M.A. in Anthropology
The University of Tulsa, a respected private research institution in the United States,...
M.S. in Speech Language Pathology
Tulsa, Oklahoma
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of Tulsa's Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) is a highly respected program designed to prepare students for professional careers in communication sciences and disorders. This comprehensive program, typically completed in two years of full-time study, integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive, hands-on clinical experience. It aims to develop highly skilled professionals who can expertly evaluate, treat, and conduct research related to human communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan, from diverse backgrounds, and in various settings.
CAA Accredited: Yes, the Master of Science (MS) education program in Speech-Language Pathology (residential) at The University of Tulsa is fully accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). This accreditation is crucial as it signifies that the program meets the rigorous academic and clinical standards required for graduates to be eligible for national certification (ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology - CCC-SLP) and state licensure.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology curriculum is structured to provide a deep and broad understanding of communication and swallowing disorders. Core coursework covers foundational areas such as the anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, language development, advanced speech sound disorders, fluency, voice, resonance, swallowing/feeding, and cognitive and social aspects of communication. Students also learn about the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for a wide range of disorders, including those related to neurological conditions, aphasia, and augmentative and alternative communication modalities. The program combines classroom learning with in-depth practical experience, starting in the university's Mary K. Chapman Speech & Hearing Clinic and expanding to various off-campus facilities, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and public schools.
Research Focus: While the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program has a strong clinical focus, it also emphasizes the scientific and research foundations needed for evidence-based clinical practice. Faculty in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders are actively involved in research, which informs the curriculum and provides opportunities for student engagement. The program's strategic plan highlights faculty leading in research and interprofessional collaborations. Students are trained to understand research processes and integrate research principles into their clinical practice. While specific research focus areas for students might vary, the overarching goal is to foster professionals who can contribute to, and apply, the latest scientific understanding in the field of communication disorders.
Industry Engagement: The University of Tulsa's M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology program boasts a remarkable 100% employment rate for its graduates, along with a 100% national Praxis Exam pass rate, indicating strong industry readiness. The program is designed to provide invaluable clinical knowledge and skills through extensive practicum experiences both on-campus at the Mary K. Chapman Speech & Hearing Clinic and at diverse off-campus facilities. These off-campus placements include settings like hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and public schools, ensuring graduates gain real-world experience across various client populations and age groups. This hands-on clinical training, coupled with a commitment to interprofessional education, directly prepares graduates for success in a wide range of professional settings, aligning with the needs of the healthcare and education sectors. The university's "job placement guarantee" further underscores its confidence in the program's ability to prepare students for successful careers.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Tulsa inherently offers a global perspective by preparing professionals to serve individuals from diverse language, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The curriculum explicitly includes coursework on culturally responsive practices in education and healthcare, acknowledging the varied communication needs and differences across global populations. While the program does not explicitly detail international study experiences, the universal nature of communication and swallowing disorders means that the skills and knowledge gained are applicable worldwide. The program's focus on serving clients of all ages and backgrounds ensures graduates are sensitive to, and prepared for, the complexities of working in a diverse global society.
Location
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 27858
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 56 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The University of Tulsa (TU) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. Attracting talented students from around the world, TU provides both merit-based and need-based scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of higher education.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students admitted to TU are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs, with awards ranging from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships. The university looks for outstanding academic records, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement when awarding these scholarships.
International Student Scholarships: TU offers specific scholarships aimed at international students, including renewable awards that encourage academic excellence throughout the duration of the degree program. Some scholarships are designated for particular fields of study or for students demonstrating strong community involvement.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students may apply for assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities. These positions not only offer financial support but also valuable professional experience within the university environment.
An M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) from the University of Tulsa provides graduates with the comprehensive academic and clinical training necessary to become certified and licensed speech-language pathologists. This highly accredited program boasts a 100% employment rate and a 100% national Praxis Exam pass rate, demonstrating its effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. Graduates are equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of communication and swallowing disorders across all age groups and in diverse settings, making them valuable assets in healthcare, educational, and private practice environments.
School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist: A significant number of SLPs work in public or private K-12 schools, providing assessment and therapy for students with speech, language, voice, fluency, and social communication disorders that impact their academic and social development.
Hospital Speech-Language Pathologist (Acute Care/Rehabilitation): SLPs in hospitals work with diverse patient populations, including those recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or other neurological conditions affecting communication and swallowing. They assess dysphagia (swallowing disorders), aphasia, cognitive-communication deficits, and more.
Rehabilitation Clinic Speech-Language Pathologist: Similar to hospital settings but often outpatient, these SLPs work with individuals (children and adults) needing ongoing therapy for communication and swallowing disorders resulting from various medical conditions, accidents, or developmental delays.
Private Practice Owner/Associate SLP: Graduates can establish their own private practices or work as associates in existing ones, offering specialized services tailored to individual client needs, often focusing on specific populations (e.g., pediatrics, adults with neurological conditions) or niche areas like accent modification.
Early Intervention Specialist: Working with infants and toddlers (birth to three years) and their families, these SLPs provide services in natural environments (homes, daycares) to address early communication and feeding delays, promoting development and preventing more significant issues.
Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care SLP: These professionals work with elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, addressing communication and swallowing challenges often associated with aging, dementia, stroke, or other health conditions, aiming to improve their quality of life.
Telepractice SLP: With the increasing adoption of telehealth, SLPs can provide remote assessment and therapy services to clients via telecommunication technology, expanding access to care for individuals in remote areas or those with mobility challenges.
University/College Clinic Supervisor (after gaining experience): Experienced SLPs can supervise graduate student clinicians in university speech and hearing clinics, mentoring future professionals and ensuring high-quality clinical training.
Higher Education Faculty (after gaining a doctorate): While an M.S. is the entry-level degree for clinical practice, some SLPs pursue doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or SLP.D.) to become university professors, conducting research, teaching, and shaping the next generation of speech-language pathologists.
Consultant (e.g., Medical Device, Education Policy): With their specialized knowledge, SLPs can serve as consultants for companies developing communication aids, therapeutic devices, or educational materials. They can also advise on public policy related to communication disorders or accessibility.
