MA in Speech-Language Pathology

Being a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is a rewarding career where you can help others communicate. Our ability to communicate is an essential part of who we are as humans. Difficulty with communication can significantly impact a person's quality of life, aside from any co-occuring medical conditions. Because communication is a complex process, from receiving to understsanding to producing a message, there are many ways that an SLP can play a critical role in the healtcare of their clients. Our program provides opportunities for students to find their passion through a comprehensive series of courses and hands-on clinical experiences. 

Our program is full-time, residential and is typically completed in two years (4 academic semesters and 1 summer semester) for students entering with all pre-requisites. A full curriculum of courses and clinical experiences prepare students for challenging and interesting careers in health care (acute and rehabilitation), community agencies, and school settings. 

Through academic coursework and clinical experiences leading to the MA degree, students will be prepared to pass the PRAXIS examination (required for certification from the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association). 

Our program houses the UB Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinic , which serves as a training clinic for students and provides services to our local community.

• Students gain experience working with clients across the lifespan and across speech, language, voice, swallowing, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). 

Additionally, externship placements are also provided during the Spring semester of a student's second year (dependent on competency level, clinic hours accrued, and availability of placements). Students typically receive two externship placements.

• Each experience is a five day a week, full-time commitment for eight weeks (total of 16 weeks). Our clinic has several partnerships in the community providing interesting externships in hospitals, schools, agencies, and private practice settings. Students are supervised by ASHA certified professionals.
• Externship placements are hands-on, real-world learning experiences that earn students course credits required for the MA degree. These are not paid experiences. 

Research opportunities are available to let you explore deeper topics of your interest and to develop your evidence-based practice skills in understanding and implementing research findings. Many of our academic faculty conduct research that seeks to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes. Their research labs cover topics across the lifespan, and across speech, language, and hearing. 

Students can elect to complete the thesis option during their MA program by carrying out an independent research project under the guidance of an academic faculty member.

American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)

National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA)

National Institute on Deafness & Other Communicative Disorders (NIDCD)