Program Overview

Speech Language Pathology (SPLA)

The M.A. program in Speech-Language Pathology is offered by the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences. This program is available to post-baccalaureate students who have completed undergraduate pre-requisites in hearing and speech sciences/communication sciences and disorders. The SPLA program is an academically based, clinically oriented program designed primarily to prepare professional Speech-Language Pathologists. While information pertaining to communication disorders comprises the central focus of the degree, education about the normal processes of communication, as well as about research methods, is considered an integral part of the program.

Abstract

Students completing the program are eligible to obtain the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) of the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and licensure in the State of Maryland and other states. The program typically takes 2 years of study (5 semesters, including the intervening summer and winter semesters). Students have the option of pursuing a Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Emphasis track as part of their M.A. degree. Additionally, students can concurrently pursue a post-baccalaureate Bilingual Certificate Program in Speech-Language Pathology.

Financial Assistance

A limited number of graduate assistantships and fellowships are available through the Department. Assistantships that carry teaching, research or clinical responsibilities are awarded on a competitive basis. Students may also seek assistantships elsewhere on campus or fellowships sponsored by private foundations.

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• CV/Resume
• Supplemental Application
• Completion of at least 60% of undergraduate pre-requisite courses prior to application

Admission Criteria

Admission to the M.A. program is on a very competitive basis. Each year, the Department receives approximately 250-300 applications for 25 anticipated spaces in the M.A. program in Speech-Language Pathology. Successful M.A. applicants typically have earned at least a 3.5 undergraduate GPA, and have strong GRE scores and letters of recommendation and a Resume.

Application Deadlines

• Domestic Applicants: January 6, 2026
• International Applicants: January 6, 2026

Facilities and Special Resources

The Department’s facilities include numerous modern research laboratories equipped to support research in various areas, as well as the Hearing and Speech Clinic at UMCP, which serves as the initial practicum site for all students pursuing clinical training.

Faculty

The faculty members of the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences include:

• Dow-Burger, Kathryn
• Edwards, Jan
• Huang, Yi-Ting
• Mont, Eusabia
• Newman, Rochelle
• Novick, Jared
• Ortiz, Jose
• Ratner, Nan Bernstein
• Sisskin, Vivian
• Skinker, Kathleen
• Slawson, Kristin
• Worthington, Colleen

Research Areas

The Department participates in various research programs, including the Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences graduate program, the Comparative and Evolutionary Biology of Hearing Training Grant, and the Maryland Language Science Center. These connections afford students the opportunity to work with faculty in other departments at the University of Maryland, College Park, or at UMB.