University of Northern Colorado

Program Information

Degree Offered

MA: Speech-Language Pathology

Program Description:

This certifying Master's program is fully accredited and provides excellent academic, research, and clinical preparation.
Areas emphasized include:
The science of communication;
The nature, prevention, assessment, and management of:
-developmental articulation and phonologic disorders
-language and literacy disorders
-voice disorders
-fluency disorders
-pervasive developmental disorders, including autism
-dysphagia
-neurologic disorders including aphasia, apraxia, post head-injury disorders and dementia;
Evidence-based practice;
Augmentative and alternative communication systems;
Aural rehabilitation.

Students who complete this program are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA and for state licensure.

The program is delivered through two options.

ON CAMPUS DELIVERY OPTION: This is a traditional program which requires 6 semesters of study. All clinical practicum are completed on-site or in educational, medical or private practice settings in northern CO. During the final 2 semesters of the program students complete full-time (32-40 hours/week) internships in educational and medical settings throughout the US. Students are admitted to this program annually. The on-campus program participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (SRGP) which provides tuition reduction for students residing in participating western states. Additional information about the WRGP can be found on our website.

DISTANCE OPTION: The second is a 9 semester distance education program for which the primary delivery mode is on-line which has been offered continuously since August 1995. The academic and clinical curricula are the same as those of the on-campus program. All clinical practicum experiences are completed in the students’ employment settings and supervised, by an on-site, ASHA-certified supervisor. A two-week on-campus session to complete laboratory portions of 3 courses and to build community is required during the third semester (first summer) of the program. During the final semester of the program, students complete a full-time medical internship. Students are admitted to this program bi-annually. The next admissions cycle will begin in January 2013.

Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and by the Colorado Department of Education.

Eligibility Requirements:

A detailed list of requirements can be found in the UNC catalog. The program requires 63-75 credit hours distributed as follows: Core Academic Requirements (33 hours) Research Courses (4 hours) Clinical Practicum (14 hours) Internships (12-18 hours) In order to meet the Graduate School’s requirement for a comprehensive examination of students’ academic and professional competencies prior to graduation, the faculty in Speech-Language Pathology require students to complete (1) a series of experiences that leads to a capstone paper focused on evidence-based practice and (2) a Graduate Performance Assessment Matrix.

International Student Requirements:

• An international student is neither a citizen of the United States nor classified by United States Immigration and Naturalization Service as a Lawful Permanent Resident or Permanent Resident Alien. • International undergraduate, transfer, and graduate applicants must meet English Language proficiency requirements before being fully admitted to the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). One option to demonstrate English Language proficiency is to successfully complete the UNC Intensive English Language Program (IEP). Please see the UNC IEP website for more information (http://www.unco.edu/cie/iep.html) • International student Undergraduate/Transfer and Graduate applications (on-line submission) with accompanying instructions are found on the UNC website as well. Applications and supporting documents are due at least 90 days prior to the semester to which students plan to enroll, or prior to their major program deadline (if any) for Graduate students.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Format: Both

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Intensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Small City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999