Program Overview

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Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) provides students with a unique educational experience, rooted in clinical practice, and prepares them for a career across the scope of practice in speech-language pathology. The program emphasizes the knowledge and skills to treat complex medically based communication and swallowing disorders.

Program Overview

The MS-SLP program is designed to prepare students to work as entry-level clinical speech-language pathologists (SLPs) upon graduation. While students will be prepared to work across the entire scope of practice, including schools, the program has an emphasis on medical speech-language pathology. The curriculum is designed to focus on clinical training, with students taught foundational knowledge early on and honing their clinical skills via interactive classrooms and clinical rotations as they progress in the program.

Application Timeline

• Fall 2026: July 1, 2025 December 15, 2025

Program Details

• 100% graduation rate
• 100% Praxis exam pass rate
• 6 unique semester-long clinical placements
• Average of 438 clinical hours for class of 2025 graduates

Learning Experience

The program provides hands-on clinical practice under expert faculty, rooted in evidence-based methods and designed to foster confident, compassionate clinicians. The curriculum includes:

Inside the Program

The MS-SLP program prepares students to work as entry-level clinical SLPs upon graduation, with an emphasis on medical speech-language pathology. Students are taught foundational knowledge early on and hone their clinical skills via interactive classrooms and clinical rotations.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to complement the natural progression of student learning throughout the program, focusing on disorders most commonly seen in medical speech-language pathology. By the end of the first year, students have completed coursework in all major disorders, with the remainder of the program focusing on specialized areas, research, and further development of clinical skills.

Clinical Education

The program's mission, vision, and guiding principles are rooted in the clinical preparation and training of SLPs. Each semester, students participate in a clinical experience spanning a broad spectrum of patients and settings. Clinical educators serve an essential role in the education of students, and the program is always looking for new opportunities to provide clinical education.

Research Opportunities

The program includes specifications grading (pass
o pass/high pass), with the High-Pass option giving students the opportunity to go beyond the standard curriculum and immerse themselves in a topic or research area that sparks their passion.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must:

• Possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of general education prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited institution.
• Complete 25 hours of observation in speech-language pathology by matriculation.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite coursework includes:

• Anatomy & Physiology of Speech and Hearing
• Biology
• General Physics/Chemistry
• Normal Language Development
• Phonetics
• Social/Behavioral Science
• Speech and Hearing Science
• Statistics

Application Process

The application process involves submitting the CAPCSD Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) application and the MUSC application.

Funding Your Path Forward

Tuition

Tuition and fees are as follows:

• In-state tuition: $8,349 per semester
• Out-of-state tuition: $12,465 per semester
• Program fee: $500 per semester

Cost of Attendance

The estimated total cost of attendance for the program is:

• Direct costs: $61,254 (in-state) / $85,950 (out-of-state)
• Indirect costs: $80,924

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which students may be eligible, including those based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need.

Career Outlook

Medical SLPs help patients in hospitals recover speech and swallowing after strokes, brain injuries, or surgeries, restoring independence and quality of life.

Program Outcomes

Completion Rates

The program has a 100% completion rate for the recent year.

Praxis Pass Rates

The program has a 100% Praxis exam pass rate for the recent year.

Program Faculty

The program faculty includes:

• Christina Pelatti, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Division Director and Associate Professor
• Lori-Ann Ferraro, Ph.D., MA, CCC-SLP, SLP Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor
• Terry Hopkins-Rossabi, Ph.D., MS, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning Experience

• How many students are accepted each year? 40-45 students
• When does the program begin? Mid-August
• Is the COVID-19 vaccine required for enrollment? No, but required for clinical access compliance

Admissions

• Is the GRE required for admission? No
• What is factored into the admissions decision beyond grades? Letters of reference, resume, responses to program-specific questions, and other admissions materials
• Is there a leveling program for students without a CSD degree? No
• Can I apply without completing my prerequisites? Yes, but all courses must be completed by matriculation

Accreditation & Recognition

The MS-SLP program at MUSC is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

Essential Resources

• About the Division
• Transcript Requirements
• Application Information
• Student Handbook
• Program Handbook

Guided by Purpose & Principles

The program is guided by a commitment to excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and integrity, with objectives to:

• Provide students with a high-quality education emphasizing clinical preparedness and excellence
• Prepare students to enter the SLP profession with a commitment to lifelong learning, leadership, and advocacy
• Integrate evidence-based practice and research knowledge across the curriculum and professional experiences

Objectives, Competencies, Vision, Mission, and Values

Objectives

The program aims to prepare graduates to provide high-quality services, embed culturally responsive practices, and foster the well-being of those they serve.

Competencies

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to provide high-quality services, work in a collegial and collaborative manner, and adhere to the Code of Ethics of ASHA.

Vision

To be the preeminent leaders of the field of speech-language pathology.

Mission

To engage in curious and innovative discovery that advances clinical care, provides students with a research-based education, and advocates for person and family-centered care.

Values

The program is guided by a commitment to humanism, commitment to learning, social responsibility, leadership, excellence in clinical practice, and innovation and creativity.