Speech-Language Pathology, MS (Charlotte)

Adhering to the highest professional standards, the speech-language pathology graduate program seeks to prepare future speech-language pathologists for the rigors of clinical practice across the lifespan. Graduates of this five- to six-semester program will influence society in profound ways—for example, enabling children with autism to communicate effectively, relieving adolescents’ fears of speaking dysfluently in the classroom, and helping stroke survivors resume activities in which they had previously participated. The comprehensive program of study emphasizes teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches to complex service delivery issues. Through academic and clinical experiences, SLP graduate students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for a lifetime of professional achievement and social contribution. Students are expected to adhere to professional conduct expectations set forth in department, college, and university policies.

Milestone Requirements

ASHA Certification Prerequisites

Students seeking ASHA certification in speech-language pathology must complete approved coursework in the following areas with a minimum grade of C:

• Biological sciences
• Physical sciences (chemistry or physics)
• Statistics
• Social sciences and behavioral sciences

Students complete either of the following options:

Comprehensive Examination 

Students must complete a comprehensive examination during the final year in the program in order to graduate. Students must have completed Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 4 (SLPA 6418)  or be currently enrolled in Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 4 (SLPA 6418) in order to be eligible to take the comprehensive examination. Students may submit a written request to the program director in order to take the comprehensive examination prior to enrolling in Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 4 (SLPA 6418).

Master's Thesis

Students who elect to complete a master's thesis will have the comprehensive examination waived. 

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Prerequisite or Equivalent Courses

To ensure that all students have the foundation necessary to be successful in this program, each incoming student, regardless of their background, must have completed coursework with content equivalent in the following courses with a minimum grade of C: 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
SLPA 1102	Language Development
SLPA 1103	Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanism
SLPA 1200	Phonetics
SLPA 1203	Introduction to Audiology
SLPA 1205	Speech and Hearing Science

Please visit Bouvé College Learning Outcomes for the specific student learning outcomes for this program.

Beginning with students admitted in the fall of 2026, all students pursuing on-ground master's degree programs must complete a university-level experiential learning requirement. This requirement may be fulfilled through the curriculum, co-op, or other work- or industry-integrated learning experiences.

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Milestones

ASHA certification prerequisites

Comprehensive examination or master's thesis

Core Requirements

A grade of B or higher is required in each of the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Disorders
SLPA 5201	Diagnostic Testing in Speech-Language Pathology	2
SLPA 6303	Stuttering	3
SLPA 6304	Augmentative and Alternative Communication	3
SLPA 6305	Articulation and Phonology	3
SLPA 6307	Voice Disorders	3
SLPA 6308	Dysphagia	3
SLPA 6313	Counseling in Speech-Language Pathology	2
SLPA 6321	Motor Speech Disorders	3
SLPA 6340	Language Disorders in Children 1	3
SLPA 6341	Language Disorders in Children 2	3
SLPA 6342	Speech-Language Disorders In Adults 1	3
SLPA 6343	Speech-Language Disorders in Adults 2	3
Complete one of the following, as determined by the faculty advisor: 1		3
SLPA 6219	Aural Rehabilitation
Electives from the list below
Science
SLPA 5109	Neurology of Communication	3
Research
SLPA 6211	Research and Evidence-Based Practice	3
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SLPA 6120	Autism and Neurodiversity in Practice	2
SLPA 6360	Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Speech-Language Pathology	3
Practicum
SLPA 6415	Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 1	3
SLPA 6416	Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 2	2
SLPA 6417	Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 3	2
SLPA 6418	Speech-Language Pathology Advanced Clinical Practicum 4	2
SLPA 6500	Certification and Licensure Preparation	0

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Students who are assessed not to require Aural Rehabilitation (SLPA 6219) will complete an additional 3 semester hours of electives (below), for a total of 6 semester hours of electives for degree completion.

Electives

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Complete 3 semester hours of coursework from the options below (students who have previously completed SLPA 5107, or equivalent as determined by the faculty advisor, should complete Option B; all other students must complete Option A):		3
Option A
SLPA 5107	Clinical Procedures
Option B
SLPA 6325	Accent Modification for Speech-Language Pathology
SLPA 6332	Seminar in Communication Disorders
SLPA 6339	Language Literacy in Practice
SLPA 6350	Speech-Language Pathology in Medical Settings
Other courses may be chosen with preapproval of the student's faculty advisor.

Optional Thesis

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Complete 3 semester hours across two semesters with prior approval:		3
SLPA 6990	Thesis

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

60 total semester hours required (63 with optional thesis)
Minimum 3.000 GPA required