. 

Other Program Requirements

To be eligible for graduation, students must meet all academic degree requirements and complete the interprofessional education activities required by the school. 

MSLP 5000. Neurological Bases of Speech, Hearing and Language. 3 Credit Hours.

This course presents neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous system that form the neurologic foundation for speech, hearing and, language processes.

MSLP 5001. Social Communication Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses theoretical models, current research, and application to normal development and deficits of social communication skills. The course focuses on functional assessments and intervention for children presented with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and/or other social communication deficits.

MSLP 5002. Speech Sound Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses the development and disorders of articulation and phonology in pediatric populations. Theories, current assessment batteries, and procedures of contemporary interventions are discussed.

MSLP 5003. Audiological Service Delivery in Speech-Language Pathology Laboratory. 1 Credit Hour.

This course reviews the basics of hearing science and aural rehabilitation. Content areas include types of hearing loss, forms of hearing assessment, and principles of intervention and rehabilitation. Skills related to participating in hearing screening and evaluation and rehabilitative strategies for practicing speech-language pathologists are addressed.

MSLP 5004. Research Methods. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses the skills in understanding and critiquing research reports. Principles and criteria for evaluating published research, including statistical analyses, validity issues, and evidence-based practice, are discussed.

MSLP 5005. Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology 1. 2 Credit Hours.

This is the first of the two courses taught in the simulated student clinical setting. This course emphasizes basic clinical methods and skills for beginning graduate students in speech language pathology with an emphasis on assessment. Students will practice administering, scoring, and interpreting standardized tests. Clinical note-writing and documentation are modeled and discussed.

MSLP 5006. Aphasia and Related Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines adult-onset aphasia and related language disorders. The content areas include theoretical foundations, pathophysiology, symptomatology, assessment and differential diagnosis, and clinical management.

MSLP 5007. Motor Speech Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses motor speech disorders- apraxia of Speech and dysarthria. The content areas include theoretical models, neuropathophysiology, symtomatology, various instruments and tests for assessment, differential diagnosis, and clinical management.

MSLP 5008. Language Disorders in Children: Preschool and School Age. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses language development and disorders of preschool and school-age children and adolescents. The content areas include underlying etiologies, clinical characteristics, assessment batteries, and evidence-based intervention strategies for primary and secondary language learners.

MSLP 5009. Dysphagia in Adults and Children. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses swallowing disorders in both adults and children in various populations across the age span. Content areas covered include normal anatomy and physiology of swallowing, evaluation of disordered oropharyngeal swallowing using instrumental and noninstrumental examination tools, including videoflouroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and flexible endoscopic examination for swallowing (FEES) procedures, and evidence-based treatment strategies for swallowing disorders.

MSLP 5010. Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology 2. 2 Credit Hours.

This is the second of the two courses taught in the simulated student clinical setting. This course emphasizes advanced clinical methods and skills for beginning graduate students with an emphasis on intervention. Topics covered include various published and evidence-based clinical protocols and operational procedures in management.

MSLP 5011. Evidence-Based Practice, Professional Issues, and Ethics. 2 Credit Hours.

This course provides an overview of professional issues for speech-language pathologists. Content areas include principles of evidence-based practice, regulatory, licensure and scope of practice issues, professional ethics, health care reimbursement, risk management, and other current professional and legal matters related to practicing speech-language pathologists.

MSLP 5012. Cognition and Communicative Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines normal cognition and impacts from aging, dementia, and a traumatic brain injury on cognitive communication. Both assessment and management of communication disorders arising from these conditions are addressed.

MSLP 5013. Voice and Resonance Disorders. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the acoustic, perceptual, and physiological dimensions of normal and abnormal voice and resonance. For voice disorders, differential diagnosis and management of hyperfunctional, psychogenic, and organic voice disorders are addressed. For resonance disorders, the course addresses embryology, anatomy, and physiology of normal and abnormal development of orofacial structures, cleft-palate and craniofacial anomalies associated with various syndromes and the effects on speech, hearing, and language development.

MSLP 5014. Fluency Disorders: Theory and Practice. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses childhood-onset and adult-onset fluency disorders. Content areas include identification of typical and atypical dysfluency in children, determination of various linguistic, developmental, physiological and psychological aspects associated with developmental stuttering, and differential diagnosis of adult-onset neurogenic and psychogenic stuttering. Anatomical and functional changes associated with fluent and stuttered Speech in recent neuroimaging studies are reviewed, and evidence-based treatment approaches are discussed.

MSLP 5015. Speech-Language Pathology Practicum 1. 4 Credit Hours.

This is a clinical practicum designed to help beginning student clinicians meet the American Speech-Language Hearing Association's (ASHA) required number of clinical hours in different practicum settings. The clinic coordinator is responsible for procuring appropriate placements to best match the needs between students and clinical practicum sites. Practicum settings may include hospitals, medical centers/clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public and private schools, special needs schools, charter schools, and private practices. Prerequisites: MSLP 5005, MSLP 5010.

MSLP 6000. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 2 Credit Hours.

This course introduces current methods and basic strategies associated with augmentative and alternative communication aids and approaches in patients with varying types of communicative disorders. The course addresses the knowledge and skills required to assess and identify potential AAC users, decision-making, and instructional development and implementation.

MSLP 6001. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses the cultural and linguistic diversity relevant to clinical practice in the profession of speech-language pathology. Students acquire a knowledge base regarding the interaction of culture, dialects, and multilingualism with communication disorders and apply it to clinical situations.

MSLP 6002. Head Neck Cancer, Tracheostomy, and Mechanical Ventilation. 3 Credit Hours.

This is a two-part course. Part I covers assessment and management of speech, voice, and swallowing disorders resulting from head and neck cancer and its treatment. The voice and speech changes resulting from head and neck surgeries and treatment strategies are discussed. Part II covers the unique challenges of evaluation and treatment of speech and voice impairments related to tracheostomy tube placement and/or ventilator support. Basic understanding of various tracheostomy tubes, one-way speaking valves, and ventilators/ventilator settings are reviewed, and short- and long-term options for communication are discussed.

MSLP 6003. Applied Topics in Communication Disorders and Sciences. 2 Credit Hours.

In this course, special topics related to scientific, clinical, and professional issues in speech-language pathology are examined using a variety of formats, including guest speakers in student development sessions, clinical rounds, and journal clubs. The development of oral presentation skills and analytical and clinical problem-solving skills are emphasized.

MSLP 6004. Speech-Language Pathology Practicum 2. 4 Credit Hours.

This clinical practicum is designed to help graduate student clinicians meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) required number of clinical hours in different practicum settings. The clinic coordinator is responsible for procuring appropriate placements to best match the needs between students and clinical practicum sites. Practicum settings may include hospitals, medical centers/clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public and private schools, special needs schools, charter schools, and private practices. Prerequisites: MSLP 5015.

MSLP 6005. Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Practicum. 8 Credit Hours.

This is a full-time externship designed to help students meet the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) required number of clinical hours in different practicum settings. The clinic coordinator is responsible for procuring appropriate placements to best match the needs between students and clinical practicum sites. Practicum settings may include hospitals, medical centers/clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public and private schools, special needs schools, charter schools, and private practices. Prerequisites: MSLP 5015, MSLP 6004.