Program Overview

School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences

The School of Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences offers various programs, including undergraduate and certificate programs, as well as a post-baccalaureate leveling sequence.

Undergraduate & Certificate Programs, & Post-Baccalaureate Leveling Sequence

• Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders Information
• Certificate Programs
  • Speech-Language Pathology-Assistant Certificate Program
  • Online Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Certificate Program
• Post-Baccalaureate Leveling Sequence

Online Certificate Admissions Process

We highly recommend that potential students apply directly to the University of Montana as early as possible, if not at least two months prior to the start of Fall classes, as the Admissions process is dependent on transcript delivery and processing. If you believe you have previous courses equivalents to our CSD-specific courses from other institutions, fill out the course equivalency form and follow the directions carefully. This process must be completed prior to registration.

SLPA Certificate vs. License

Our SLPA Certificate is not a license to practice but instead is meant to provide the educational foundation needed to be successful as an SLPA. We do not offer any clinical fieldwork hours, though students do complete 25 observation hours through completion of CSD 205. Please note that SLPA licensure requirements vary per state. It is the student's responsibility to check with their state licensing board to ensure that our SLPA Certificate program meets educational requirements.

CSD Leveling Sequence

Students hoping to be eligible to apply to SLP MS programs for the CSDCAS general application's January deadline or any SLP MS program with a Fall start, must begin CSD Leveling sequence courses by the previous Fall to stay on track for completion of leveling courses by the end of the following Summer. For example, enter Leveling by Fall 2023 with a Summer 2024 completion of leveling course date in order to be eligible to apply in January 2024 for a Fall 2024 graduate school cohort. Acceptance into SLP MS programs are contingent upon completion of the leveling courses with an acceptable passing grade determined by individual programs.

Upon Acceptance to University of Montana

Once you are accepted to UM and have obtained your University ID (790-#), you will need to:

1. Set up your NetID and password.
2. Activate your UMConnect student email account.
3. Login to your GrizPortal account.
4. Students without a Bachelor's degree need to make an initial advising appointment with our SLHOS Academic Advisor through Navigate as soon as UM acceptance is established.

Course Schedule and Suggested Plans of Study

Our SLHOS Online Learning Programs have a traditional Fall-start. CSD-specific courses follow a course schedule of two 8-week part-of-term sessions for Fall and Spring Term across a traditional 16-week semester. CSD-specific courses in the Summer Term are offered in two 7-week part-of term sessions. Students must register for all desired courses at the same time during their registration time ticket window.

• We offer all online courses at least once per year.
• Course scheduling may vary across an academic year and are not offered continuously across Fall/Spring/Summer Terms.
• For the most up-to-date course offerings per Term, use the "Course Search" option on the My UM homepage.
• Provided that students go at a full-time pace (maximum two courses per session, four courses across full-term), the SLPA Certificate and CSD Leveling sequence courses are designed to be completed in three semesters with the Fall-start.
• Part-time options are also available and will extend your completion timeline.
• Students may increase their chances in securing their spot in needed courses by:
  • Following the recommended plan of study for your Certificate program or Leveling sequence based on full-time or part-time enrollment.
  • Regularly checking Priority Registration time tables per upcoming Semester registration and taking advantage of your priority registration time ticket window.
  • Remembering that it is the student's responsibility to register themselves for courses in a timely manner.
  • Knowing that seats are not guaranteed registration is a first-come, first-served process.