Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Please see information about the application process located here.

The typical successful applicant has a GPA of 3.7 or better on the last 60 units with a strong application that includes, for example, participation in a research laboratory, volunteerism, and/or a solid work history, along with strong letters of recommendation. Note that these are not criteria for admission, just descriptions of the types of students admitted to our program in recent years. The Graduate College at the University of Arizona requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.

A faculty committee rates applicants on several variables including GPA (4-year and last 60 units), personal statement, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. We look at the application package as a whole, not just a single score or component. We highly value diversity. If there is something in your story that we should know, please tell us, in a professional manner.

Yes, applicants to the MS Graduate program must pay an application fee to both CSDCAS and the University of Arizona GradApp.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) program fee is $137 for the first program you apply to and $55 for each additional program.  CSDCAS offers income-based application fee waivers, as well as waivers for McNair Scholars.  More information about the CSDCAS application fee and fee waivers can be found here.

The University of Arizona GradApp application fee is $90 for domestic students and a $90 for international students. More information about the GradApp application fees can be found here.  UA Graduate College Application fee waivers are available for students from specific sponsored programs.  A list of the sponsored programs can be found here.

The MS program is five semesters in length (two years). 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.

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.

No, currently our graduate clinical training programs do not qualify for the WRCP.

We encourage prospective domestic students to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explore funding opportunities through the Graduate College. The department has limited tuition scholarships available, and all admitted applicants are considered for these awards.  In addition, some prospective domestic students, who have shown academic achievement despite facing challenging social, economic, or educational obstacles, may qualify for funding.

Values listed below are based on recent academic year. (2022-2023)  Tuition and fees for the MS and AuD programs are based on registration for 9+ units per semester for academic year (Fall & Spring).

(Note: this table does not include summer tuition (typically 3 units for MS students and 0-3 units for AuD students). 

Please visit the University of Arizona tuition calculator.

Three units of clinic registration are required for students in the MS program.   Registration varies for AuD students during the summer, but tuition rates are identical to the MS program.

There is no tuition differential during the summer term for in-state and out-of-state students.  Rates listed below are for AY22-23.

Tuition calculator can be found here: University of Arizona tuition calculator. 

The Multicultural Bilingual certificate has a fee of $500/per semester (maximum $1500).   This fee supports bilingual placements within the community.

There are a number additional expense that may apply during graduate training.  The most common of which are listed below:

We require three letters of recommendation. At least two of those should come from academic faculty members. If you have had some clinical experience, it is also a good idea to include a letter from your clinical supervisor. The request for letters of application can be sent anytime after you have started the application, it is a good idea to send these early. If you have been out of school for several years, you might not have access to academic faculty. In this case, letters from employers or other people who could speak to your potential success in graduate school will be accepted.

You can check on the status of your recommendations at any time by logging in to UA Graduate Admissions Application, selecting your application from the section titled "My Applications", and clicking "Letters of Recommendation".

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). 

To be admitted into our master’s program, a student needs to meet our technical standards. These standards relate to observation, communication, motor, and intellectual skills. See Technical Standards for the Clinical Speech-Language Pathology Program (see Appendix A of the Program of Requirements: Cactus Book). 

No, all applications submitted by the deadline (February 1) will be considered equally.

No, ALL materials must be received by February 1st for your application to be considered. This includes your online application forms, resume, unofficial transcripts, and letters of recommendation.   

No, all students begin their master’s program in August (fall semester).

No, our master’s program is a full-time program.

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. 

All graduate students complete a minimum of 400 clinical hours. 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.

Yes. Although it is not possible to do this during the fall or spring semester, it is possible to do during the summer. 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 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.

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