Please note: Applications to the M.S. SLP program are now handled through the CSDCAS webpage.
Graduates from Montevallo’s M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program are highly sought after in the speech-language pathology field. Students in our program have coursework and clinical practicum addressing a full range of disorders across the lifespan and are highly prepared to work in any setting. We have an on-site Speech and Language Clinic where students learn to provide therapy and diagnostic evaluations in a nurturing, supportive environment.
One unique feature of our program is that all our academic faculty also serve as clinical supervisors, facilitating the classroom-to-clinic connection. Our faculty and staff have all practiced extensively as SLPs and continue to maintain their credentials. Students have the opportunity for a minimum of three unique off-campus clinical experiences. In addition, students complete both an adult and a pediatric, off-campus, full-time practicum placement during their final spring semester (8 weeks at each site). Our graduates are fully qualified to begin practice in clinics, hospitals, schools, or skilled nursing facilities.
UM offers a program of academic excellence. With a class size limited to 25, our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and professional competencies. All faculty and staff have open-door policies and are here to mentor you through the degree program. The curriculum does not require night or weekend courses and all faculty are full-time professors at UM and are available to students on-site. No adjunct or distance instructors are utilized at the graduate level.
About the M.S. Program
The graduate program of study is available primarily for applicants with undergraduate degrees in Communication Science and Disorders or related fields. The degree requires 5 semesters (2 years) and includes academic coursework as well as clinical practicum requirements.
All applicants must have coursework equivalents in Biology and Chemistry or Physics, Behavioral and Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, etc.), and Statistics. Traditional applicants are also required to have coursework equivalents in Speech Science and Aural Rehab. It is preferable that the science courses have a lab component and be 4 credit hours. However, if the applicant has completed a 3-hour science as part of his or her degree program, this can be accepted. Any of these additionally listed courses not obtained at the undergraduate level must be completed in addition to the graduate curriculum while at UM.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in Speech-Language Pathology (residential) at the University of Montevallo 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.
Request Information About Grad School in Speech-Language Pathology
International Student Applicants: In addition to meeting all requirements for graduate admission to the University of Montevallo, prospective international candidates for the Master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology must meet the University requirement of a minimum score of 71 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Information about international graduate admissions can be found in the Graduate Bulletin http://bulletin.ceritasexpopuler.com/content.php?catoid=35&navoid=4536 and on the University’s website http://9hx.ceritasexpopuler.com/admissions-aid/international-admissions/
Available Graduate Tracks
There are two tracks available for Speech-Language Pathology graduate students in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders at the University of Montevallo.
Non-Thesis Track
The NonThesis Track is available for students interested in pursuing a professional career in Speech-Language Pathology. Students in the Non-Thesis Track are required to complete a comprehensive examination consisting of a case-based and a multiple-choice exam the semester before the final externship. See the link above for more information.
Thesis Track
The Thesis Track is available for students primarily interested in research in communication disorders and/or pursuing a doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology or a related field. Interested students should begin the thesis process in their first semester by identifying an academic advisor and a topic for the project. See the link above for more information.
Admission for Students Without an Undergraduate CSD Background
A limited number of applicants with exceptional qualifications may be considered for admission to the program. Applicants in both of the following non-CSD background categories may be asked to provide additional information to be considered for admission to the Master’s program.
A. For Students with a Bachelor’s Degree and Some CSD Coursework
Applicants with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines who have coursework in CSD may be considered for the traditional 2-year M.S. Speech-Language Pathology program under these conditions:
- Applicants must apply and meet the same requirements as the CSD-background applicants.
- Applicants must complete 25 hours of clinical observation before entry into the M.S. program at UM.
- Applicants must provide evidence that they have successfully completed or are currently enrolled in the following coursework in CSD by the application deadline (January 15th of the application year):
CSD 253 Applied Phonetics in CSD
CSD 291 Language Acquisition
CSD 380 Anatomy & Physiology of Speech
CSD 393 Language Disorders
CSD 394 Articulation and Phonological Disorders (Speech Sound Disorders)
CSD 411 Introduction to Audiology
CSD 471 Aural Rehabilitation
CSD 475 Speech Science
**Applicants must still apply for the Non-Background track even if the conditions above are met. The Graduate Program Committee will transition eligible applications on a case-by-case basis.
B. For Students with a Bachelor’s Degree and No CSD Coursework
Applicants with degrees in other disciplines with no coursework in CSD may apply to the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program through the 3-year non-background program under these conditions:
- Applicants must apply and meet the same requirements as the CSD-background applicants
- If a non-background student is accepted and enrolls, the student is considered a graduate student and is thus subject to all rules and regulations of the graduate school while taking 2 semesters of undergraduate pre-requisite courses.