Speech-Language Pathology (M.S.)

Some speech-language pathologists may specialize in working with specific populations such as children or the elderly, or they may choose to focus on treating specific disorders. SLPs work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, private clinics, nursing and residential care facilities, early intervention programs, universities, and government agencies. They often work in collaboration as part of a broader health care team that may include physicians and surgeons, occupational and physical therapists, and psychologists. In educational settings, speech-language pathologists work with school personnel and parents to determine appropriate counseling and treatment plans.

Among the qualities needed to become an SLP are emotional stability, intellectual curiosity, interest in people and the ability to approach problems with a scientific attitude. Sensitivity and personal warmth are also key characteristics of a successful speech-language pathologist.

• Like many health care professions, the field of speech-language pathology is growing and demand is high for these trained specialists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth of 18% through 2026 for SLPs, much faster than other occupations.
• Education is the largest employer of speech-language pathologists and a master’s degree is typically required for entry to the profession wherever you choose to practice.
• For more information about a career as a speech-language pathologist American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website.

Application/Admissions Process:

Does observation or work experience increase my chances of admission?

Observation or work experiences are not considered in the admission process.

Is every applicant required to have an interview?

All applicants who have GPAs that are sufficiently competitive with the applicant pool will be invited to interview.  Interviews are conducted via video conferencing.

What GPA is expected in order to be competitive for admission to the TTUHSC Graduate Program?

For competitive admission, GPA should be above average. The chart below shows the average and range of GPAs of students recently admitted into the program:

If offered admission to the TTUHSC Graduate SLP Program, can I defer my acceptance to the next year?

No, the offer of admission is only good for the year in which you applied.  If you are unable to attend that year, you must repeat the application process and be considered with another year’s applicant pool.

Must I have a bachelor’s degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences to apply for the graduate SLP program?

If you have already earned an undergraduate degree in a field other than communication disorders, you must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of leveling coursework in speech, language, and hearing sciences. For additional information on application options for out-of-field students, please click the links below.

• Out-of-Field Option Step 1
• Out-of-Field Option Step 2

May I tour the TTUHSC to see where the department and clinic are and where my classes will be held?

On mandatory orientation day (typically held the day before class begins), you will receive a tour of the entire TTUHSC building. Appointments may also be set up through the School of Health Professions Office of Admissions if you would like to tour the campus prior to August.

When do I need to be in compliance with all of my immunizations?

Your immunization records must be in compliance 10 days prior to the first day of class each semester.  If you have any questions about immunization requirements or the status of your immunizations, please contact the Office of Institutional Health at 806-743-3019.

About the Program:

What size is the TTUHSC SLP Graduate Program?

We admit approximately 40 students per year.

Do you offer a part-time or distance learning graduate program?

No. Courses are offered on the Lubbock campus. Our program is lock-step, meaning you are required to take a predetermined set of courses each semester as a full-time student. 

How long is the TTUHSC SLP Graduate Program?

The graduate program is 2 years, which includes 5 or 6 semesters. You have the option of beginning clinical practicum in the summer or waiting until the fall semester to begin. Regardless of which start time you choose, you will graduate at the end of the second spring semester if all requirements are met. 

What is the cost of tuition for the TTUHSC SLHS Program?

For current tuition rates, please visit the following link: Tuition 

Are graduate assistantships available for the SLP program?

A limited number of assistantships are available. Graduate assistants work approximately 10 hours per week in the SLHS Department. Additional information about Financial Aid can be found at this website.

What are the benefits of beginning the TTUHSC SLP Graduate Program in the summer rather than the fall?

Beginning in the summer allows you to acclimate to clinical practicum without having to manage graduate level coursework at the same time! Students who begin in summer typically complete their clinical requirements a semester early. This allows you to work as a SLP-A, gain additional experience at a third externship, or focus on class during your final semester of graduate school.   

What does an average day in the program look like?

The schedule varies slightly each semester. Graduate students initially attend classes 4 days per week and attend clinic 4 to 5 days per week.  As students progress through the program, classes are condensed into 2 days per week, and students attend clinic every day.  Externships during fall and spring semesters require 12-15 hours per week. Summer externships are full time, 5 days per week.

Are all courses offered during the normal workday, or are some scheduled in the evening?

Classes typically are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, although evening classes may be scheduled some semesters.  

Are course electives available? Is the curriculum organized into different "tracks"?

Our program is lock-step, meaning that you are required to take a predetermined set of courses each semester. The opportunity to pursue a particular area of interest comes with a choice of placement for clinical practicum experiences.

Is it possible to be involved in an extracurricular activity (e.g., track, band) or work while I am enrolled in the TTUHSC SLP Graduate Program? 

The workload of classes and clinical practicum is comparable to a full-time job. Based on graduate student experience, 10-15 hours a week of work and/or extracurricular activities is all that can be handled. Although it will depend on the requirements of the job or activity, it is possible to be involved in extracurricular activities if you are a good time manager.

What are the opportunities for on-campus and off-campus clinical practicum experiences?

In-house clinic is offered during all semesters of your graduate education. Students are expected to begin externship experience in the second or third semester in graduate school.  You will have 2-3 off-campus placements during graduate school.  Requests based on your clinical interests are taken into consideration when placements are made. We offer placements at over 200 sites across the United States,  including public and private schools, early childhood intervention, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation centers, and private practices.

How does clinical practicum work in your graduate program?

All students complete their first 50 to 100 clinical clock hours with supervisors from the TTUHSC Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Students then will be assigned one educational and one medical placement at an externship site. Students have the option of traveling to an externship site in a different city during the summer between the first and second year in graduate school. Students will meet with the clinical coordinator during the first fall semester of graduate school to begin making arrangements for externships.

What kind of dress is expected?

You may wear casual clothes to class. When you observe or participate in clinic, you are expected to wear attire that has been deemed appropriate for the setting and is both comfortable and modest.

Are comprehensive exams or a thesis required?

Students have the choice of taking written comprehensive exams or completing a thesis. If you choose the comprehensive exam option, you will take a comprehensive exam for each graduate level course as well as three cross-course exams. Comprehensive exams are usually scheduled in January of your second year in graduate school and involve 3 consecutive days of testing.

Are faculty members actively engaged in research? Is it possible for a master's level student to gain research experience, assist in a lab, etc.?

Graduate students in good standing will have opportunities to volunteer in research labs, participate in active research, complete part-time paid employment in lab, and/or complete a master’s thesis research project. Students interested in participating in research should contact the program director. 

How can I get involved in the field of speech and hearing during graduate school?

There are opportunities to volunteer and attend events hosted by the TTUHSC National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) throughout the year, and members have the opportunity to run for officer positions. Membership in the national NSSLHA will reduce the cost of ASHA certification and membership upon graduation. Information about the NSSLHA can be found at this website.