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M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology

The M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology degree is designed to prepare students primarily for careers in clinical service delivery in Speech-Language Pathology. Most graduates of the master's program hold clinical positions in schools, hospitals, community clinics, private practices, and other facilities around the country where they evaluate and treat individuals with communication disorders.

The master's program combines academic coursework and clinical education experiences in the environment of a major research university where faculty are actively engaged in pursuing questions that have clinical relevance and impact. Master's students have opportunities to collaborate with faculty in research experiences in addition to fulfilling the requirements for professional practice.

Learning outcome 1: Students will apply principles of evidence-based practice to their clinical service delivery. 

Learning outcome 2: Students will apply principles of the ASHA code of ethics to entry-level practice.

Learning outcome 3: Students will have the oral and written language skills necessary to engage in entry-level clinical practice.

These outcomes are directly related to our objective of educating students for entry-level clinical excellence, as well as for our emphasis on research

Learning outcomes are developed after review of trends in research as well as the academic and clinical standards that are relevant to the practice of speech-language pathology. This is typically done during consensus- building meetings of the speech-language pathology faculty and the curriculum committee. Outcomes are subsequently assessed by examining student knowledge and skill in coursework through examinations and classroom discussion. They are validated in the clinical setting by continual review of the application of these principles to clinical practice which is measured by external observers.  

The M.A. program in Speech-Language Pathology is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Because our program is accredited by ASHA, students who complete the master's programs in Speech-Language Pathology are eligible for clinical certification by ASHA. Clinical certification is granted to an individual clinician: a) after s/he has completed the M.A. program, b) passed a national certification test in Speech-Language Pathology, and c) completed a clinical fellowship (CF) under the supervision of a clinician who holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA in the appropriate professional area.

In keeping this mission, we encourage students to take advantage of the numerous educational and research opportunities that include special colloquia, presentations, and workshops presented by our department and others at the University of Minnesota and within the local professional community. Our department schedules colloquia throughout the school year. Notices of such presentations are posted on bulletin boards throughout Shevlin Hall. Research opportunities maybe available in faculty research laboratories.

2012 MA Handbook