Speech-Language Pathology - Master's
Speech-Language Pathology
The Master of Science (M.S.) program in speech-language pathology is a five-semester program that includes both academic and clinical courses totaling 60 hours. Each student is able to pursue a wide range of clinical assignments with three on-campus experiences and two off-campus experiences focusing on schools and medical settings. Students work with clients from diverse backgrounds, across the lifespan and multiple disorder areas.
Our academic coursework is robust and emphasizes writing and oral communication skills along with knowledge and application of research techniques. Our cohort size of 24 students ensures all students have the individual support needed to succeed. The employment rate of USM graduates is nearly 100% because employers know our graduates are ready for professional practice. Students successfully completing the master’s degree and passing a comprehensive evaluation will be prepared to take the Praxis II examination.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology (residential) at The University of Southern Mississippi 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.
What Will I Learn?
The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology provides unique academic and clinical training for graduate students preparing to enter professional practice. The core curriculum plan of study for the program is provided below. All courses address the 2020 Speech-Language Pathology Standards outlined by the Council for Clinical Certification. See the USM Bulletin for a full description of academic courses. Graduate students are required to successfully complete 3 on-campus clinical rotations and 2 off-campus externship rotations. On-campus rotations include the Speech and Language Clinic, The Children’s Center for Communication Development and/or The DuBard School for Language Development. Off-campus externships are required for both school and adult medical settings. These valuable professional and educational experiences will prepare students for jobs in all settings including early intervention programs, public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and state institutions.
Students must pass the national examination in Speech-Language Pathology (Praxis II) to be eligible for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-S) and state licensure.
Application deadline: February 1st for fall semester admission.
Required:
- A bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders*/Speech and Hearing Science
- Transcripts from all attended colleges/universities
- Applicants will submit a statement of purpose (please limit to two pages)
- Applicants will submit three letters of recommendations
- Applicants will submit GRE scores (waived for 2021 Cohort)
- A minimum TOEFL/iBT score of 79 is required as applicable.
*Other bachelor’s degree holders must complete the following “leveling-in” courses with no letter grade lower than “B” prior to applying: BSC 104+L, CHE 104+L or PHY 111+L, PSY 360 or DPH 440, SHS 201, SHS 202+L, SHS 221, SHS 301, SHS 302, SHS 306, SHS 313, SHS 411, SHS 421, SHS 431 or 432 and SHS 450.
The speech-language pathology graduate program receives an average of 150 complete applications each year; 24-25 students are accepted annually. See admission requirements (regular and conditional status) stated in the Admission Requirements and Procedures section of the bulletin.
The following are mean GPAs and GRE scores and [ranges] for Speech-Language Pathology graduate students accepted into the program from three most recent years:
| Year | GRE-Q | GRE-V | GRE-AW | GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
143 [132-151] |
147 [130-169] |
4.1 [2-5] |
3.82 [3.6-4.0] |
| 2023 |
143 [136-153] |
145 [134-156] |
3.7 [2.5-4.5] |
3.9 [3.6-4.0] |
| 2022 |
144 [140-158] |
149 [141-157] |
4.0 [3.0-5.5] |
3.9 [3.8-4.0] |
On-campus and in-state, off-campus clinical supervisors hold the CCC-S (Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensure from The Mississippi Department of Health.
The Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Speech-Language Pathology is sponsored by the Hattiesburg Sertoma Club and is based on faculty selection of an exceptional student in the graduate program.
Assistantships are assigned by the school director.
New graduate students attend an annual fall orientation which covers topics that include code of ethics, clinical procedures, scope of practice, HIPAA and conflict resolution.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Successful completion of the Master of Science (MS) degree graduate program in speech-language pathology at the University of Southern Mississippi will meet the requirements for certification in speech-language pathology at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Certification by ASHA is required by Mississippi as well as by most states to acquire a state license to practice the profession of speech-language pathology or for employment as a certified/licensed speech-language pathologist. The University of Southern Mississippi highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board in the state or locality in which you wish to practice or be employed to determine whether the program you are considering will meet the state’s licensing requirement as we are unable to determine that state licensure requirements are met in states outside of Mississippi. Information about various licensures for all states can be located through the sites listed below:
Education Licensing Board: http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html
For questions, please contact Dr. Steve Cloud at Steven.CloudFREEMississippi
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Speech - Language Pathology MS | Hattiesburg |
- Home Health
- Private Practice
- Military
- Hospital
- School