Speech-Language Pathology

Overview

The Speech-Language Pathology program from Western Kentucky University is also designed to meet the academic and clinical requirements of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, leading to national certification and state licensure. 

Program Requirements (60 hours)

Sixty semester hours are required for both the thesis and non-thesis option. The research tool requirement (3 hours) may be met by successful completion of SLP 500 Research Methodology in Communication Disorders (or equivalent). Additionally, the student must complete at least 400 clock hours of clinical experience by graduation.

Summative evaluations are required by WKU Graduate School and our accrediting agency. Graduate Students in Speech-Language Pathology can fulfill the summative evaluation requirement by successful completion of one of the following: 1) passing a comprehensive examination; or, 2) passing a master’s thesis defense. Students must pass the comprehensive examination or pass their thesis defense in the final semester of enrollment prior to graduation according to the deadline set by the graduate school. 

In order to protect client populations, students will be required to undergo criminal background checks and provide proof of a recent physical examination, professional liability insurance, and negative TB test prior to beginning any clinical experiences, and these must be updated annually. Some clinical externship placements may require students to undergo drug testing and submit proof of health insurance, CPR training, and other immunizations prior to beginning off campus experiences. 

Additionally, there may be certifications, training seminars, or other requirements specified by an institution that a student must meet in order to be eligible for training at an educational or health care institution. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all University and/or institutional requirements are met as a condition of participating in clinical experiences. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all institutional and/or facility requirements are met as a condition of participating in the on and off-campus experiences; students may be responsible in part or in full for any costs incurred to meet such requirements. Students are also responsible for transportation to and from off-campus experiences.

Accreditation

The Speech-Language Pathology program is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology.