What you will study
All of UCM’s graduate speech pathology classes contain problem-based learning and
skills development. Our coursework includes case-based learning and direct application
of knowledge and skills, allowing you to identify best practices for both assessment
and treatment of clients.
Course highlights include:
- Adult Swallowing Disorders and Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders: This set of unique feeding and swallowing courses, one targeting children with feeding
and swallowing concerns and another targeting swallowing deficits in adults, provide
the most current information available. This includes the exposures and application
of the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile.
- Autism: Communication Across the Lifespan: This course will provide an overview of speech and language, behavioral characteristics
and possible etiologies of autism spectrum disorders. You’ll also learn appropriate
informal and formal assessments and treatment options, as well as environmental supports
and how to effectively work with family members.
Excellence in Speech-Language Pathology
- UCM’s Speech-Language Pathology program has maintained continuous accreditation from the Council on Academic Accreditation for Audiology and Speech Language Pathology
since 1977.
- All faculty of UCM’s graduate Speech-Language Pathology program have the Certificate of Clinical
Competence awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and are licensed
by the Board of Hearing Arts in the State of Missouri.
- A Best Speech-Language Pathology Master's Program (US News & World Report, 2021)
- #1: Most Focused Master’s Degree College for Speech Pathology & Audiology in the Plains
States Region (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in the Speech-Language Pathology master’s degree program
UCM’s graduate Speech-Language Pathology program includes numerous onsite and offsite
clinical practicum experiences. This will allow you to apply what you’ve learned from
speech pathology classes to making treatment decisions. In addition, faculty members
will encourage you to be involved in ongoing research.
- Onsite Practica: For five out of the six semesters, students in UCM’s graduate Speech-Language Pathology
program provide clinical services to clients in the Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication
Disorders, with guidance from a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist.
Responsibilities include assessing, devising a treatment plan and providing treatment
to clients with communication and swallowing disorders and differences. This direct,
hands-on experience will ensure that you’re ready for your SLP career on day one.
- Offsite Practica: As a graduate student in UCM’s Speech-Language Pathology master’s program, you’ll
participate in three offsite practicum experiences. The first involves service delivery
in a private practice, school or hospital. The second (externship) experience is providing
services for elementary, middle or high school students. The final (internship) offsite
experience is within a medical setting, typically a hospital or rehabilitation facility.
Offsite experiences help you grow into your speech-language pathologist career.
- Graduate research: UCM’s master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology students are encouraged to assist
faculty with their research, as well as present unique case studies at state and national
conferences. Research opportunities along with adoption of evidence-based practice
skills in practica allow you to become a specialized expert in your field, making
you even more marketable after graduation.
- Interprofessional education: Speech-Language Pathology graduate students at the University of Central Missouri
are involved in interprofessional education experiences each semester, engaging in
cooperative learning with students from other professions. This leads to greater
understanding of the importance of collaboration prior to beginning a career. Collaborative
experiences occur on campus and during offsite educational and medical placements.
About our facilities
UCM's Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders has fifteen treatment rooms
with digital monitoring where, in addition to assessment and treatment of communication
and swallowing disorders, our services include an early childhood preschool for children
with speech and language disorders and a voice and swallowing laboratory including
an array of acoustic and aerodynamic instrumentation. The center also contains a Functional
Communication Clinic, an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Clinic,
containing an array of state-of-the-art AAC devices, and a Feeding and Swallowing
Clinic. With the support of the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbia, the RiteCare Early
Childhood Language and Literacy lab was developed to focus on the critical connection
between literacy and success. Clinics and labs provide our students with special opportunities
to move their learning from the classroom to the therapeutic setting. Click here to learn more about the Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from UCM?
Speech-language pathologists provide services to patients of all ages (infants to
adults) across a spectrum of communication, swallowing and hearing disorders and differences,
such as stroke, autism, hearing loss and dyslexia.
As an SLP, you will change the lives of patients and their families while working
independently and in collaboration with other professionals such as special education
teachers, counselors, nurses and dieticians.
Many of our Speech-Language Pathology master’s program graduates gain employment within
Missouri and Kansas, but we have graduates across the United States. Some work in
schools with early childhood, special education, elementary and high school students.
Others are employed in health care settings, including skilled nursing facilities,
rehab hospitals and inpatient and outpatient clinics.
A few work for other industries, using their master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology
in sales, for example. Dynavax, a maker of computer systems for non-vocal people,
has hired UCM graduates with speech-language pathology master’s degrees.
More on careers in speech-language pathology
Use the interactive tool below to learn more about careers in speech-language pathology.
You can gain insights on salaries, projected job growth, career paths and more.
Preparation for success at the highest level
In recent years, 97% of UCM’s Speech-Language Pathology graduate students passed the
Praxis Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology. After passing the Praxis Exam,
graduates of UCM’s master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology can apply
for licensure from the Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.
Candidates must pass the Praxis Examination for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
to earn state licensure and be qualified to obtain the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence.
Over the past several years, 100% of graduates from the UCM Speech-Language Pathology
master’s program found jobs in their field within one year of graduation.
In recent years, 99% of UCM’s Speech-Language Pathology graduate students have completed
the program in six semesters.
Financial assistance options for your Speech-Language Pathology master’s degree
Communication Disorders offers graduate scholarships through the UCM Alumni Foundation.
All students apply online through and scholarship applications are due by February 1.
Lin Welch Scholarship - Graduate (completed 6 hours)
To be eligible a student must.
- be a full-or part-time graduate student in good academic standing at University of
Central Missouri,
- be pursuing a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology,
- have completed a mminimum of six hours of graduate study at University of Central
Missouri
- be committed to completing his/her graduate degree in speech-language pathology at
University of Central Missouri,
- demonstrate good character, leadership and service.
Eileen Graham Mathews Scholarship - Graduate
To be eligible a student must:
- be a full- or part-time graduate student in good academic standing at University of
Central Missouri,
- be pursuing a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology,
- have a minimum grade point average of 3.0,
- demonstrate good character, leadership and service.
Other Non-University Scholarships: (Applications are available at the front desk, or call 660-543-4993.)
- AMBUCS - Junior or senior undergraduate, or graduate students pursuing degrees in
occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or audiology. On-line
applications are available to all students through .
- SERTOMA Communicative Disorders Scholarship Program for graduate level degrees in
communication disorders, GPA of 3.2 or better.
Other Non-University Scholarships:
- A variety of Graduate Assistantships are available throughout the university. The
positions are posted on the UCM Human Resources website.
Parkinson’s Disease Research and Therapy
Funded by the Parkinson’s Voice Project Foundation
The Parkinson Voice Clinic serves individuals through SPEAK OUT!® and The LOUD Crowd®
treatment programs. The principal investigator, Dr. Bonnie Slavych, was a distinguished
recipient of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s 2019 Advancing Academic-Research
Award.
Visit the Clinic
Outstanding Faculty
Instructor Kim Stewart
Kim Stewart, in recognition for professional cooperation and service above self, received
the 2020–2021 Core Value Community Award. Ms. Stewart exemplifies service to the profession
and brings that commitment to her speech pathology classes. She is also one of the
most valued volunteers of the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA)
and is a State Education Advocacy Leader for the State of Missouri.
Meet Other Instructors and Faculty Members
What Are Employers Saying?
Kelly Dooley, Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology Coordinator at Truman Medical Centers
“The UCM onsite clinic is a teaching resource that not all universities offer and
provides their students with real-life opportunities. UCM Speech-Language Pathology
students have a clear advantage in confidence and competence and are high on our list
when hiring due to their well-rounded knowledge and skill level.”
Meet Jessica S.
MS Speech-Language Pathology ’14 - Western Missouri Medical Center
“All of the UCM Speech-Language Pathology faculty truly do care about you. They all
know you by name. Between your teachers, professors, clinical supervisors and classmates,
UCM offers a wonderful support system. You not only leave this program with a great
career path ahead of you but also a lifetime of resources to turn to years down the
road.”
National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association
Award-winning student organization
Many of UCM’s Speech-Language Pathology master’s degree students participate in the
NSSLHA. The student group sponsors presentations by professionals within the field
and is involved in local literacy events. Students are encouraged to provide service
within the community, attend the MSHA convention and take advantage of other academic
and career opportunities.
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Academic plan of study information
The plan of study represents a listing of courses you will take within the graduate
program. Acceptance in the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology can begin
in the fall or summer semesters only. The sequence of courses taken will differ depending
on the semester of admission. If your undergraduate or graduate degree is in a different
field, not speech-language pathology, you will need to complete a year of speech-language
pathology coursework (leveling) prior to beginning graduate courses. For a student
without a prior degree in speech-language pathology , the graduate program will take
nine (9) semesters. This is to ensure you have the prerequisites to be adequately
prepared to be successful within the MS degree program. Students may transfer a maximum
of nine credit hours from another graduate program accredited by the Council on Academic
Accreditation (CAA) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Transfer credits must meet as outlined in the Graduate Catalog. For students with an undergraduate degree in
speech-language pathology, the graduate program will take six (6) semesters to complete.
The plan of study for students with and without an undergraduate degree in Communication
Disorders are provided when you meet with the Communication Disorders' Graduate Faculty
Advisor or when you do a campus visit. These plans are available to current students
in Blackboard.
Clinical Opportunities
The graduate program in speech-language pathology ensures graduate students obtain
a minimum of 400 clinical clock hours with individuals exhibiting various communication
disorders and differences across the lifespan. Both onsite (Welch-Schmidt Center for
Communication Disorders) and offsite (e.g., private practice, schools, hospitals,
rehabilitation settings) experiences are part of the degree program. Each student
will complete three offsite experiences. One will be a part-time placement, one semester
in the schools (externship) and a semester in a medical setting (internship). Local
placement occurs for the externship experience. Historically students are placed in
internships locally; however, the program supports internship locations throughout
the United States.
The Welch-Schmidt Center for Communication Disorders is an 8,600-square-foot self-contained
unit located at University of Central Missouri. We consider ourselves one of the finest
facilities for clinical training in the country. Students provide diagnostic and rehabilitative
services to children and adults with communication disorders from the community.
Recently, the Parkinson Voice Project awarded the UCM Communication Disorders program
a grant that provides training in the SPEAK OUT! ® and The LOUD Crowd® programs to
enrolled graduate students. The SPEAK OUT!® and The LOUD Crowd® programs, developed
by the Parkinson Voice Project of Dallas, Texas, were created specifically for individuals
who have a voice disorder as a result of Parkinson's disease. Please see the for more information.
Graduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
Admissions Criteria and Procedures
The Master of Science Degree Program in Communication Disorders is designed for the
education and training of persons to enter the profession of speech language pathology.
You will receive specific educational and clinical training to prepare you for the
provision of services in education and health care settings, along with private practice.
The Program in Communication Disorders admits students twice each year (Summer & Fall).
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer a requirement for admissions. Admission
is based on your undergraduate academic record and other factors, such as instructor
evaluations and a personal essay. Applicants without an undergraduate degree in communication
disorders need only apply for fall admission. Refer to the following link for information
on the MS Program in Communication Disorders
To be considered for admission, the applicant must have a minimum undergraduate grade
point average of 3.00 in Speech-Language Pathology courses and a cumulative undergraduate
grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). A grade point average for a completed
graduate degree in another field can be substituted for an undergraduate grade point
average. The graduate degree grade point average must be 3.2 or better. Certain academic
prerequisite courses are not required for admission but may be added to your Program
of Study to meet prerequisite requirements for UCM courses and/or ASHA Certification
Requirements.
International Students:
UCM Graduate Studies Services will outline university requirements for admission. Please be advised that you will
have to complete a background check for clinical placement and service. You will need
to have a or an to complete this process.
Application deadlines are provided in the table below.
| Admission Semester |
Completed Application Deadline
(Verified status required)
|
Program Decision Response: |
|
Summer
* Only students with Communication Disorders (CD) undergraduate degree may apply
|
February 1 |
March 1 |
|
Fall
*Students with a degree in CD or from another field of study may apply
|
March 1 |
April 1
|
Admissions application process:
- Application to the MS program in speech-language pathology for UCM should be made
through the . To begin the application process on the CSDCAS website, click on “Create an Account”
to initiate an account.
The application fee is $137 for the first graduate program applied to and $55 for
each additional graduate program.
It is strongly recommended to thoroughly review the prior to creating your application. The “Quick Start Guide” linked on the FAQ page
includes information on the a) process, b) timelines, c) fees and d) .
If you experience problems, or have questions, please contact:
CSDCAS Customer Service
Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST
617-612-2030
csdcasinfo@acsdcas.org
- Review the UCM Home page found in CSDCAS for application directions. Please provide
all the information specified in the following four areas in your application through
the CSDCAS website:
- Personal Information
- Academic History
- Supporting Information
- Program Materials
- Once your application is "VERIFIED" complete, and all requirements are met, you will
receive an email from UCM stating that your application is ready for review.
- Once the deadline has arrived, acceptance of applications and supporting materials
will cease. The Graduate Admissions Committee will review completed applications,
and prepare the list for admission invitation to our program.
- If you receive an invitation to join the UCM Program in Speech-Language Pathology:
- Respond to our invitation in CSDCAS by the deadline stated in the invitation letter
by completing the Response Form linked in that notification; indicating your decision
to join or decline our invitation. This will allow us to make an invitation to another
student on the waitlist at that time.
- Watch for an email from the UCM Graduate and International Student Services (GISS) indicating that an application has been generated for you. (to save
you time and money, GISS imports all of your application materials from CSDCAS on
your behalf). Finalize this application, and submit it to UCM
- Submit any final transcripts that were not complete at the time of your CSDCAS submission
to UCM.
- Complete your registration process, and enrollment in courses. Watch for an email
to register for Calipso (the student records program for ASHA accreditation) and ClinicNote
(the electronic medical records and student clinician program). These programs will
need to be purchased and set up prior to the beginning of the semester so clinical
assignments can be made.
*If you decide to decline our invitation, please be courteous and respond that you
will not be
joining us so we can offer the admission to the next person on our waitlist.
Contact Information
Brenda Dooley, Clinic Support Coordinator,
can answer questions regarding the admissions process and admissions materials
PH: 660-543-4993 or dooley@ucmo.edu
Student Outcome Data
The Master of Science (MS) education program in speech-language pathology (residential)
at the University of Central Missouri is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation
in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.
Our current accreditation continues to August 31, 2030. The following are the most
recent outcome measures supporting the results of the high-quality education provided
at the University of Central Missouri.
Completion Rate Percentages
The table below provides the percentage of students who are enrolled on the first
census date of the program and completed the program within the program’s published
academic terms (i.e., 6 semesters).
Report Period
|
Completed On Time |
Completed Late |
Not Completed |
% Completed |
| 2023-2024 |
28 |
0 |
0 |
|
2022-2023
|
26 |
0 |
0 |
|
2021-2022
|
28 |
1 |
1 |
|
3 Year Average
|
|
|
|
97.62 |
Note-Based on CAA program completion rate calculator.
Praxis Examination Pass Rate Percentages
The table below provides the percentage of test takers who passed the Praxis ® Subject
Assessments in speech-language pathology.
Report Period
|
# Taking Exam
|
# Passing
|
Final Pass Rate in %
|
2023-2024
|
28 |
27 |
96.43 |
| 2022-2023 |
26 |
26 |
100 |
| 2021-2022 |
29 |
28 |
96.55 |
| 3 year average |
|
|
97.59 |
Employment Rates
The table below provides the percentage of program graduates who are employed in the
profession or pursuing further education in the profession within 1 year of graduation.
Employment Rate in Profession
Academic Year
|
# of Grads
|
% of Grads
|
1 year ago
|
28 |
100 |
| 2 years ago |
29 |
100 |
| 3 years ago |
26 |
100 |
| 3-Year Average |
|
100 |
To ensure quality improvement, the Communication Disorders program uses a variety
of means to obtain feedback from the various stakeholders who take pride in and value
the success of the program. One of the major stakeholders are the students. CAA provides
a vehicle for students to voice concerns to the CAA administrative body. Below is
contact information and procedures for sharing concerns with the CAA.
To File a Complaint with the CAA
Students who wish to file a complaint related to the program's compliance with standards
for accreditation can find complaint procedures at or by mail at:
Chair, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD 20850
Local Phone:301-296- 5700
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
Award Winning UCM NSSLHA Chapter!
The UCM National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Chapter is an
extremely active student organization and boasts of over 60 members consisting of
both undergraduate and graduate students. The extent of this group's good work led
the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) awarding the chapter the NSSLHA
Gold Chapter Honors. The group has achieved NSSLHA honors every year since 2011,
the inception of the award.
*Since the inception of the Chapter Honors, ASHA has bestowed on the UCM's NSSLHA
Honors each year, with GOLD honors for 8 out of 12 years.
*UCM's NSSLHA Chapter was one of only two chapters in Missouri that received GOLD status
in 2015.
*UCM's NSSLHA Chapter was one of only seven chapters that received GOLD status in
2011.
National NSSLHA Honors requirements for Eligibility and Recognition:
- Affiliation with National NSSLHA
- Monthly chapter updates in NSSLHA Community discussion board
- 30% of UCM members have National NSSLHA Membership
- Community Outreach programs
- Legislative Advocacy Activities
- Fundraising for ASHA Foundation’s NSSLHA Scholarship
UCM NSSLHA Community Service Projects
The UCM National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) conducts a community
service project entitled, Saturday Stories & Slices. NSSLHA presents four Saturday Stories & Slices a year (two per semester) at the University of Central Missouri's James C. Kirkpatrick
Library in Warrensburg for families in the community. The event is based on a theme
with a story read to the attendees, three crafts, and serving pizza to all attendees.
Every child gets to choose a free book to take home. This project not only benefits
the community but provides students volunteer experience interacting with parents
and children.
UCM NSSLHA members who served on National NSSLHA Executive Board:
Ashley Grohmann – National NSSLHA State Officer 2018-2019
Jessica Catlett – National NSSLHA Student State Officer 2016-2017
Emily Conklin – National NSSLHA Regional Chair 2014-2015
UCM NSSLHA is extremely successful due to the Chapter’s outstanding Executive Board who meet
at least twice a month to plan and prepare Chapter meetings and events. This year
UCM NSSLHA has established a “Cord Program” to encourage increased student participation
and reward its active members.
Communication Disorders Strategic Plan
MISSION STATEMENT AND
LONG TERM STRATEGIC PLAN
2021-2026
Revised January 2022
Mission Statement
Communication Disorders is a comprehensive accredited program committed to excellence
in the academic, technological and clinical education of future speech-language pathologists
who will serve the communication and swallowing needs of a multicultural society.
Evidenced-based teaching and supervised clinical experiences, utilizing advanced technology
in the diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, voice, swallowing, and hearing
disorders, foster excellence in the professional preparation of speech-language pathologists.
Long Term Strategic Plan
The Program of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Central Missouri prides
itself on its commitment to excellence by continually developing, reviewing, monitoring,
assessing, and improving the academic and clinical components of the Speech-Language
Pathology program. Through an ongoing process, faculty and staff within the Speech-Language
Pathology program have established the following set of long-term strategic planning
goals and objectives as specified in Standard 1.3 of the Council on Academic Accreditation
(CAA) Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and
Speech-Language Pathology. Components of the current plan have been developed to provide
the Speech-Language Pathology program with a focus that is in congruence with the
University’s stated mission and values, the Harmon College of Business and Professional
Studies, the School of Human Services, and the academic and clinical training goals
of the Program and are intended to reflect the role of the Speech-Language Pathology
program within the community. Ongoing review, development, assessment, and revision
of the long-term strategic plan will take place regularly.
Goal 1 – To maintain and develop processes that foster continuous program improvement.
Goal 2- To develop new programs and initiatives for enhancing competitiveness.
Goal 3- To promote an enhanced awareness and practice of social justice.
Goal 4 – To further develop school and community partnerships for the purpose of providing
outstanding professional education while serving the community.
Goal 5- To enhance leadership development and the capacity to effect positive school
change.
Goal 6 – To develop a state and national reputation for innovative teaching and learning
for the School of Human Services and Communication Disorders Program.
The 2022-2023 strategic plan goals associated with each long-term goal and 2022-2023
measurable objectives can be found in the 2022-2023 Strategic Plan.
