Speech-Language Pathology (MA/MS)

The Speech Language Pathology program’s distinctive clinical education model offers various clinical learning opportunities. Clinical skill simulation labs accelerate learning and prepare students for clinical practicum experiences by integrating knowledge with clinical and professional skills. Since the department does not operate a clinic on campus, students complete a range of Clinical Practicum Placements in community settings to gain clinical experience across the lifespan and scope of clinical practice.

In Clinic Practicum I, students develop foundational skills and learn about clinical processes in assessment and treatment with people of various ages and disorder types in community practice settings. As students begin the program, Clinical Practicum Placements are structured clinical learning experiences that facilitate beginning clinical skill development in prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment. Clinic Practicum II refines clinical skills and builds independence in clinical reasoning through placements in both healthcare and education community practice settings.

Students work with the director of clinical education and clinical coordinators to identify Clinical Practicum placements. Examples of Clinical Practicum placement settings include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, residential living facilities, private practices, specialty clinics, home-based services and schools.

The Speech Language Pathology program highly values collaborative relationships with professionals throughout the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Most placements are in the Pittsburgh region. Distance and transportation are considered, but students should be prepared to travel up to an hour for placements. Students are responsible for transportation. During the summer term, students engage in online coursework designed to enhance both flexibility and accessibility. This format enables students to reside either in Pittsburgh or anywhere beyond, allowing for expanded clinical practicum options and accommodating a wide range of personal, professional and geographic circumstances.

As students complete the program, they are prepared to provide entry-level clinical services as part of a Clinical Fellowship.