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University of Wyoming

Distance Master of Science Program
In Speech-Language Pathology

The University of Wyoming Division of Communication Disorders has offered a distance master of science (MS) degree in speech-language pathology since January, 1988. This program is offered through a combination of distance learning technology and on-campus courses/practicum. The program was originally designed for Wyoming bachelor’s level speech-language specialists employed in educational settings. However, this program has expanded to include students from throughout the United States with degrees in fields other than communication disorders.

Generally, all requirements for this program can be completed in 3 - 3 1/2 years including two summer semesters on campus. On completion of this program,  students must also pass the National Examination in Speech-Language Pathology and complete their Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) in order to be eligible for  the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC/SLP) and the Wyoming License in Speech-Language Pathology.

Participation in this program requires admission to the University of Wyoming (UW) Graduate School. Recommendations for admission to the UW Graduate School are generated from the Division of Communication Disorders. 

The distance program provides 1-2 graduate courses per academic semester over a three year cycle. The courses are offered through a combination of videotaped lectures, conference phone calls, and email or web support. The phone calls are scheduled in the evenings or late afternoon (M.S.T.) to accommodate working students. Students come to campus for the first two summers* of the program to take additional intensive coursework, engage in clinical experiences, and have interactions with faculty and other distance students. In the third year, students take two 12-week external clinical practica, one in an educational setting and one in a medical setting. The educational practicum typically occurs concurrently with final coursework and the medical practicum typically occurs in the third summer. Regular work duties are not considered educational experiences, so advance arrangements should be made as needed with employers to cover work and medical insurance. This externship requirement applies even if the student is employed as a speech-language pathologist. Students return to campus for oral comprehensive examinations in the fall semester following their final externships and coursework. These practica can often be arranged in sites local to the student. 

Individuals without a bachelor's degree in communication disorders must take a set of undergraduate core coursework before commencing the master's program. For a schedule of this coursework, which is also offered over a three year cycle, see Undergraduate Leveling Schedule. Some graduate coursework can be taken prior to being admitted into the graduate program if the undergraduate prerequisites have been accomplished.  For details on graduate credit hours allowed prior to graduate admission, see Graduate Programs. For course prerequisites, see Graduate Coursework Schedule.

* Attendance on-campus in the first two summers is required for participation in the master's program. This CANNOT be completed in another location or a later summer. Students should consider financial, work, and personal obligations prior to applying to the distance program.   Please note that students enrolled in on-campus clinical practica and coursework will be required to pay on-campus graduate tuition.  If the student is from out of state, a non-resident rate will apply.

For more information about our distance master's program and leveling coursework, please contact the distance coordinator, Teresa Garcia at tgarcia@uwyo.edu

For more information about course registration and fees, contact the UW Outreach School.