Program Overview

Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology

The field of Speech-Language Pathology offers a rewarding career for those who wish to give back to their community. The Department of Communication Disorders at New Mexico State University supports students in obtaining a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. The Master of Arts degree in Communication Disorders with a specialization in Speech-Language Pathology meets the educational requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) as well as the educational requirements for state licensure in all US states.

Program Structure

• Full-time students with an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders can expect to complete the program in two years, including the summer between the two years.
  • They will complete the academic and clinical coursework outlined in the Graduate Curriculum under the traditional program requirements.
• Part-time students have the option to complete the program in three years.
• Students who completed an undergraduate degree in a different field can apply to the graduate leveling program, which requires one year of coursework before transitioning into the traditional two-year program.

Clinical Opportunities

• As part of the clinical practicum, students will have the opportunity to work with clients across the lifespan with communication and feeding and swallowing disorders.
• During the first year, students will serve clients in the on-campus Edgar R. Garrett Speech and Hearing Center.
• During the second year, students will be placed in externship sites in the culturally and linguistically diverse area.

Specialized Opportunities

• Students interested in serving neurodiverse clients can obtain the Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Clinical opportunities and graduate assistantships are available in the Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center.

Graduate Curriculum and Outcomes

• The Graduate Curriculum outlines the academic and clinical coursework required for the program.
• The MA Program Student Outcome Data provides information on the outcomes of graduates from the program.