school of health professions 2024 - 2025 Catalog

Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (SLP)

This program is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Program Description

Speech-language pathologists specialize in the prevention, identification, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Their work involves conducting research; treating individuals with communication disorders, including children with speech-language disorders, people who stutter, stroke survivors, and persons who have swallowing problems; and instructing various others, such as actors and singers, in the preservation of their voices.

After completing two years of graduate study, graduates of the Speech-Language Pathology program will be eligible to pursue a Clinical Fellowship, which is required for national certification and state licensure.

Technical Standards

To successfully complete the Speech-Language Pathology program in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, an individual must meet the following technical standards:

  1. Communication 
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate communication skills to:

    • Communicate effectively with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and in written form while considering the communication needs and cultural values of the listener at a level that will support competent professional practice.
    • Communicate proficiently in oral and written English.
    • Communicate professionally, effectively, and legibly to meet demands required as part of coursework and during clinical work to ensure patient safety (e.g., scholarly papers, medical records, clinical reports, standardized assessment).
    • Perceive and demonstrate appropriate non-verbal communication for culture and context.
    • Convey information accurately with relevance and cultural sensitivity.
    • Possess sufficient speech/vocal productions for the provision of clinical services.

  2. Motor Skills
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate motor skills to:

    • Sustain necessary physical activity levels in required classroom and clinical activities for the defined workday.
    • Efficiently manipulate testing and treatment environments, materials, and equipment to complete screening and evaluation protocols and treatment and behavior plans.
    • Access technology and equipment for clinical management (e.g., billing, charting, therapy programs), diagnostic testing, and treatment protocols.
    • Negotiate patient/client care environments and move between settings such as the classroom, health care facility, educational setting, and community settings.
    • Access transportation to attend academic courses and clinical placements.
    • Use fine motor skills to perform procedures involving the outer ear and speech mechanisms (e.g., ear canal impressions, otoscopy, hearing aid fittings, oral mechanism exams, swallowing protocols).
    • Safely manipulate patient-utilized equipment (e.g., durable medical equipment to include AAC devices, hearing aids).
    • Provide a safe environment for others when responding to emergency situations (e.g., fire, choking, or other medical emergencies) and in the application of universal precautions.

  3. Intellectual/Cognitive
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate intellectual/cognitive skills to:

    • Comprehend, retain, integrate, synthesize, infer, evaluate, and apply large amounts of written and verbal information in a short period of time sufficient to meet curricular and clinical demands.
    • Read, comprehend, record, and interpret information accurately from diagnostic tests, equipment, and patient records to formulate a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, make independent clinical decisions, and ensure patient safety.
    • Generate discipline-specific documents and clinical reports in English.
    • Seek relevant case information, synthesize, and apply concepts and information from various sources and disciplines.
    • Analyze and solve problems, reason, and make sound clinical judgments in patient assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic planning and implementation.
    • Accurately identify and communicate limits in one’s own professional knowledge and skills and utilize resources to increase knowledge and skills.
    • Use technology to meet requirements of courses and practicum (e.g., internet access, learning management systems, electronic health records).

  4. Sensory/Observation
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate sensory skills of vision, hearing, touch, and smell to:

    • Visually and auditorily identify normal and disordered characteristics in the areas of semantics, pragmatics, syntax, morphology, phonology, swallowing, cognition, balance, hearing, and social interaction related to communication.
    • Observe patients’ activity and behavior accurately during assessment and treatment procedures.
    • Visually monitor client/patient responses and materials.
    • Identify and discriminate anatomic structures and imaging findings (e.g., otoscopy, oral mechanism exam, MBSS, FEES).
    • Discriminate text, numbers, tables, and graphs associated with diagnostic instruments and tests.
    • Accurately monitor, through both visual and auditory modalities, materials and equipment used for assessment and treatment of patients.
    • Recognize and interpret when a client’s family/caregiver does or does not understand the clinician’s written and/or verbal communication.

  5. Social/Behavioral Skills
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate social/behavioral skills to:

    • Comply with administrative, legal, and regulatory policies, including upholding the ASHA Code of Ethics.
    • Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and patients’ families during clinical and academic interactions.
    • Maintain adequate physical and mental health and self-care such that the health and safety of self and others in the academic and clinical settings is not jeopardized.
    • Maintain adequate physical and mental health and self-care to access and participate in a variety of educational and clinical settings/activities.
    • Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients/patients, fellow students, and colleagues.
    • Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations and uncertainty (which includes maintaining a professional demeanor and emotional health) in academic, clinical, and community settings.
    • Conduct oneself in a mature, empathetic, and effective professional manner by exhibiting compassion, honesty, integrity, professionalism, and concern for others in an ethical and legal manner in all interactions and situations.
    • Maintain regular attendance and meet responsibilities within designated timelines.
    • Manage time effectively to complete professional and technical tasks within constraints.
    • Accept feedback (e.g., suggestions, constructive criticism) and modify behavior accordingly.
    • Maintain appropriate and professional appearance for varied clinical and academic environments.
     

Admission to the Program

The SLP program begins in August of each year and the application deadline is February 1 of each year for the following fall class. Admission decisions are made by April 15. Class enrollment is limited. Students are required to adhere to all policies as outlined by the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, the School of Health Professions, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Students also have specific rights as outlined in the student handbook.

Application Process

Minimum admission requirements include:

  • Completion of the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS) application
  • Completion of the TTUHSC School of Health Professions supplemental application
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate audiology and speech pathology courses
  • A grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses
  • Demonstration of superior oral and written communication skills
  • Scores above the 10th percentile on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical subtest of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • Proof of appropriate immunizations against infectious diseases
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores, if English is the second language
  • An earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in the area of speech, language, and hearing sciences from an accredited institution. Applicants who have earned undergraduate degrees in fields other than speech, language, and hearing sciences must complete a post-baccalaureate of science in speech, language, and hearing sciences or undergraduate leveling coursework.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

The following courses are required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA):

Required Course
Semester Hours

Physical Science (physics or chemistry)

3-4

Biological/Life Science (biology of animals, human genetics, or human anatomy & physiology)

3-4

Social & Behavioral Science

3

Statistics

3


Total Hours = 12-14                

SLP Curriculum

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 to maintain good academic standing. By the time of graduation, students are expected to have completed the academic and clinical requirements for professional certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensing by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Students are required to pass a comprehensive written examination or successfully defend a formal thesis project under the supervision of a graduate faculty member in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.

Example Course Sequence

FIRST-YEAR
Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5320      Research Principles & Application

3

HPSH 5381      Graduate Clinical Practicum I: SLP

3

HPSH 5424      Pediatric Language Assessment & Intervention

4

HPSH 5463      Adult Language Assessment & Intervention

4

HPSH 1002       Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice

NC


Total Hours = 14         

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5325      Childhood Speech Sound Disorders

3

HPSH 5362      Motor Speech Disorders

3

HPSH 5382      Graduate Clinical Practicum II: SLP

3

HPSH 5430      Dysphagia

4

HPSH 6000      Master's Thesis (optional)                                            

1-3


Total Hours = 13-16

Summer Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5215      Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations

2

HPSH 5370      Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology

3

HPSH 5383      Graduate Clinical Practicum III: SLP

3

HPSH 6000      Master's Thesis (optional)

1-3


Total Hours = 8-11                  

SECOND-YEAR
Fall Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5243      Aural Rehabilitation

2

HPSH 5244      Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists                                                                

2

HPSH 5226      Voice Disorders

2

HPSH 5227      Fluency Disorders

2

HPSH 5384      Graduate Clinical Practicum IV: SLP

3

HPSH 5366      Augmentative & Alternative Communication

3

HPSH 5110      Capstone Course

1

Or


HPSH 6000      Master's Thesis (optional)             

1-3


Total Hours = 15-18                

Spring Semester Courses
Credit Hours

HPSH 5222      Counseling & Interviewing in Speech-Language Pathology

2

HPSH 5239      Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders

2

HPSH 5385      Graduate Clinical Practicum V: SLP

3

HPSH 5010      Special Topics in Speech Pathology 1-6


HPSH 6000      Master's Thesis (optional)                                            

1-3


Total Hours = 8-13    

  • HPSH 1002 Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (0:0:0,O)

    An introduction to broad concepts related to interprofessional core competencies for healthcare providers.

  • HPSH 5010 Special Topics in Speech Pathology (1-6:0:1-6,F)

    This course addresses emerging issues or specialized content, including directed study projects for non-thesis candidates. May be repeated for credit.

  • HPSH 5110 Capstone Course (1:1:0,F)

    A comprehensive review of: the nature of human communication and swallowing processes; prevention, assessment, and intervention for communication and swallowing disorders; and research principles and professional issues.

  • HPSH 5215 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations (2:2:0,O)

    This course examines the cultural, linguistic and social factors involved in assessment and intervention of communication disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations across the lifespan.

  • HPSH 5222 Counseling and Interviewing in Speech-Language Pathology (2:2:0,F)

    This course provides an overview of theory and practice of counseling methods and techniques to be used by speech-language pathologists in varied settings with both adult and pediatric populations.

  • HPSH 5226 Voice Disorders (2:2:0,F)

    This course provides an introduction to clinical issues of assessment and treatment of voice disorders in children and adults.

  • HPSH 5227 Fluency Disorders (2:2:0,O)

    Development of the knowledge and skills required for evaluation and treatment for individuals with fluency disorders.

  • HPSH 5239 Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders (2:2:0,F)

    A course designed to prepare students to access and critically evaluate professional literature; integrate valid scientific and clinical evidence with sound professional judgment to make clinical decisions; and apply principles of evidence-based practice to the provision of speech-language pathology services.

  • HPSH 5243 Aural Rehabilitation (2:2:0,O)

    The study of audiological, speech, language, and listening test procedures, intervention techniques, and the use of amplification for infants through adults with hearing loss. Assessment, treatment, cognition, cultural and psychosocial isuues will be discussed in relation to hearing loss.

  • HPSH 5244 Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists (2:0:2,F)

    This course addresses concepts related to hearing, hearing loss, hearing assessment techniques, and interpretation of hearing assessment results that are important in the practice of a speech-language pathologist. Students will also have opportunities for hands-on experiences related to the use, management, and troubleshooting of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearing assistive technology systems.

  • HPSH 5320 Research Principles and Application (3:3:0,F)

    A summary of the basic concepts of science and research. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to become knowledgeable consumers of research and to apply research principles to evidence-based practice.

  • HPSH 5325 Childhood Speech Sound Disorders (3:3:0,F)

    Overview of normal speech acquisition and current approaches to assessment and management of pediatric speech sound disorders.

  • HPSH 5362 Motor Speech Disorders (3:3:0,F)

    A study of the neurologic foundations of speech, speech disorders that can develop as a result of damage to the nervous system, and the ways in which motor speech disorders can be diagnosed and managed.

  • HPSH 5366 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (3:3:0,F)

    Examination of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with severe communication disorders, including a perspective on how AAC fits within the broad area of communication development and disorders. Topics include assessment and intervention issues, clinical populations who may require AAC, and research in AAC.

  • HPSH 5370 Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology (3:3:0,O)

    An overview of contemporary professional issues and considerations related to SLP practice, including topics such as ethical conduct, caseload/workload issues, certification and licensure, health literacy, supervision of support personnel, reimbursement, and legislation related to the field.

  • HPSH 5381 Graduate Clinical Practicum: SLP (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5382 Graduate Clinical Practicum:SLP II (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5383 Graduate Clinical Practicum SLP III (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5384 Graduate Clinical Practicum: SLP IV (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5385 Graduate Clinical Practicum: SLP V (3:0:3-30,F)

    Supervised clinical practice in speech and/or language pathology.

  • HPSH 5424 Pediatric Language Assessment & Intervention (4:4:0,F)

    Comparison of typical and atypical language in children from infancy through adolescence. Assessment and management strategies for diverse populations, and varied service delivery models.

  • HPSH 5430 Dysphagia (4:4:0,F)

    A detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of normal and disordered swallowing patterns, with discussion of current diagnostic techniques and treatment alternatives. Includes a lab to allow hands-on experience in interpreting swallow studies.

  • HPSH 5463 Adult Language Assessment & Intervention (4:4:0,F)

    Effects of normal aging on communication. Assessment and intervention models for acquired adult language disorders (e.g. aphasia, dementia, traumatic brain injury). Medical terminology and report writing will also be included.

  • HPSH 6000 Master's Thesis (1-6:0:1-6,F)

    Consent of instructor is required.

  • HPSH 6001 Master's Thesis (1-6:0:1-6,F)

    May have 2 enrollments for credit. Consent of instructor is required.