Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Program

 

A graduate program of study is available for students with undergraduate degrees in Communication Science and Disorders (online application). In addition, a maximum of three non-background students can be accepted per graduate cohort.  The CSD Department accepts primarily applicants with an undergraduate degree in SLP, Speech and Hearing Science, or a related field. However, a maximum of 3 non-background (non-SLP) undergraduate applicants may be accepted. These applicants must apply and meet the same requirements as the SLP-background students. If a non-background student is accepted and enrolls, the student will be a graduate student and thus subject to all rules and regulations of the graduate school while taking the non-background track of undergraduate courses. The non-background student program is three years rather than the two years of course work for a graduate with a Communication Science and Disorders degree.  The first year of the non-background graduate student's curriculum will consist of a core of undergraduate courses. (Nonbackground Undergraduate and Graduate Curriculum)  Students with undergraduate degrees in Communication Science and Disorders, as well as the non-background students who successfully complete the required undergraduate core of courses, will enter the Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology. The graduate program in Communication Science and Disorders is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association.

There are two tracks available for the Speech Language Pathology graduate students in the department of Communication Science and Disorders at the University of Montevallo.  The Thesis Track is available for those students who are primarily interested in research in communication disorders and/or interested in pursuing a doctorate in Speech Language Pathology or related field.  (Graduate Curriculum Thesis Option)  Should a student not wish to pursue the thesis option they are required to complete a comprehensive examination which consists of a case based and multiple choice exam taken in the semester before the final externship.   (Graduate Curriculum Non-Thesis Option)

You can obtain more information regarding a graduate degree in Communication Science and Disorders  from the College of Arts and Sciences on the UM graduate website.  For further information regarding the graduate admissions protocol, specific information about a graduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and to complete an on-line application, please choose the following links:

1. Graduate Admissions Protocol
2. Graduate Catalog including graduate curriculum in Communication Science and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology)
3. Course Descriptions
4. On-line Application for a Masters in Speech Language Pathology.

About Academics and Facilities Graduate students in Speech-Language Pathology receive a thorough academic and clinical education. Faculty ensure that courses remain current and provide the latest research and developments in all areas of communication disorders.  Montevallo offers a variety of clinical education opportunities in both on-campus and off-campus practicum sites which prepare students to provide diagnostic and treatment services to children and adults exhibiting a broad range of communication disorders. The facilities and equipment available to graduate students also enhance learning experiences. Various technology is used extensively with the clinical and academic programs. Some examples of technology available to students include: State-of-the art speech science laboratory with six computer workstations that house a Computerized Speech Lab (CSL) that contains, Auditory Feedback Tools, Multi-Dimensional Voice Program, Real-Time EGG Analysis, Real-Time Pitch, Real-Time Spectrogram, Sona-Match, Applied Speech Science program for the dysarthrias and for Voice and Resonance Disorders, and a Nasometer II. Other workstations include the VisiPitch III and IV, MultiSpeech, SpeechViewer III, Sonagraph, and Mayer-Johnson Boardmaker International software.  There is a portable Hatch Computer Learning Center for young children with a touch screen and accompanying Intellikeys/Intelllitools. A wide selection of clinical treatment and assessment software are available for students to use such as SALT language sampling program for English and Spanish and scoring software for tests such as the SSI and the CAPES, among others.  Students are able to access free communication device simulation software using the onsite multimedia computer/ word processing lab that is available for students daily from 8-5.

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Clinical Opportunities Graduate students participate in diagnostic and clinical services for children and adults in the University of Montevallo's Speech and Hearing Center within the department. In addition, graduate students participate in a wide variety of field-based experiences in early intervention, preschool programs, public schools, private practice, and medical facilities. Finally, graduate students participate in two field-based externships during the final semester of graduate study. One externship is typically an 8-week experience in the public school setting, and the other externship is typically an 8-week experience in an adult medical setting.

Other Important Information

 

 

 Program Data for Completion of PRAXIS Exam

 

 

Curriculum Outline

• CSD 500 Thesis
• CSD 501 Neurological Bases of Communication
• CSD 502 Research in Speech-Language Pathology
• CSD 507 Speech Science and Instrumentation
• CSD 511 Language Development and Disorders: Birth to Five
• CSD 512 School Age Language and Literacy
• CSD 514 Professional Issues
• CSD 530 Introduction to Dysphagia
• CSD 534 Motor Speech Disorders
• CSD 539 Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• CSD 540 Seminar in Acquired Brain Injury
• CSD 542 Seminar in Cleft Palate and Syndromes
• CSD 543 Seminar in Stuttering
• CSD 545 Seminar in Voice Disorders
• CSD 546 Seminar in Aphasia and Related Neurogenic Disorders
• CSD 547 Seminar in Articulation and Phonology
• CSD 549 Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations
• ED 579 Advanced Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology

Other Graduate Courses

• CSD 531 Directed Independent Study
• CSD 548 Seminar in Communication Disorders
• ED 407/507 Exceptional Learners in P-12 and Secondary Programs

For more information about the CSD Graduate Programs, contact Dr. Margaret Johnson, Graduate Program Coordinator at (205) 665-6720 or via e-mail at JohnsonM@Montevallo.edu

Graduate Brochure