Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (MS)
Main Campus, Tucson, United States
Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
University of Arizona
Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
Program Overview: MS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences
The Master of Science in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Arizona prepares you for a clinical career in speech-language pathology through rigorous coursework and extensive hands-on clinical training. The program covers the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of communication disorders across the lifespan, combining academic study with practical experience at in-house and external clinical practicum sites.
The program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), with continuous accreditation since 1972. Students benefit from clinical opportunities including the Aphasia Clinic, the Cochlear Implant Habilitation Program, the Autism Clinic Extension, and placements at Diamond Children's and the University of Arizona Medical Center.
The University of Arizona offers a traditional two-year MS track for students with an undergraduate background in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, as well as a three-year track designed for those coming from other academic disciplines. The first year of the three-year track focuses on foundational prerequisite coursework before students join the standard two-year graduate sequence.
Key Program Highlights
- CAA-accredited program with the longest continuous accreditation in Arizona, dating back to 1972
- Diverse clinical practicum sites including pediatric, adult, medical center, and community-based settings
- Opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research with internationally recognized faculty
- Multicultural Bilingual Certificate option available for enrolled graduate students, especially valuable in Tucson's diverse community
Curriculum and Course Modules
The MS curriculum is designed to meet all ASHA certification standards and covers communication disorders comprehensively across the lifespan. Students prepare an individualized plan of study with guidance from their faculty advisor, integrating coursework with clinical education grounded in evidence-based practice. The program spans five semesters, including a summer clinical registration period.
Speech Sound Disorders
3 CreditsCovers the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders in children and adults, emphasizing evidence-based clinical approaches.
Language Disorders Across the Lifespan
3 CreditsExamines developmental and acquired language disorders, including assessment and intervention strategies for pediatric and adult populations.
Neurogenic Communication Disorders
3 CreditsFocuses on aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech, and cognitive-communication disorders resulting from neurological conditions such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Dysphagia: Swallowing Disorders
3 CreditsProvides training in the evaluation and management of swallowing disorders across pediatric and adult populations, including instrumental assessment techniques.
Diagnostics and Assessment in SLP
3 CreditsDevelops skills in clinical assessment, standardized and non-standardized testing, and differential diagnosis for a wide range of communication disorders.
Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Variable CreditsSupervised clinical experience at the university's in-house clinic and external sites, providing hands-on training with diverse client populations and disorder types.
Elective and Specialty Areas
Admission Requirements
The MS program welcomes applications from individuals with diverse academic backgrounds, including those with undergraduate degrees in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences or in other fields. All application components are evaluated holistically, and admissions decisions are based on overall composite ratings. Students begin the program in the fall semester (August) only.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeA completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required for entry
- Minimum GPA3.00 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- ASHA Prerequisite CourseworkOne course each in Physical Science, Biological Sciences, Behavioral/Social Sciences, and Statistics
- Letters of RecommendationAt least two letters from faculty members are recommended
- Personal StatementA personal statement serving as both a writing sample and a reflection of your interest in the field
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 79 (or 60 on revised PBT with no section below 15); scores must be within 2 years of enrollment
- IELTSMinimum composite score of 7.0, with no subject area below 6.0
- ExemptionsContact Uni4Edu for information on language test exemptions and alternative requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Arizona's Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences offers several departmental scholarships and awards for graduate students. All admitted applicants are automatically considered for limited tuition scholarships available through the department. Additional funding opportunities are accessible through the Graduate College and the university's Scholarship Universe platform.
Richard F. Curlee Memorial Scholarship
Available to full-time master's students in speech-language pathology who have completed one semester at the graduate level and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better. This is a one-time annual award.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Graduates
Graduates of the MS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences are prepared to pursue ASHA certification (CCC-SLP) and state licensure to practice as speech-language pathologists. The field offers strong job demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 15% employment growth for SLPs from 2024 to 2034, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. The national median salary for speech-language pathologists is approximately USD 95,410 per year.
Potential Career Roles
Common Employer Types
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Arizona is a leading public research institution and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The MS in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences program holds the longest continuous CAA accreditation in Arizona and is consistently recognized among the top SLP programs nationally. The university ranks well across multiple global and national ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathology (SLP Program) | U.S. News & World Report | #6 (Tied) |
| Arts and Humanities | U.S. News Best Global Universities | #58 |
| Space Science | U.S. News Best Global Universities | #10 |
| Earth and Marine Sciences | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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