Speech Language Pathology, M.S.
School of Medicine
Combine science with hands-on experience for a flexible, rewarding career through the WVU School of Medicine's online Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology, which provides aspiring professionals the competence to diagnose and treat the full range of communicative disorders in all age groups.
Cost:
$795 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
18 academic and 6 clinical courses / 70 Credits
Duration:
Three to four years
Dates:
Next Start: June 2, 2025 Admissions Term: Summer
Learning Format:
Online courses, low-residency, SLP-A placement required
GMAT/GRE:
Optional
Program Overview
Transform Lives, Foster Connection and Build Confidence.
The program provides academic and unique clinical instruction across the lifespan. Students will learn about service delivery in a variety of settings, including the opportunity to provide services via tele practice, and will gain clinical experience in healthcare and educational settings as well as in courses, in the STEPS lab, with standardized patients, and in local and regional clinical settings. In addition, students can engage in externships, interprofessional practice, and research. Online students work as Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP-A) with approved partner organizations, such as the West Virginia Department of Education.
Traditionally, these partner organizations have been public schools in West Virginia. However, alternative placements as an SLP-A may be considered. Prospective students who wish to pursue an SLP-A position outside of West Virginia and/or the West Virginia Department of Education should contact Dr. Michelle Moore, Vice Chair of the Speech-Language Pathology program, via email at mimoore@hsc.wvu.edu.
Curriculum
Online Major Requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.- CSAD 608: Audiological Foundations, 2 credit hours
- CSAD 618: Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 620: Neurophysiological Bases of Speech and Language, 4 credit hours
- CSAD 622: Voice Disorders, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 624: Speech Sound Disorders, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 625: Developmental Language Disorders: Early Stages, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 626: Acquired Motor Speech Disorders, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 628: Fluency Disorders, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 630: Acquired Language Disorders, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 635: Developmental Language Disorders: Advanced Stages, 2 credit hours
- CSAD 636: Augmentative/Alternative Communication, 1 credit hours
- CSAD 640: Supervision and Leadership, 2 credit hours
- CSAD 642: SLP Service Provision: Education, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 662: Dysphagia, 2 credit hours
- CSAD 663: Principles of Intervention, 2 credit hours
- CSAD 664: Principles of Diagnostics in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 2 credit hours
- CSAD 665: Culturally Responsive Practices in Communication Sciences and Disorders, 6 credit hours
- CSAD 697: Research, 42 credit hours
- Elective Courses
- CSAD 609: Introduction to the Clinical Experience, 1 credit hours
- CSAD 610: Clinic I, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 612: Clinic II, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 614: Clinic II, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 616: Clinic IV, 3 credit hours
- CSAD 718: Externship in Speech-Language Pathology, 4 credit hours
- Pass Knowledge/Skill Assessments
- Pass Final Project
- Complete 400 Clinical Clock Hours
Residency Requirements
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
In alignment with the mission and vision of the Division of Communication Sciences & Disorders we utilize a holistic review process that fosters a diverse and inclusive culture. We welcome students who are reflective critical thinkers and embody curiosity, compassion, and collaboration, as well as an openness to feedback.
2024-2025 Admissions Timeline
The CSDCAS Portal for WVU is open, and the current admissions timeline is provided below.- July 16: WVU CSDCAS Portal Opens
- October 18: In-Person Open House, 1 p.m. ET, Registration Required
- November 1: Virtual Open House, 1 p.m. ET, Registration Required
- January 3: Recommended date to submit application through CSDCAS to ensure verification by February 1, 2025
- February 1: Deadline for verified applications
- February 21: Virtual Interview Day for invited applicants
- March 10: On-Campus Invited Open House for invited applicants
Applicants will be considered for our graduate programs if they have personal attributes that are predictive of academic and clinical success; high academic achievement; and English proficiency.
Personal Attributes: Applicants are expected to possess personal characteristics that are necessary for success in graduate study as well as in professional clinical practice. These characteristics include:
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A desire for lifelong learning
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Critical thinking ability
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Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
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An openness to receiving constructive feedback.
These characteristics are evaluated by activities completed during the invited Interview Day.
- Obtained a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from a properly recognized 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)
- However, for an overall undergraduate GPA below 3.0, the applicant must have achieved a GPA of 3.2 or higher in one of the following: CSD major coursework, all of the CSD prerequisites, or in the most recent 60 credits taken at the undergraduate or graduate level.
- Completed the prerequisite coursework listed below with a grade of ‘C’ or better. A minimum of two courses in the CSD coursework must be completed before the application deadline
- The remaining prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting the graduate program.
- 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.
For the online SLP program only – Eligibility for SLP-Assistant licensure in West Virginia. Students accepted to the online SLP program will work as an SLP Assistant in West Virginia schools while completing coursework online with periodic on-campus activities. Therefore, applicants for this program will need to be eligible for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant license in the state of West Virginia. Prospective students who wish to pursue an SLP-Assistant position outside of West Virginia and/or the West Virginia Department of Education must contact the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
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.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
To be considered for admission, all of the following need to be finalized no later than the February deadline.
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Complete an application through CSDCAS.
- Send official transcripts from each college or university attended directly to CSDCAS. Official transcripts should include all grades through the fall 2024 semester
- Foreign transcripts should be evaluated for U.S. equivalency according to the information in the CSDCAS Applicant Help Center.
- Complete prerequisite coursework and report grades in CSDCAS.
- A minimum of two courses in the CSD coursework must be completed before the application deadline. All prerequisite courses must have a grade of ‘C’ or better.
- Complete English proficiency test and submit scores to CSDCAS (if applicable).
- Applicants who did not complete their bachelor's degree in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand should complete the Academic IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, or Duolingo English Test.
- Submit your completed CSDCAS application prior to February 1 for verification.
- Review the CSDCAS website for more information on the program deadline requirements and how long the application process takes through CSDCAS.
GRE, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and clinical observation
hours are not required because of the holistic review process.
- Applicants’ academic ability will be evaluated based on prerequisite coursework and GPA.
- Personal attributes are evaluated during the multiple mini interviews.
- Clinical observation hours are incorporated into the graduate program.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Careers and Employment
Students who graduate with a Speech-Language Pathology degree are eligible to complete the Praxis Examination and apply for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, allowing them to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
Career Paths
- Speech-Language Pathologist