Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

Wayne State's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology prepares future speech-language pathologists to make a profound impact on the lives of those facing communication challenges. Dive deep into the art and science of language, voice and fluency, guided by experienced faculty who are passionate about both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of speech-language pathology. With cutting-edge clinical training, advanced research opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, our program prepares you to address the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan.

About the program

Wayne State's Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to meet ASHA certification requirements (Certificate of Clinical Competence) and Michigan state licensure requirements for entering clinical practice as a speech-language pathologist. The M.A. is the entry-level degree that is required to practice as a speech-language pathologist. Information on careers in speech-language pathology is available from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you're interested in our master's program and don't currently hold an undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders, see our post-bachelor program for information on the prerequisites required for application to the M.A. program.

View student achievement data

Speech-language pathology program requirements and curriculum

• Undergraduate/post-bachelor requirements

  Wayne State courses

  • SLP 5300: Introduction to SLP
  • SLP 5320: Normal Language Acquisition
  • SLP 5080: Phonetics
  • SLP 5090: A and P of the Speech Mechanism
  • SLP 5310: Clinical Methods
  • SLP 6460: Language and Phonological Disorders (pediatric communication disorders)
  • SLP 6480: Organic Disorders (adult acquired disorders)
  • SLP 5120: Speech Science
  • SLP 5360: Clinical Practice in SLP (clinical practicum) (not all students will have a UG practicum course)
  • AUD 5400: Introduction to Audiology
  • SLP 5420: Aural Rehabilitation
  • Elective major courses (e.g., sign language, AAC, directed studies-please list topic and courses)

  Non-Wayne State courses

  Equivalent courses for undergraduate programs may group their major courses in a variety of ways. Look for equivalent coursework.

  • Major requirements are documented and reviewed on the Application for Clinical Practice
  • SLP 5090: A and P of the Speech Mechanism > SLP 6360
• Non-major course requirements

  Multiple courses may meet these requirements. These are non-major requirements for ASHA certification.

  • Statistics (ASHA math requirement), three credits
  • Psychology (ASHA behavioral science requirement), three credits
  • Sociology, history (ASHA social science requirement), three credits
  • Physics or chemistry (ASHA physical science requirement), three credits
  • Biology, nutrition (ASHA life science requirement), three credits 
• Plan of work

  This sample plan of work represents one path to degree completion and does not guarantee graduation by the proposed timeline subject to student performance and class availability. Students are advised to meet with their advisor to develop an individualized plan of work.

  Plans

  Instructions

  1. Complete the plan of work form.
  2. Submit the form along with a copy of your WSU transcript to your major department advisor for departmental approval.
  3. The major department will submit the completed and signed plan of work form to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Graduate Office, 2155 Old Main, for the dean's approval.

  Forms

  • Plan A (Thesis) Plan of Work and Petition for Candidacy M.A.
  • Plan B (Essay) Plan of Work and Petition for Candidacy M.A.
  • Plan C (Departmental Exam) Plan of Work and Petition for Candidacy M.A.

  Plan requirements

  Fall semester one

  Course #	Title	Credits
  SLP 6360	Clinical Practice in SLP	3
  SLP 6640	Lang. Development and Disorders Infants and Preschool	3
  SLP 7380	The Clinical Process: SLP	3
  SLP 7630	Neuroscience of Comm Dis	3
  SLP 7000	Research Methods in CSD	1
  Total		13

  Winter semester one

  Course #	Title	Credits
  SLP 6360	Clinical Practice in SLP	3
  SLP 7100	Research Methods: EBP	1
  SLP 7600	Phonological Disorders	3
  SLP 7680	Acquired Linguistic and Cognitive Disorders: Adults	4
  SLP 7610	Stuttering	3
  Total		14

  Spring/summer semester one

  Course #	Title	Credits
  SLP 6360	Clinical Practice in SLP	3
  SLP 7590	Dysphagia	3
  SLP 7520	Counseling	1
  SLP 7621	Craniofacial Syndromes	2
  Total		9

  Fall semester two

  Course #	Title	Credits
  SLP 6360	Clinical Practice in SLP	3
  SLP 7155	Special Topics: MC/Bilingual Issues	1
  SLP 7155	Special Topics: AAC	2
  SLP 7620	Voice Disorders	3
  SLP 7640	Language Disorders: School Age Populations	3
  SLP 7660	Neuromuscular Speech Disorders	3
  Total		15

  Winter semester two

  Course #	Title	Credits
  SLP 7630	Internship in SLP	6
  SLP 7320	Professional Issues in SLP	1
  SLP 7700	Adv. Research Methods	1
  Total		8

View full M.A. program requirements.

Resources

• CALIPSO student registration
• CASLPO registration (for Ontario)
• Graduate School, master's student information
• How to apply for certification in speech-language pathology (ASHA)
• Policies for grad students
• Speech and Language Clinics clinical practicum
• State of Michigan speech-language pathologist license instructions

Contact

For more information, please contact csdgradapplications@wayne.edu.

Accreditation

The Master of Arts (M.A.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at Wayne State University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Complaints related to standards for accreditation

A complaint related to accreditation standards for the M.A. and Au.D. programs may be submitted to the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) by any student, instructional staff member, speech-language pathologist, audiologist and/or member of the public.

For complete information on how to submit a standards-related complaint to the CAA, see Section XIII of the CAA Accreditation Manual .

Non-discrimination policy

Wayne State University (WSU) is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in all of its operations, employment status, educational programs and related activities. As part of WSU, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders adheres to this same policy for faculty and students as well as for clients of the department's clinics. Students, faculty, staff and persons served in the department's clinics are treated in a nondiscriminatory manner that is, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship or status as a covered veteran.