Options for Applicants without CSD Background

As a prospective applicant without an SLHS or CSD degree, there are three options to consider to fulfill the prerequisites for our Speech-Language Pathology MS Program.

  • Three-year SLP Master's Degree program

    • The first year (leveling year) is spent taking foundational coursework in the field of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences before beginning the typical two-year MS sequence.
      • Coursework taken during Fall Semester
        • SLHS 261 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
        • SLHS 340 Language Science
        • SLHS 477 Communication Disorders I 
        • SLHS 571 Speech Sound Disorders
        • SLHS 595a Colloquium
        • SLHS 599 Clinical Observation
      • Coursework taken during Spring Semester
        • SLHS 441 Language Acquisition (Prerequisite: SLHS 340)
        • SLHS 473 Communication Disorders II
        • SLHS 583 R/L Principles of Audiology (Spring)
        • SLHS 558  Clinic
        • Elective Option 1: SLHS 554 Audiologic Rehabilitation across the Lifespan
        • Elective Option 2: SLHS 535: Multiculturalism and Bilingualism

     

    • Applying to the 3-year program: There are no official prerequisites for our three-year program. However, we strongly encourage you to complete the ASHA requirements related to basic science. If you matriculate without the ASHA courses, you will need to complete them during your three-year program.
      • ASHA requires at least one course in each of the following areas:
        • Statistics (Research Methods does not fulfill this requirement)
        • Physical Sciences (physics or chemistry)
        • Behavioral/Social Sciences
        • Biological Sciences (human or animal related)

     

    • The required application process is exactly the same for the two- and three-year programs. 
      • As part of our admissions review, all applications are reviewed to determine if they best fit the 2- or 3-year program.  
      • We do not review applications prior to submission to make this determination.  
      • If you are unsure, please choose 3-year when submitting your application.

  • Complete a Second bachelor's degree in SLHS/CSD 

    • For more information on this option please please reach out to the College of Advising Office at science@arizona.edu 

  • Complete prerequisite coursework at the University of Arizona as a Non-Degree Seeking undergraduate or graduate student.

    • If you choose to go this route, please email us at slhs_app@email.arizona.edu before applying as a non-degree seeking student and we will put you in touch with an academic advisor.
    • Departmental consent is required for all classes.
    • Course availability may fluctuate based on enrollment numbers for SLHS majors/minors.
    • Required Coursework
      • Offered During the Fall Semester
        • SLHS 261 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
        • SLHS 340 Language Science
        • SLHS 477 Communication Disorders I 
      • Offered During the Spring Semester
        • SLHS 367 Phonetics for Clinical Practice
        • SLHS 441 Language Acquisition (Prerequisite: SLHS 340)
    • Recommended Coursework
      • Undergraduate courses
        • SLHS 362 Neurobiology of Language (Fall)
        • SLHS 471/571 Speech Sound Disorders (Fall) 
        • SLHS 473 Communication Disorders II (Spring)
        • SLHS 483/583 R/L Principles of Audiology (Spring)
        • SLHS 454/554 Audiologic Rehabilitation across the Lifespan (Spring)