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Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology: Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program
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  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. College of Health Professions
  3. Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology
  4. Degree Programs in the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology
  5. Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program
  6. About the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program
  7. Curriculum for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program

Curriculum for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program

Curriculum Overview

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program is designed to be completed in two years — including one summer with a common entry point in the fall. Exceptions to these timelines may occur on an individual basis.

The master’s degree program requires a minimum of 54 semester credit hours for completion.

The coursework represents a minimum of 46 to 47 credits of classroom courses (including three credits of Independent Research or six credits of Thesis) and eight credits of Practicum.

Degree Plan

The following sample degree plan demonstrates a program that meets the credit minimum.

Year One Fall

Course IDCourse TitleSemester Credit Hours
CSDI 5050VPracticum1
CSDI 50933Neurogenic Language Disorders3
CSDI 51153Child Language Disorders3
CSDI 51833Spoken Sound Disorders3
CSDI 5203VTopics in SLP (Clinic Lab 1)1
CSDI 53502Voice Disorders2
Total Hours13

Year One Spring

Course IDCourse TitleSemester Credit Hours
CSDI 5050VPracticum1
CSDI 51902Neurogenic Speech Disorders2
CSDI 51933Social Communication Disorders3
CSDI 5203VTopics in SLP (Clinic Lab 2)1
CSDI 52133Dysphagia3
CSDI 52802Literacy Disorders2
Total Hours12

Year One Summer

Course IDCourse TitleSemester Credit Hours
CSDI 50133Research Methods in Communication Disorders3
CSDI 5050VPracticum1
CSDI 5203VTopics in SLP (Clinic Lab 3)1
CSDI 5200V or 5363VThesis or Independent Research 1
Total Hours6

Year Two Fall

Course IDCourse TitleSemester Credit Hours
CSDI 5050VPracticum2
CSDI 51143Cognitive Communication Disorders3
CSDI 51202Fluency Disorders2
CSDI 51632Auditory Based Intervention2
CSDI 5200V or 5363VThesis or Independent Research 1
CSDI 52903Multicultural Issues3
Total Hours13

Year Two Spring

This semester gives students the option of completing a thesis or independent research. Students who choose the independent research option will also need to select an elective course.

Thesis Option

Course IDCourse TitleSemester Credit Hours
CSDI 50402Augmentative and Alternative Communication2
CSDI 5050VPracticum3
CSDI 51502Ethics and Professional Issues2
CSDI 5200VThesis (no elective needed)4
Total Hours11

Independent Research Option

Course IDCourse TitleSemester Credit Hours
CSDI 50402Augmentative and Alternative Communication2
CSDI 5050VPracticum3
CSDI 51502Ethics and Professional Issues2
CSDI 5363VIndependent Research1
Elective CourseSee Options Below2-3
Total Hours10 - 11

Electives

Course IDCourse TitleSemester Credit Hours
CSDI 51703Counseling in Communication Disorders3
CSDI 5203VTopics in Speech Pathology2
CSDI 52602Craniofacial Speech Disorders2
CSDI 52702Advanced Differential Disorders2
CSDI 5304VIndependent Study (LEND student only) Sec 012
CSDI 5304VIndependent Study Sec 022

Curriculum Summary

SemesterHours
Year One Fall13
Year One Spring12
Year One Summer6
Year Two Fall13
Year Two Spring10 - 11
Total Program Hours54 - 55

Course Completion Requirements

Students will demonstrate mastery by earning grades of B or better in all courses. Students must also maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing. While students can progress in the program after earning a C in a course, they will have to complete a remediation plan to demonstrate competence in the content for that course. 

Consequences for not meeting these requirements are on a case-by-case basis as reviewed by the academic and clinical faculty, which may include repeating courses, academic probation and remediation or dismissal from the program.

The program academic handbook should be consulted for more specific information. 

Interprofessional Education

All students in the UAMS College of Health Professions must complete all Interprofessional Education activities.

Learn more about UAMS Interprofessional Education.

Program Completion Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements to complete the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program.

  • Complete all work within eight calendar years of initial admission.
  • Pass all required courses in the program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Complete Interprofessional Education requirements.
  • All students must pass a written, comprehensive examination which assesses the theory and knowledge of academic and clinical preparation deemed essential for entry level into the profession of speech-language pathology.
  • As a capstone presentation, each student must present a diagnostic and / or treatment case during Grand Rounds.
  • As part of their clinical training, each student is required to complete a minimum of 375 clock hours of supervised clinical practicum (plus 25 observation hours). Of those hours, a minimum of 325 hours must be at the graduate level. A maximum of 75 clock hours can be obtained through clinical simulations. Additionally, students must demonstrate evidence of knowledge and skill mastery across the scope of practice as required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s 2020 Standards.

Course Descriptions

For descriptions of each course in this program, please see the UAMS Catalog.

View the Catalog

Textbooks

The list of required textbooks is published on the UAMS Bookstore website in compliance with Arkansas Code Annotated section 6-60-601.

More Information

More specific information about program requirements can be obtained by contacting the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology.

Call 501-320-7300
UAMS College of Health Professions LogoUAMS College of Health ProfessionsUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-5730
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