Masters Speech Language Pathology Distance Learning Programs for Practicing Professionals

Masters speech language pathology distance learning courses are designed for working professionals who require a degree to continue working in the area of speech language pathology. Most masters speech language pathology programs are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

The students can take up careers in hospitals, clinics, schools or private settings to deal with developmental or acquired communication disorders. About 14 universities in the United States offer masters degrees in speech language pathology and about 350 persons graduate every year.

Course content

The nuts and bolts of the masters speech language pathology programs is the design of the course and the method of delivery. A total systems approach, designed around student needs is what makes the course amenable to distance learning.

The students are engaged interactively with the software, their instructors, fellow students and professionals in the field. Clinical field work is conducted by clinical supervisors who are contracted with the universities for overseeing the work of the student residing in their area.

It is a rigorous, robust and on campus (albeit in the work place of the student) method of imparting practical experience in clinical field work. Some universities use simulated case studies to provoke the student to think and suggest practical solutions to likely problems that they may encounter in the field.

Yet other universities demand that the student come for on campus study for a week or two at the end of the program to acquire clinical field work experience.

Universities that offer masters speech language pathology distance learning courses

Most universities insist that the students enrolling for masters speech language pathology distance learning courses have a bachelor's degree in the subject. However, some universities waive the requirement if all other conditions are fulfilled.

The CSUN offers an online masters program for speech language pathologists in collaboration with the College of Extended Learning and the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences in the College of Human Development. This is a three year distance program that is unique in design and content.

The California State University Northridge offers a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Speech pathology and language pathology are emphasized and the program includes web enhanced courses and classes delivered using interactive television and supervised clinical practicum experiences.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has a Masters Speech Language Pathology distance learning program with an add-on SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist) "teacher authorization" called Special Class authorization. This authorizes service as a teacher of a classroom for children with severe language disorders.

The University of Wyoming has a three-year leveling program that waives the requirement of an undergraduate degree for enrollment. However, the program requires the student to take a set of undergraduate core coursework before commencing the master's program so that they are on 'level' with the students who have completed their undergraduate program before commencing the Masters.

The Arizona School of Health sciences, the Central Michigan University, the East Carolina University, the Nova Southeastern University, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, the University of Nebraska, University of Northern Colorado are some of the other Universities which also offer MS degrees in Speech Language Pathology.

If you are a graduate in Speech Language Pathology and wish to undertake a Masters in the subject, you have a wide canvas to choose from!

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