Every class and every clinical assignment is aimed at producing clinicians who are prepared for (1) the entire Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, and (2) the entire continuum of care from acute care, NICU, and early intervention to rehabilitation and school-based clinical practice. Our courses and clinical practica emphasize hands-on learning and making clinical decisions through evidenced-based practice. We are in the business of creating professionals for the modern workplace.

We have a thesis option for those who are thinking about the possibility of pursuing a Ph.D. sometime down the road. We enthusiastically embrace students who want to do a master's thesis, but only after we have thoroughly discussed the realities of timing and the possibility of adding another semester of grad school.

OUR DEGREE

Our clinical degree is the M.Ed. because we are a part of the Curry School of Education. Just like every other accredited program, our classroom and clinical experiences cover the entire SLP Scope of Practice. From a content perspective, the degree is no different than the M.A. or M.S. in SLP. Every student practices SLP in schools and every student practices in medically based settings (see the section on Clinical Placements). Our grads take entry-level positions in both settings.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The graduate program in speech-language pathology at the University of Virginia provides academic and clinical instruction for establishing the knowledge and skill base necessary for (a) completing the Master's degree, (b) becoming a credentialed speech-language pathologist, and (c) practicing speech-language pathology in an entry-level position. That knowledge and skill base conforms to the Scope of Practice as defined by the American Speech Language Hearing Association.