MS Speech-Language Pathology at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The on-campus Master of Arts/Master of Science in Communication Science and Disorders with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology prepares students to become speech-language pathologists. The programme is accredited by the ASHA Council on Academic Accreditation and is ranked #6 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. It includes classroom and clinical experience toward ASHA certification and state licensure.

Faculty: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | Department: Department of Communication Science and Disorders | Duration: 2 years full-time (5-6 terms, including 1 summer term); 60 credits | Intake: Fall term (August) | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

The 60 credits are 50 credits of required coursework and at least 10 credits of clinic practicum. Courses include speech sound production disorders, child language disorders, dysphagia, motor speech disorders, stuttering, neurogenic language and cognitive communication disorders, augmentative communication, aural rehabilitation and voice disorders. Students complete clinical practicum placements in community-based sites, and those who complete a thesis graduate with an MS.

Career pathways

Graduates complete an ASHA Clinical Fellowship and are eligible for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and for state licensure and educational certification in Pennsylvania and other states.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (3.5 or higher strongly recommended). Applicants without a CSD or similar major need one 3-credit course each in anatomy of hearing/speech, language development, speech science/hearing science and phonetic transcription. ASHA prerequisites also include one 3-credit course each in biological sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences and statistics/research methods. At least 15 hours of speech-language pathology observation before clinical practicum. Program-specific short-answer questions, and at least three letters of recommendation (two from college instructors in the major), submitted through CSDCAS. GRE not required; no interview required. International applicants need TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.5 or Duolingo 140 unless exempt. Application opens July 15, 2026 and closes January 15, 2027 (December 15 recommended).

Entry terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) and deadlines are set by each school or department; the University's graduate catalog lists Fall, Spring and Summer terms for new graduate students.

Graduate and professional applications are made online to the school or department of intended study, with deadlines set by each school or department; official English-test results are required from applicants from countries where English is not the official language.

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