Program Description

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree program offers unique academic and clinical opportunities for students who are preparing for careers in speech-language pathology. Housed at the University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders — known internationally for its clinical service and research programs—the master’s program is designed around a set of core critical competencies and introduces students to advanced knowledge in areas such as:

• Child language development and disorders
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Bilingualism
• Literacy
• Speech production
• Neurobiology of language

Students in the program benefit from a broad array of elective courses, a variety of experiences in medical and clinical settings, and on- and off-campus placements in practicums and internships. In addition to the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, students have opportunities to enrich their study by participating in faculty research at several other prominent UT Dallas centers: the Center for BrainHealth, the Center for Children and Families and the Center for Vital Longevity. Ranked #10 in the country by U.S. News & World Report—and accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association—the program’s 100% employment rate attests to the cutting-edge training that students receive as well as the opportunities they have for research and clinical service throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.

Benefits

The Speech-Language Pathology master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of their discipline, apply their knowledge and analytical skills to address practical problems and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments. Other benefits include:

• World-Class Faculty: One of the top-ranked master’s programs in the country according to S. News and World Report, the Speech-Language Pathology program is led by faculty of the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences who are internationally renowned experts in their respective fields.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the Speech-Language Pathology program will introduce students to new ideas, technologies, and competencies while preparing them to succeed in hospital, clinical and educational settings.
• Facilities: The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences is housed in the Erik Jonsson Academic Center and research is enhanced through faculty and student participation in six centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
• Labs and Internships: Students have the opportunity to hands-on research at one of the more than 50 labs across campus and within the School’s centers and institutes.

Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region—recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs”—UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

Employed in hospitals, clinics and schools, speech-language pathologists work to prevent, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders, often doing so collaboratively with other health care providers and educators. Graduates of the Speech-Language Pathology master’s program are qualified to serve in speech-language pathologist positions in clinical, educational and medical settings and have also pursued careers as researchers, educators and administrators.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process. See the Speech-Language Pathology website for additional information. Applicants to the Speech-Language Pathology master’s degree program should have:

• A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• A grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate-level coursework of 3.0 or better on a 4.0-point scale.
• Test Scores: Both GRE math and verbal scores are required to be considered for admission.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals able to judge the candidate’s potential for success in the master’s degree program.
• Admissions Essay: Applicants must submit a “statement of purpose” essay outlining their academic interests and career goals.
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test. Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.

To be accepted for the fall semester, applicants must submit completed applications by February 15. Applications for acceptance in the spring semester are due September 15, and applications for acceptance in the summer semester are due by February 15. One semester of Internship is required. In general, a maximum of 9 semester credit hours of Practicum/Internship may be counted toward the minimum 48 semester credit hours required for the degree. However, to meet eligibility requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Texas State licensure, students may need to enroll in additional semester credit hours of Practicum/Internship beyond the 9-semester credit hour minimum. Exceptions to the above requirements must be approved by the graduate program head.