Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Arts
Online + Summer Greeley Lab Session

Speech-Language Pathology MA—Academic Program Coordinator

Dr. Kathy Fahey
kathy.fahey@unco.edu
(970) 351-1587

This degree is offered in a primarily online format to meet the needs of non-traditional students with employment or family commitments that preclude participation in a traditional on-campus program. Students will visit our Greeley campus for 2-3 weeks during their first summer term for lab sessions. View a sample curriculum schedule for the online Speech-Language Pathology MA.

The graduate curriculum outlined below provides the academic and clinical practicum components of the requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology awarded by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

In addition to the coursework, satisfactory performance on a culminating activity or activities approved by the program faculty, in accordance with Graduate School policy, satisfies the completion of a comprehensive examination required to complete the Master of Arts program. 

Content Courses (32 semester hours)

• ASLS 516 Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology (1)
• ASLS 555 Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology of Communication (3)
• ASLS 563 Voice & Resonance Disorders (3)
• ASLS 571 Speech & Hearing Science (4) – Lab Required
• ASLS 661 Speech Production Disorders (3)
• ASLS 655 Acquired Disorders of Language & Cognition (3)
• ASLS 656 Feeding & Swallowing Disorders: Lifespan (2)
• ASLS 657 Motor Speech Disorders: Lifespan (2)
• ASLS 658 Augmentative/Alternative Communication (2) (May be replaced by a sign language class)
• ASLS 664 Fluency Disorders (3)
• ASLS 682 Language Disorders in Early Childhood & Preschool (3)
• ASLS 684 Disorders of Language & Literacy in School-Age Children & Adolescents (3)

Clinical Sequence (26 semester hours)

• ASLS 583 Introduction to Clinic (2)
• ASLS 585 Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology: Intermediate (2)
• ASLS 586 Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology: Intermediate (2)
• ASLS588 Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology: Intermediate (2)
• ASLS 569 Diagnostic Practicum (2 credits/semester; 6 credits required; repeatable up to 8 credits)
• ASLS 592 Internship in Public Schools (8 credits) – if practicum classes not completed in schools
• ASLS 692 Medical Internship (12)

Research Sequence (7 semester hours)

• ASLS 515 Foundations of Research & Writing (1)
• HRS 610 Interpretation & Evaluation of Behavioral Research (3) OR
  SRM 600 Introduction to Graduate Research (3)
• ASLS 615 Research in Communication Sciences & Disorders (1)
• ASLS 686 Capstone in Speech-Language Pathology (2)

Supervision Requirements for Clinical Practicum Courses

Students must be supervised by an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist for the clinical portion of all assessment and treatment practicum courses in the Clinical Sequence. Please see the additional information about the supervision requirements for the clinical practicum.

Admission Requirements

The Graduate School currently requires a 3.0 minimum grade point average for admission to graduate programs. In addition, the program requires that students have completed an undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, or Communication Sciences/Disorders; or have completed a core of undergraduate prerequisite courses prior to beginning the program. More detailed information about the application requirements and process can be accessed on the ASLS Graduate School Application Process page.

Eligibility by State

UNC has secured approval from almost every state, as required by new federal regulations, so that students are eligible to apply to online programs at UNC. However we are unable to accept applications at this time for our online programs from students residing in a few select states because their requirements, particularly application fees, for such approval are prohibitive. Please verify your Eligibility by State before applying.

Note: All international students residing outside of the United States are eligible to apply to our online programs. Students attending online while residing outside of the United States do not need student visas for admission.

Transferring Credit

Applicable graduate credit may be applied towards this academic program. In order for credits to be accepted toward a degree they must be graduate level credits, be approved by the Academic Advisor, and have a grade of A or B.  Once approved by the advisor, students must complete a Petition to Count Work in a Degree Program to have the credit approved by the Grad School.  Master’s and specialist degree students must complete a minimum of 24 credits at the University of Northern Colorado. All work counted in a degree program must be within five years for a master’s degree and six years for a specialist degree.  The time limit is calculated from the beginning of the first class transferred in and counted in the degree program.

Tuition

This program is offered through the UNC Office of Extended Studies, which means a flat per-credit tuition rate for all students in the program. There are no student fees.  Certain courses may carry specific course fees for additional services and materials.

Tuition rates are set each academic year (which begin each Fall semester). Tuition for Fall 2014 will be determined in June 2014. For reference, the tuition rate for the 2012-13 school year for this program is $530 per credit hour.

Financial Aid

Students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA priority filing date for each academic year (which begins each August) is March 1. Late submissions of the FAFSA are still accepted but may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid.

Master’s degree students require a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full time enrollment is based on 9 credits.

To apply for federal financial aid assistance
Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Extended Studies degree seeking students may contact Aimee Rogers in Financial Aid for more specific help at (970) 351-2502 or visit UNC Financial Aid website.

Students can also find information in the Guide to Federal Student Aid at studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html

The next cohort (group of students moving through the program together) will be admitted to the online Speech-Language Pathology M.A. program offered through the Office of Extended Studies in Fall 2014. Fall 2014 applications will be open beginning October 15, 2013, and the application deadline for the Fall 2014 cohort is February 2014. Information about the application requirements and process, as well as application forms, can be accessed on the ASLS Graduate School Application Process page.

Take the Next Step—Begin the Application Process