COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Akron requires a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for professional licensure and competent clinical practice. The program includes core courses and clinical experiences totaling 52 credit hours, encompassing foundational, specialized, and applied knowledge in communicative disorders. Students begin with courses such as SLPA 540, Augmentative Communication, SLPA 585, Developmental Disabilities, and SLPA 611, Research Methods in Communicative Disorders I, which provide essential theoretical and research foundations. Specialized coursework includes SLPA 620, Articulation/Phonology, SLPA 624, Neurogenic Speech & Language Disorders, SLPA 626, Voice & Cleft Palate, SLPA 627, Stuttering: Theories & Therapies, SLPA 628, Topics in Differential Diagnosis of Speech & Language Disorders, SLPA 630, Clinical Issues in Child Language, and SLPA 631, Cognitive Communicative Issues in Special Language, ensuring students gain expertise across a broad spectrum of speech and language disorders. Additional courses, including SLPA 632, Dysphagia, SLPA 633, Professional Issues, and SLPA 639, Audiology for the Speech-Language Pathologist, further develop clinical and professional competencies. Applied experiences include workshops, advanced clinical practicum, school-based externships, and externship seminars, providing supervised hands-on training in real-world settings. This combination of coursework and practical experience equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional preparation needed to excel as speech-language pathologists in diverse clinical environments.