Here are some questions that other applicants like yourself asked:
The MS program is five semesters in length. This includes the summer between the first and second year of the program. Students are expected to enroll in a clinic registration during the summer session to complete their clinical hours. No formal coursework is typically offered during the summer term.
Yes. Students with degrees in other disciplines usually enroll in our three-year MS program (rather than our traditional two-year program). The applicant with an undergraduate degree in another discipline follows the usual procedures for applying to the MS program. If the applicant is accepted, we will assess the undergraduate courses and determine what additional courses will need to be taken. Information on our 3-year program can be found here.
Students who have an undergraduate degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences (or communication disorders, speech-language pathology, etc.) will be enrolled in a two-year program. Students who have an undergraduate degree in another discipline may be enrolled in a three-year program (depending on what undergraduate courses they have taken) in which the first year is spent in foundational (primarily undergraduate) courses, and the second year begins the regular two-year graduate program. The application process is exactly the same for both these programs. If the applicant is accepted into our program, we will determine whether the applicant requires a two-year or three-year program.
The 3-year MS program is for students who do not have a background in Communication Sciences and Disorders. The first year of a 3-year program focuses on prerequisite coursework (2 semesters; fall-spring) and followed by the traditional 2-year program (5 semesters). For more information see our 3-year Master's program click here.
No, all students begin their master’s program in August (fall semester).
No, our master’s program is a full-time/in person program.
English proficiency is one of the conditions for admission to the UA Graduate College for all applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants must submit a minimum TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 paper based (PB), 79 internet based (iBT), or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 7 (no subject area below a 6).
To be admitted into our clinical master’s program and to perform successfully in the clinic, a student also needs to meet our technical standards, one of which is “a high level of English proficiency.” See Technical Standards for the Clinical Speech-Language Pathology Program (see Appendix A of the Program Requirements: Cactus Book).
Our in-house clinics include pediatric and adult populations from birth to senescence. Disorders include genetic syndromes, neurogenic disorders, autism, dysphagia, vocal abuse/misuse, specific language impairment, phonological disorder, articulation, cochlear implant and hard-of-hearing, aphasia, traumatic brain injury, stuttering/cluttering, phonological awareness. Special programs include, but are not limited to, Aphasia Program, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, LSVT, Cochlear Implant Program, Accent Reduction, Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing, ALS/MDA Clinic. We are affiliated with over 50 off-campus sites including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, private practices, and clinics.
Students completing the MS degree in clinical sciences must have coursework and practicum experiences meeting the certification requirements of the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA).
Yes. It is possible to have an out-of-town rotation during the summer term. If this is something you might want to do, please discuss this with your clinical supervisors during your first semester in the program.
Yes, given Tucson’s diverse population, there are many clinical and research opportunities to develop your understanding of cultural diversity and bilingual speech-language pathology skills (particularly Spanish-English) in the UA program. We also offer a formal Multicultural Bilingual Certificate program for students currently enrolled in the clinical graduate programs. Students apply to the bilingual program after they are enrolled in a graduate program. There is a $500/semester fee for this program.
No, a Masters thesis is not required. However, applicants who are interested in doing a Masters thesis are encouraged to start this process as early as possible once they are in the program. Students who do not complete a thesis complete a written comprehensive examination.
Yes! The best time to visit the department is on the designated prospective student visit days (please see the Events section for details). On these days you will meet academic faculty, clinical faculty, and current students and you will tour the Clinic and research laboratories.
100% of our graduates obtain employment in the field.
If you have more questions, please feel free to send them to slhs_app@email.arizona.edu or call 520-621-1192.
The Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of discrimination -- in the classroom, the clinical setting, and the workplace. The University of Arizona Office of Institutional Equity provides education and support for these efforts.
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University prohibits discrimination in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information and is committed to maintaining an environment free from sexual harassment and retaliation.