Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology Online Program

Please Note: The application deadline for the 2023 cycle has passed!

The next application cycle will open October 2026 for admission in Fall of 2027. 

This three-year program, which is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), is designed to prepare students for entry-level activity as speech-language pathologists. The program uses a clinician-researcher model to prepare students to be life-long learners with a strong foundation in evidence-based practice (EBP) and academics. The curriculum supports the development of skills related to EBP in a sequence that builds on students’ hands-on learning opportunities in clinical practicum settings. Throughout the curriculum, students gain experience formulating clinical questions, examining research, collecting data, evaluating outcomes, and presenting their findings in written and oral formats. Through their coursework and clinical training students develop critical thinking skills that will support their future work and development as speech-language pathologists.

The online program was developed specifically to meet the needs of nontraditional students with employment and/or family commitments that preclude participating in a full-time on-campus program, who wish to earn a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. This program assumes an undergraduate background in Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, or Communication Disorders. Students who do not have such a background must complete a core of undergraduate courses prior to beginning the program.  Additionally, students must be employed as an SLPA or the equivalent, or under a Temporary Teacher Endorsement (TTE)/SLP, to participate in the online program.

During the program, students use web-based instruction and other technologies to participate in academic classes and clinical seminars. On-campus class meetings are required for two to three weeks during the first summer (third semester) of the program and a full-time, 12-week internship in a medical setting is required during the final summer of the program. All students must have access to the Internet. Email accounts provided by the university must be used throughout the program.

Clinical practicum courses are completed through a partnership between university faculty and a clinical supervisor(s) at each student's place of employment. Once admitted to the program, students must maintain employment as a speech-language pathology assistant at a site where they can obtain their clinical hours under the supervision of an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist throughout each semester beginning with the first spring semester.  If the student's place of employment is not a public school, they will be required to complete a 2nd full-time internship at a school.  This would add an additional semester to the program.

Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the National Examination in Speech-Language Sciences (NESPA) and to complete the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) required by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). Graduates are also eligible for the licensure/certification through the Departments of Education in most states. The program is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and by the Colorado Department of Education. Certified speech-language pathologists find employment in the public schools, private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and freestanding clinics.

Students are admitted in cohort groups who progress through the program together. The next cohort (Cohort XV) will begin in Fall 2027.  

Virtual Open House Recordings

• Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm   

• Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm