Master's of Science Degree in Communicative Disorders

The speech-language pathology graduate program at the University of Louisville offers a unique opportunity to pursue a Master's of Science degree to students with and without undergraduate degrees in speech-language pathology. The program includes two options: the Preparatory Program or the Core Program.

Preparatory Program

The Preparatory Program is designed for students with Bachelor’s degrees in fields other than speech-language pathology who wish to pursue the Master’s Degree. It is a two or three semester sequence in which students take courses that will prepare them to enter the Core Program. Completion of the Preparatory Program does not guarantee automatic matriculation into the Core Program. The Preparatory Program can be completed on a part-time basis, not to exceed two years. The next cohort will start in the fall of 2025.

Preparatory Program Course Sequence (for Graduate Students)

Please Note:
The University of Louisville does not currently offer an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology. However, current University of Louisville undergraduate students with Junior or Senior standing may enroll in Preparatory Program courses without applying to the program. Such courses may be taken as electives for these UofL students only. Completion of the courses does not guarantee admission into the Core Program. Students must formally submit an application to the Graduate School and qualify for admission. Post baccalaureate students must be formally accepted to the Preparatory Program. 

Undergraduates (Juniors/Seniors) at UofL should email Dr. Smith for advising prior to enrolling in any of the Preparatory Program courses.

Preparatory Program Course Sequence (for Undergraduate Students) 

Core Program

The Core Program is a six-semester sequence of classes and practical experiences for students who already hold a Bachelor's degree in speech-language pathology or who have successfully completed the Preparatory Program. The Core Program is full-time with no options for part-time attendance. 

Formal application to the Core Program is required by students who have: (a) completed preparatory courses at another university; (b) completed elective courses while obtaining an undergraduate degree at UofL; or (c) completed an undergraduate program in speech language pathology. These three classifications of students must meet all core admission requirements and compete with all candidates from other universities who have completed an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology. The next cohort will start June 2025. Please see the Revised 2024 Core Program Course Sequence below.

2023 Core Program Course Sequence (Current Core 2 Graduate Students)

2024 Core Program Course Sequence (Current/Incoming Core 1 Graduate Students)

Knowledge and Skills Acquisition: KASA

Throughout the program (both Preparatory and Core), students will acquire knowledge (academic) and skills (clinical) across nine target domains in speech-language pathology. The nine domains include: articulation, language, swallowing, fluency, voice, cognition, hearing, social aspects of communication, and alternative/augmentative communication. Competency is required per each domain in order to make application for ASHA Certification. Students should familiarize themselves with the certification requirements described on ASHA's Membership and Certification page.

Additionally, ASHA mandates that students complete at least one course in each of the following areas; a grade of C- is required per program policy at UofL: 

• Biological Sciences
  (biology, human anatomy & physiology, neuroanatomy & neurophysiology, human genetics, veterinary science)
• Physical Sciences
  (physics or chemistry are required per UofL program policy)
• Statistics
  (college-level statistics that must be mathbased; research methodology courses in communication sciences and disorders may not be used)
  
• Social/Behavioral Sciences
  (sociology, psychology, anthropology, public health)

Students who have not completed these courses prior to acceptance into the Preparatory or Core Programs will need to schedule them into their course load in addition to the classes required for the graduate degree.