Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Minimum requirements to apply to the Master of Science in SLP program

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology degree at Idaho State University is the only Speech-Language Pathology program in Idaho accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Dedicated to enriching the lives of those with communication needs, the program has a strong evidence-based practice clinical focus that provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in educational, medical, or other clinical settings with children and/or adults with communication needs. We offer a 24-month full-time campus program, offered on either the Pocatello or Meridian campus and a 36-month online program. A student needs to have completed a bachelor's degree (B.S./B.A.) in Communication Sciences and Disorders, or a bachelor's degree in another field and prerequisite coursework in Communication Sciences and Disorders before beginning the graduate program. Students may apply to the program while they are completing their undergraduate or post-baccalaureate coursework. However, students need to complete all prerequisite coursework prior to beginning the graduate program.

Applicants should have completed their Communication Sciences and Disorders coursework recently enough to have retained and be able to use the knowledge and skills learned in undergraduate/post-baccalaureate courses. We have high expectations for our students and faculty. As such, it is ideal for prerequisite coursework to be less than 5 years old. We recommend that students refresh their knowledge as needed and strongly recommend that they retake prerequisite courses if they were taken more than 10 years ago. Please see the Apply link for information regarding specific prerequisite coursework. 

FAQ Master of Science in SLP

Our campus-based students begin clinical practicum experiences in their first semester in the ISU Speech and Language Clinics while they are also taking academic courses. Students participate in clinical placements either on or off campus throughout the program. Each student is able to pursue a wide range of clinical assignments, with community practicum experiences in the summer and second year of study, culminating in an eight-week full-time externship in the final summer semester. The program includes coursework and clinical experiences across the spectrum of educational and medical speech-language pathology. Students have opportunities to work with clients of all ages, across multiple disorder areas, and multiple clinical settings. Students successfully completing the master's degree will be prepared to take the Praxis examination and enter the workforce to help those with communication needs.

Master of Science in SLP Course Sequence Campus Program

*Contact us at csdmeridian@isu.edu regarding the Meridian campus program.

Our 36-month Online Graduate SLP program offers a valuable and innovative approach to higher education. By allowing students to complete their academic coursework remotely and their clinical practicum experiences in their communities, it caters to the needs of individuals residing in rural areas or those with responsibilities that might otherwise prevent them from pursuing a traditional graduate program. This approach provides greater accessibility and flexibility for a broader range of students, making education more inclusive and accommodating to various circumstances.

The academic portion of our online program is asynchronous. Academic courses are structured with due dates and weekly learning expectations, but students may engage with the course materials and take quizzes and exams at their convenience, within assigned time frames. However, a few synchronous meetings, via Zoom, are necessary for orientation, advising, and occasional learning activities. Students are strongly encouraged to engage with instructors and fellow students via electronic media. 

During the first year, students enroll in two courses each semester. During the summer, students take one course and engage in clinical training. During the second two years, students take academic courses and simultaneously engage in clinical practicum experiences in their home areas. The program culminates with a full-time externship for a minimum of eight weeks.

While our online program is an extended three-year (36 month) program, it should not be considered “part-time” program. The academic coursework and clinical experiences require significant time commitment and dedication. Although many students in the program are employed, it is recommended that students do not engage in full-time employment while enrolled in the program. The program requires time for classes, studying, clinical preparation, and supervised clinical work during typical business hours. Students who establish educational agreements with employers should share this information with their employers to assure appropriate work hours and adequate flexibility for meeting the educational requirements of the master’s degree. We recognize the diverse personal and financial responsibilities that students may have. We encourage open communication with program advisors as a proactive and student-centered approach to problem-solving. This allows students to explore potential options and resources that can help them manage their commitments while still prioritizing their education. By providing this support, our program creates a conducive and supportive learning environment for students dedicated to becoming knowledgeable and skilled speech-language pathologists.

Master of Science in SLP Course Sequence Online Program

*Contact Donna Parker at olcsd@isu.edu regarding the online program.

International students who are currently residing in the United States are not eligible for the Online graduate program, but are welcome to apply to the Pocatello or Meridian Campus.

Idaho State University is required to disclose information regarding professional licensure or certification related to our programs, in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Standard 2.G.3). In addition, Idaho State University participates in a voluntary state authorization reciprocity agreement, commonly known as SARA. What is SARA? "SARA's policies help protect students and provide benefits to both states and institutions carrying out distance education in multiple states. As of April 2020, 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are members of SARA. Over 2,100 colleges and universities participate in SARA." Please see the following website for links that provide more information regarding licensure and the SARA agreement: https://www.isu.edu/eisu/eisu-states-served/

Please see the following link for information for individuals intending to seek licensure in a state other than Idaho: Professional Licensure Disclosure Speech-Language Pathology