Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

University of Iowa

The Master of Arts program in speech pathology and audiology with professional emphasis in speech-language pathology requires a minimum of 38 s.h. of graduate credit, although students typically earn 60-65 s.h. of credit by the time they complete the degree. The program prepares clinicians in speech-language pathology to be able to function independently in a variety of clinical settings. Graduates of the program meet all academic and practicum requirements for clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and for licensure by the State of Iowa. The program is designed to ensure that upon graduation, the student will meet requirements for immediate professional employment.

Professional Program: The professional MA program can be taken with an emphasis in speech-language pathology. The program provides training which will allow students to function as a speech-language pathologist in any clinical environment. In addition to general clinical training the student may elect to take the didactic and practicum courses which will allow them to become certified for work within the public schools. Individuals completing a professional MA program meet all academic and practicum requirements for clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Although the professional MA program may be taken without thesis, students are encouraged to write a thesis.

General Program: The general MA program in either speech-language pathology or audiology is designed primarily for individuals wishing to continue on for a doctoral degree. The program is individually planned in consultation with the student's advisor. Although it may include most or all of the courses and other experiences required for the professional MA program, some courses and experiences can be deferred or omitted as deemed appropriate by the advisor. Individuals following the general MA program are required to complete a thesis.